We propose an electronic model for the recently discovered hole doped
compound Y2-xCaxBaNiO5. From a multiband Hamiltonian with oxygen and n
ickel orbitals, a one band model is discussed. Holes are described usi
ng Zhang-Rice-like S = 1/2 states at the nickels propagating on a S =
1 spin chain. Using numerical techniques to calculate the dynamical sp
in structure factor S(q, omega) in a realistic regime of couplings, sp
ectral weight in the Haldane gap is observed in agreement with neutron
scattering data. The case of static defects relevant for Zn-doped cha
ins is also discussed. Ferromagnetic states at high hole mobility are
favored in our model, contrary to what occurs in the 1D t-J model.