Exclusive: Departing National League Defender In Talks With Irish Giants

Departing Dorking Wanderers defender Haydn Hollis is in talks with several sides including Shamrock Rovers ahead of a summer switch, sources have informed The Sports Deck.

The 31-year-old will leave National League side Dorking Wanderers following the expiry of his contract and wants to move abroad in his next club venture, with Irish giants Shamrock Rovers being one of several sides the player is currently in talks with.

In their official retained list, Marc White spoke in regards to Hollis stating…

“Haydn (Hollis) and Tom (Blair) joined us ahead of the winter period of last season, and I would like to thank them both for their contributions during the campaign. I wish them all the very best for the future as they continue their football journeys elsewhere.”

How did Hollis fair last season?

During a difficult 2023/24 campaign, Hollis made 31 appearances in all competitions, contributing to two goals including a debut goal for Dorking Wanderers against Boreham Wood in November.

Hollis began the season with Ebbsfleet United after joining them in July 2022 from Chesterfield and helped to secure the club’s promotion back into the National League before leaving to join Dorking in November 2023 after falling out of favour.

In his career to date, Hollis has made over 300 first-team appearances in England, competing in the EFL, National League and National League South but is now targeting a move outside of the UK following his release by Dorking Wanderers following their relegation to the sixth tier.

Why would he want to leave England?

Football is a short career and after making so many first-team appearances in England, it isn’t a surprise to see a player wanting to experience a new environment. There have been countless examples of footballers leaving England to enjoy success with examples including Ross County’s Yan Dhanda and Sligo Rovers’ Ellis Chapman.

Hollis is an experienced centre-back and a proven leader within the sides he’s played for, which is likely to entice clubs to try and battle their way to signing him this summer now that he is set to become a free agent.

His time at Dorking Wanderers allowed Hollis to gain plenty of first-team minutes, missing just five of the 27 matches that Marc White’s side played in during Hollis’ time at the club and is evidently keen to maintain that level of exposure whilst entering the prime years of his career.