With confirmation yesterday of the news that former Aston Villa centre-half James Collins was now training with our first team group under the charge of new head coach Dean Smith, I knew reaction to the 35-year-old’s return would be mixed.
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With a previous spell at Villa Park seeing success, a few months did mark Collins’ card and the likes of me can’t and won’t forget the details of those particular stories at the time. I know others can, and I know plenty in the fanbase of a younger ilk are probably blissfully unaware and know simply he is a former player, and he was certainly impressive at West Ham over the last few years.
The split was evident when the news about a trial under former gaffer Steve Bruce first reared its head and whilst it might be different fans saying it this time, the trend in the messages are almost identical.
As we are woefully short of cover I’d do a Pay as you play until January- no brainer (279 games in The Prem and 51 Caps for Wales)
— mr. c (@chappersavfc) October 17, 2018
Even if it’s just till jan, we need cover
— woodyAVFC83 (@Woodyshama1) October 17, 2018
No brainer for me until at least Jan experience CB and cover needed
— Silver Arrows Villain (@Ossie12Simon) October 17, 2018
His experience will be needed
— Graham Gulliford (@grahamgully30) October 17, 2018
That’s how I’d refer to him too. Still, we need a cb.
— Bob XXX (@SupportAVFC) October 17, 2018
Sign him as cover, its a must.
— Daniel O'Sullivan (@danosulli44) October 17, 2018
As per the first piece, not for me and I’m still surprised as it does seem to be the majority who would welcome him back with only a few dissenting voices from what I’ve been able to read.