game of the 2008–09 season against Cardiff City. Holmes was substituted in the second half, replaced by Bradley Wright-Phillips, as Southampton lost 2–1. Holmes scored in his second game with Southampton, as they defeated League Two side Exeter City 3–1 in the first round of the League Cup. Holmes started Southampton's opening seven games of the season, and scored a second goal, once again in the League Cup, but was injured in a 4–1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in September. Holmes left Rangers' ground on crutches after suffering medial ligament damage in his right knee. The injury forced him to spend six weeks in a leg brace, and kept him out of action for three months. Although it did not require surgery, Holmes also suffered some cartilage damage, which had to be treated by a minor operation. Southampton struggled without Holmes, who returned to action in a 2–0 defeat to another team fighting against relegation Nottingham Forest on 20 December 2008. As a result of the club's form Poortvliet resigned as manager and was replaced by his assistant Mark Wotte, in whose first game in charge, Holmes again went off injured. The injury was diagnosed as a recurrence of his previous injury and was expected to keep him out for another four weeks. He was named on the bench for the first game of the 2009–10 Season against Millwall, but never featured. After being named on the bench for some cup games, he started against Millwall on 16 January. On 1 October 2011, he came on as a substitute to score Southampton's fourth goal against Watford. This was his first league goal for the club. On 14 February 2012, Holmes signed a one-month loan deal at League Two side Oxford United, which made him available for their match against Dagenham and Redbridge at the Kassam Stadium. He set up both goals in a victory over rivals Swindon, and then scored twice in a 2–2 draw with Shrewsbury. On 14 March 2012, Holmes returned to his former club, Swindon Town, on loan for the remainder of the season. On 19 May, it was announced that he was to be released by Southampton at the end of the season. Preston North End On 28 May 2012, he agreed to join Preston North End with effect from 1 July. On 17 December 2013, Holmes extended his contract with Preston for a further