Whether we were overconfident of deals going through on deadline day, or whether it was just plain stupidity that saw us loan out Tommy Elphick to Hull City and leave ourselves even weaker in the heart of defence is open for debate.
Rumours linking us with a return for John Terry have gone into overdrive, fuelled by his own social media hints about him maybe being on the verge of doing a deal with a club for another 12 months of football, but this week saw a more left-field suggestion come up.
Former West Ham United centre-half James Collins.
Now, everyone knows what Collins is about and a number of West Ham fans were disappointed to see him move on despite his advanced years. You could even possibly argue we got some of the best years of his career out of him – but I can’t be the only one to remember the end of his time with us.
Few were sorry to see him go.
Genuinely think I’d prefer Collins or Huth to the media circus of re-signing JT. ????
Both would be good at this level. #AVFC
— Craig Goode (@9oode) September 5, 2018
We’re desperate at this point because of poor planning. Terry would bring great leadership. Collins has ties with Chester and Taylor.
— Keith Aston (@kaston000) September 5, 2018
Terry – YES Collins – NO
— Jas Singh (@Jas10SG) September 5, 2018
Bruce needs to check why he was bombed out of the club the last time we had him.
— Patch (@garypatchett) September 5, 2018
Rumours of a return to @AVFCOfficial for both James Collins and John Terry.
With our attacking vigour, and (hopefully) the defensive options of Chester, Terry, Collins, Tuanzabe, Taylor, De Laet, Hutton and Elmohamady. A real disaster could actually turn in to a triumph. pic.twitter.com/Eiaj4uFkj6
— Ryan Wills (@ryan___wills) September 5, 2018
Linked with James Collins?!
Through the bottom of the barrel and into the dirt.— KH (@KeithHouchen) September 5, 2018