David Gary Holdsworth (born 8 November 1968) is an English former professional footballer turned manager. As a player, he was a defender who played between 1986 and 2005 for Watford, Sheffield United, Birmingham City, Walsall, Bolton Wanderers and Gretna. In 2008, he moved into management and has since been in charge of Ilkeston Town, Mansfield Town, Lincoln City and Goole. Playing career Watford Holdsworth started his career at Watford in the mid-1980s, going on to make more than 250 league appearances for the club. At Watford he played alongside his brother Dean Holdsworth. Sheffield United In October 1996, he left Watford for a new challenge at Sheffield United. In his first season, he helped United to the 1997 Football League First Division play-off Final but they were defeated by Crystal Palace. He also helped them to the 1997–98 FA Cup semi final at Old Trafford where they were defeated by Newcastle United. In the quarterfinal replay against Coventry City, United found themselves 1–0 down at Bramall Lane with two minutes left. Holdsworth popped up to equalise from a corner, sending the game to extra time and then penalties, which United went on to win. Birmingham City In March 1999 Holdsworth transferred to Birmingham City. He helped Birmingham to the playoffs at the end of that season where they faced his former club Watford. However Holdsworth was sent off as they lost on penalties. He spent three full seasons there, helping them to the 2001 League Cup Final in which he was an unused substitute in the defeat to Liverpool. In January 2002 he went on loan to Walsall. At Walsall he scored once against Coventry but was sent off twice in 3–0 defeats to Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves. Later career After being released by Birmingham in 2002, he joined Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer where he played alongside his brother Dean again. However, he only made one appearance for the Trotters: in a League Cup defeat to Bury (David started and his brother Dean came on as a substitute). Shortly afterwards he joined Scarborough in the Football Conference and then Scottish club Gretna where he retired. Whilst at Gretna he scored once, his goal coming in the Scottish Cup against Dumbarton. International career He was capped once for England at Under-21 level. Managerial career After retiring from playing he became reserve team manager at Gretna, where he was appointed