Yahoo Sports Wembley will always be best - Carlisle hero Holy
Former Carlisle United goalkeeper Tomas Holy says that the club's play-off final success at Wembley in May 2023 will always be the highlight of his career.
Holy saved a penalty from Ryan Rydel as Carlisle beat Stockport County 5-4 on penalties to clinch promotion to League One.
The Czech player left the club following their relegation last season and has returned to his homeland to play for Banik Most-Sous.
"At this moment and I think it will stay that way, beating Stockport in the way we did it, will be the top thing of my football career," he said.
'Best team spirit in league'
Holy moved to Brunton Park in the summer of 2022 just after manager Paul Simpson had pulled the Cumbrians away from relegation to the National League.
Promotion out of League Two was not immediately on the agenda, but Holy, 32, who had joined when his contract with Ipswich Town had expired, said that everything came together to create a special season.
"Other teams had been individuals, but we had probably one of the best team spirits or team ethic in that league," he told The Carlisle Social.
"It was one of the best changing rooms I've been involved in. That spirit and chemistry got us promoted."
After 46 games Carlisle had finished fifth before they dramatically defeated Bradford City over two legs after extra-time at Brunton Park to make it to Wembley.
It needed an Omari Patrick equaliser for Simpson's side to take the final to extra-time and then penalties, before Holy wrote his name into club folklore with his save from Rydel's effort.
"After that save, it was probably the biggest self-control I've ever had," he said.
"I wanted to explode but I couldn't because it wasn't finished. I had to calm down and relax. But I knew it was going to help at least."
