TWTD understands former West Ham central defender James Collins is at Town today and is training with the Blues. Collins, 35, is a free agent having left the Hammers at the end of last season.

TWTD reported that Collins was among the defenders Town were considering signing last week but at the time it was understood he would be rejoining West Ham with whom he had been training, but ultimately no deal was forthcoming.

Blues manager Paul Hurst confirmed his interest in the former Wales international following Sunday’s derby against Norwich City.

“We spoke to him last week, we’re due to have another conversation, so I wouldn’t particularly rule anything out,” Hurst said.

“He’s certainly not just coming in to sign paperwork. But it is something we will look at.”

We understand that as things stand no deal has been agreed with Collins currently just joining the squad for training.

The Newport-born centre-half began his career at Cardiff City before moving on to West Ham, Aston Villa and then back to the Hammers, where he has spent the last six seasons.

The 6ft 2in tall centre-half has won 51 full caps with Wales and has scored three international goals.

Photo: Action Images

FrimleyBlue added 11:56 - Sep 4 There goes chambers position in the team
-20

WoodfordTim added 12:00 - Sep 4 I hope he impresses in training and we sign him. With Jon Walters, he will also bring huge experience to the squad.
23

BlueandTruesince82 added 12:01 - Sep 4 Sign him up, get it done and then we will have a good blend. 2 weeks to bed him in, ideal. Sign him up, sign him up, sign him up
19

BlueBlood90 added 12:02 - Sep 4 He'll bring experience and leadership to a young squad the same as Walters will. Can't see who our centre back pairing would be if all of Toto, Chambo, Collins and Pennington were fit. I personally don't get the impression that Hurst rates Chambers as highly as Mick did. I was very impressed with Pennington on Sunday.
21

SouperJim added 12:06 - Sep 4 You'd have to think that Chambers' position is under threat if we sign him. Nsiala is one of Hurst's boys and Pennington was immense against the sister-botherers...
4

jimmyjames added 12:10 - Sep 4 plugging the holes at the back pretty well of late.
4

bluerico added 12:11 - Sep 4 Agree with all comments above. If he signs pair him with Nsiala or Pennington.
3

CaptainAhab added 12:26 - Sep 4 Great signing. Get him in, so long as he doesn't break the bank wages-wise.
10

warktheline added 12:28 - Sep 4 As long as he's still got the 'hunger', would be a top 'man' to guild the 'boys'!
12

runningout added 12:31 - Sep 4 I don't expect too much from Collins, but he would be improving our team for sure.
4

howdonblue added 12:32 - Sep 4 Get him signed up sharpish !
7

algarvefan added 12:34 - Sep 4 Sorry just don't see this one, why has everyone got it in for Chambers as well? I have always advocated building our team with youth, I think we have talented young people and as with MM, we keep looking to journeymen for a quick fix. We have the answers here with Town, with our own players, unless we give them a chance things will never change, even if we have to suffer a poor season, I would like to see more faith in our youngsters, Watlers was a good signing but Collins is well past it and prone to errors at West Ham.

12

algarvefan added 12:34 - Sep 4 Sorry just don't see this one, why has everyone got it in for Chambers as well? I have always advocated building our team with youth, I think we have talented young people and as with MM, we keep looking to journeymen for a quick fix. We have the answers here with Town, with our own players, unless we give them a chance things will never change, even if we have to suffer a poor season, I would like to see more faith in our youngsters, Watlers was a good signing but Collins is well past it and prone to errors at West Ham.

2

Nazemariner added 12:35 - Sep 4 If he signs, and it is still an if, there is no way he'll push Chambers out of team. Chambo back at RB I suspect.
-5

scooby added 12:58 - Sep 4 Chambers to right back you can see it coming a mile off
-8

blueherts added 13:00 - Sep 4 Good addition , adds some experience . Yes we now have options at CB but I am not convinced by Spence always I hope we can get Huws fit and playing soon as I think he is the key - we need some creativity and if him and Dozzell come back into frame - Bishop would also be great but not sure where he is at ? Need to get middle of the park sorted with some creativity - I love Edwards but need a spark to carry the ball in the middle - Nolan looked solid but not really creative . Hull , Birmingham winnable games - Brentford will be tougher me thinks

2

MrJase77 added 13:02 - Sep 4 Not really sure how we're supposed to be able to pay the wages that are anywhere near what he's used to getting. Would be really surprised if this happened.
0

MyBlueHeaven added 13:05 - Sep 4 TWTD understands = this is true but we're not allowed to say it's true.
2

Orraman added 13:08 - Sep 4 From what I saw of Pennington on Sunday, a back three of Pennington, Chambers and Collins could provide a pretty formidable Championship defence. There is a load of experience in there with Collins long PL and international career, Chambers long Championship experience and Pennington has had a few PL games. With Walters and Jackson up top we could go with a 3-5-2 with plenty permutations available in the middle five. Nsiala would not be forgotten as there will be injuries and suspensions coming along and any 3 from 4 Centre backs would do the job.

5

essextractorboy93 added 13:13 - Sep 4 Sign him up! Need some more experience in the squad to take the pressure off Chambers. Walters will help too! COYB
3

dav86 added 13:25 - Sep 4 Chambers out and Pennington at full back is my guessing, Collins and Nsiala in the middle
-4

BlueMachines added 13:34 - Sep 4 Get him in!
2

smithy0981 added 13:37 - Sep 4 I think this is just the kind of player we need. He is still a good defender even at 35 and will provide that much needed experience at the back, however I feel Town are going to miss out on him. We either sign him, if fit, or someone else will come in for him and we will be back to square 1 with just 3 very average centre backs
0

muccletonjoe added 13:39 - Sep 4 3 words. SIGN HIM UP
1

unknown100 added 13:40 - Sep 4 I think Pennington was superb against Norwich and Collins would be a very good signing, even if he didn't feature much, which I hope he would, he would teach the new lads so much
4

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