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Collins: I'm Fit and Can't Wait to Get Cracking
Friday, 11th Jan 2019 14:38

New signing James Collins has spoken of his delight after completing a short-term deal to stay with Town through to the end of the season.

The 35-year-old defender is in line to start tomorrow’s key clash with fourth-from-bottom Rotherham as Town look to close the 10-point between them and the Millers.

Welsh international centre-half Collins told iFollow Ipswich: “I’m delighted. Obviously I was here a few months back and it didn’t work out but I’ve been welcomed back by the manager and all the lads, and I can’t wait to get cracking.

“I’ve kept myself fit since then and Paul gave me a call to come back. We’ve got a deal done so I’m looking forward to getting out on the pitch.

“This is a young side under a bit of pressure because of the league position and hopefully I can help with some experience and guidance, and we can get some good results.

“We feel this is definitely a squad that can get out of this situation and with a few January signings we should be able to start picking up wins.”

Newport-born Collins, who will be joined in tomorrow’s squad with fellow recruits Will Keane, Callum Elder, Collin Quaner and Simon Dawkins, began his career at Cardiff City. He made 67 league appearances before moving on to West Ham, Aston Villa and then back to the Hammers, where he spent six seasons until his release last summer.

In September, TWTD revealed that free agent Collins, who was released by the Hammers last summer, was training with the Town squad.

The 6ft 2in tall centre-half was subsequently offered a contract by former boss Paul Hurst but after he suffered a hamstring injury the proposed move broke down and he rejoined Villa on trial.

The former Wales international, who has won 51 full caps and has scored three international goals, then signed a short-term deal with Villa but after picking up a calf injury ripped up his contract.

Town boss Paul Lambert, who hinted yesterday that Collins would start against the Millers, said: “James has a great presence about him and that can be huge for us. He has played at the highest level and his experience will be vital. We’re delighted to have him here.”

Collins, who has spent the bulk of his career in the Premier League, impressed boss Lambert in training this week and has been allocated squad number 39.



Photo: Action Images



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ShropshireBluenago09 added 14:43 - Jan 11
Go on you big ginge! Stay fit and keep us up
5

Edmundo added 14:48 - Jan 11
The cruel hand of fate: if he and Walters had stayed fit in September I think we'd be in a healthier position. Welcome at last, James!
10

inghamspur added 14:49 - Jan 11
Is there enough room on the programme for all these new players?
3

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 14:53 - Jan 11
Not a guy I'd like to argue with. Glad he's on our side!
Croeso i Ipswich, James!
5

iamipswich added 15:02 - Jan 11
surprised he's only 6ft 2"
2

RobTheMonk added 15:02 - Jan 11
Good stop gap.
3

christiand added 15:13 - Jan 11
A good signing PL, a leader and organiser on the pitch. Exactly the type of player we need in our current situation.
6

hadleighboyblue added 15:15 - Jan 11
Great signing , just the type of player we need , welcome to ITFC
3

tractorboybig added 15:27 - Jan 11
question.....if he is so good why have we got him on a free out of contract?
-7

Bildestoned added 15:44 - Jan 11
Will be fascinated to see who's IN and who's OUT tomorrow. I have my ticket.
6

braveblue added 15:46 - Jan 11
Tractirboybig. You ask a sensible question and get a down arrow. Sums up some on here.
-2

jocasaja added 15:50 - Jan 11
Who is going to make way...Pennington or Chambers ??
1

Popeye added 15:59 - Jan 11
West Ham fans rave about him they thought he was a legend but the club hierarchy decided to release him but all the fans thought he was treated badly by the owners, as I understand he was told he was being released by text or an email rather than face to face by someone at the club
2

RaymondovicBlue added 16:15 - Jan 11
I look in the mirror and say "I'm fit" every morning - but it remains to be seen if I benefit over the next 3 months!
1

Beattieisback added 16:15 - Jan 11
Collins & Chambers as centre-backs with Pennington to right-back.
13

Suffolkboy added 17:31 - Jan 11
Just the man we needed , let's all hope he stays fit : his presence and character will bring resolve and organisation to our defence AND there's little doubt our G/Ks will start to regain confidence ( having been exposed by lack of quality & organisation in front of them ) .
COYB
5

Icarus added 17:48 - Jan 11
He's done well to overcome nature's cruelest gift, bald gingerness.
3

Pecker added 19:01 - Jan 11
Give it your all James, that is all I ask. Great to have you at PR and let the good times begin. Stay with us and become a coach after your playing days. Great professional for our youngsters to learn from.
1

pennblue added 19:38 - Jan 11
This chap can hold the whole team together and captain us to safety. But how on earth do we keep him fit
1

unknown100 added 19:46 - Jan 11
****Tractorboybig

Are you thick? Or can't read 😂 He went to villa and then got an injury so terminated his own contract

There's a video if you struggle with words
3

Pencilpete added 20:35 - Jan 11
IF he can stay fit we have a chance. Like many of the guys on here have said a big presence, experienced and a leader the type of player we have been crying out for
2

phantom added 07:43 - Jan 12
£1,000 say lambert still plays chambers 😡
0

Razor added 11:24 - Jan 12
Just get Judge in now and that should do us----our new team will be there!!
0


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