Ipswich Town confirmed on Friday afternoon that they had signed James Collins on a free transfer until the end of the season, just weeks after the centre-back tore up his contract at Aston Villa. In mid-December, Collins was offered a short-term deal at Villa until the end of January, but he picked up a training ground injury which prompted him to cancel the deal.
Ipswich pounced and have now retained his services for five months. With Villa previously having a defensive crisis, in addition to developing Collins for a number of months this season, it was a surprise to see the club allow him to sign a deal with another club. Supporters aren’t too dismayed, however, as they didn’t believe he was good enough.
James Collins has reportedly agreed terms with Ipswich and could sign a deal until the end of the season.
He nearly joined Aston Villa a few weeks ago before tearing up his contract after picking up an injury.#AVFC fans, should Villa have returned for Collins?
— Crippy Cooke (@CrippyCooke) January 11, 2019
The decision may be down to recent circumstances, with Kortney Hause being signed on loan and Tommy Elphick being recalled from his loan spell at Hull City. Dean Smith is blessed with options at centre-back, so perhaps he felt he didn’t need Collins anymore. Ipswich aren’t flying high in the Championship either, so them signing the Welshman isn’t a glowing endorsement of his talent.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Aston Villa’s interest in 25-year-old could see Grealish or Hourihane leave
