Dave Hollins was born in Bangor, Wales. He began his career with local non-league side Merrow, and played as a goalkeeper for Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United and Mansfield Town.
He was loaned to Nottingham Forest in an emergency exchange for Duncan McKenzie, when Forest keeper Alan Hill broke an arm. He went on to play for Aldershot, making a total of 314 league appearances. He also played non-league football for Romford.
Dave Hollins earned 11 caps for Wales between 1962 and 1966. He played 73 matches for the Seagulls between 1956 and 1961.