 In David Lilley's absence through suspension, Holmes deputised as captain for Queens on 6 April 2010 against Ross County, one of his former clubs, at Victoria Park, Dingwall in a 1–1 draw.He did so again on 10 April 2010 at Palmerston Park against Inverness Caley Thistle in a 3–1 defeat.Holmes ended his first season at Palmerston Park with a league scoring record averaging one goal in every three of his 36 league games.