Football fans can rejoice as the Premier League makes its long-awaited return, setting the stage for another unforgettable season of action and entertainment. Bexhill College Football Academy in association with Eastbourne Borough Football Club and Chelsea Football Club are pleased to be able to share that former student Jimmy Holman has been signed by Premier League new boys Coventry City Football Club.
It has been a whirlwind 12 months for Jimmy which saw him represent Eastbourne Borough Under 18s, Eastbourne Town at Senior level and Sussex Schoolboys. Most recently, Jimmy was selected to Captain the England Under 18 Schoolboys team against Wales before embarking on a short trial period with Coventry City.
In his two years at Bexhill College Jimmy was a near ever present within the Football Academy first team and was a major influence on the team securing a County Cup and National League winning double season in 2024/25.
Academy manager Shane Lovell commented:
“Jimmy was a real asset to the Football Academy in the 2 years he’s spent with us. Not only was he a fantastic servant on the pitch but off it too. His level of performance was consistently high across the 2 years and he was always missed when he wasn’t available. Jimmy is a coachable individual who is always eager to improve his game and we are delighted for him to sign his first professional contract. I have no doubt Jimmy will go on and have a successful career in football and I look forward to watching his progress from afar.”
Jimmy shared his feelings on his move:
“I have been around football my whole life, if I’m not watching it, I’ve been playing it. It’s been a long challenging journey, but I’ve kept working on everything and just kept going. My last year in the youth set up has been playing for Eastbourne Borough 18s and the College first team, whilst also playing Men’s football for Eastbourne Town in Step 4. The College put me forward for the Sussex trials back in September 2025. I was successful in the trial and selected in the team and from this point I was put forward by the Sussex Manager to go to my first England Schoolboys trial in October 2025. I was fortunate enough to make it through this stage and attend the final trial stage in March where a decision would be made on the final England Schools squad. I was not only lucky enough to be selected but was also chosen to be captain of the side in May in our game against Wales.
At the last trial in March, I was approached by the lead coach and asked if I would be interested in attending a trial at Coventry City Academy. Obviously, this was the chance I had longed for and so I attended a 2-week trial, which included training and matches with both the Under 18s and the Under 21s. It was an amazing experience, and one that has now earned me the opportunity of signing my first professional contract as a player for Coventry City FC. I am very much looking forward to starting the next part of the journey at this club. The real hard work starts now but I’m ready for it and can’t wait to get started.”
By signing his contract, Jimmy completes a remarkable family double with older brother Fletcher previously signing his first professional contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2024 following a successful period within Bexhill College Football Academy and Eastbourne Borough Football Club.
A huge congratulations to Jimmy on his success over the past two years, we are all excited to watch Jimmy’s progress.
