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

Len_Brennan added 13:56 - Sep 4 Collins would be a great signing for us and at 35 is not over the hill, certainly not for an experienced premiership quality centre half who's ability was never based on pace. I'm not sure where Algarvefan is going with the 'journeyman' label, or the suggestion that Collins is past it and prone to errors - compared to who? I can only assume that you are mixing him up with someone else. Pennington was very good at the weekend, which was a great time for him to perform well to be fair, but he is still young and a lot of what I read about him from Everton and Leeds fans in advance of Sunday's game, suggested that consistency can be an issue as can concentration; so one game might be a bit early to judge him on. He's off to a good start, but I am personally of the view that we need to have 4 strong options at center half in the squad. Nsiala, Chambers, Pennington & Collins would certainly give us that. It would be great to bring in somebody else with a presence and top flight experience to help out a fairly young squad of players, many of whom are stepping from the lower leagues.

9

timspencero added 14:00 - Sep 4 Chambers is a brilliant club man and great to have on the pitch for his leadership - but he is not solid enough to take us forward as a club, unfortunately. It's the sort of error he made against Exeter that led to a set piece that led to their goal, plain bad technique, or even the booking against Rhodes when he had the better of him but got flustered - plus the fact that he's played nearly all the games and we've still made serious defensive errors, that means, and i wish it was different, that he isn't safe in the starting 11. Don't get me wrong, it'd be unfair to just point at Chambo - a great servant and role model. But it's not been his footballing ability that's kept him in the team and i'm relieved that Hurst appears to have more ambition for us and he's prepared to make big big calls.

3

BobbyBell added 14:01 - Sep 4 There must be a reason why we are looking at him in training but we must be in with a shout if he's here. I hope he impresses and we sign him but I'm also glad that we are having a look at him first and not just taking a gamble.
4

dunkleberrydog added 14:03 - Sep 4 Collins would bring the same experience to the defence that Walters brings to the attack. In the Prem matches I have seen him play for WHU, this guy is nothing less than 100%. He completely controlled Lukaku, so he can handle the Championship strikers. It is also in the changing room where experience shows to our new batch of 'would-be' successful players. A great addition if it happens....

7

Bluebongo added 14:32 - Sep 4 Looking at West Hams form I would have thought that they needede him themselves.Would be a good addition for us though, think wqe,ve got enough lower league players.
4

midastouch added 15:08 - Sep 4 Thought Pennington and Chambers both had solid matches against Norwich but still wouldn't say no to Collins experience to add some steel to the team. Not sure about his pace but hopefully his experience enables him to read the game well and steal a few yards. John Wark was brilliant at doing that when he made the transition from midfield to centre back (he could read the game like a book!) later in his Town career. I remember him playing centre back at Old Trafford and Town being under the cosh but Johnnie Wark on Water used all his experience to help us nick a point.

8

BlueandTruesince82 added 15:13 - Sep 4 Not sure why anyone thinks Chambo will go to RB think Donician has looked good at RB
4

cantona11 added 15:31 - Sep 4 I can see 3 at the back as I wouldn't leave Nsiala or Pennington out as I think Pennington was superb Sunday MOTM performance and can only get better with Collins coming in if we make the signing solid enough with Edwards and Rowe wing backs but thinking Sears,Ward,Roberts,Graham when up to speed,Jackson can all play on the wing even Kenlock can do the job if you play Harrison with Walters up top in my opinion its looking good and a win is not to far away COYB

0

oldelsworthyfan added 15:32 - Sep 4 Set pieces are so important and this is where we've been repeatedly weak in defence and have lost matches. As much as I like and appreciate Chambers for his attitude and loyalty, I'm afraid he does not read the game as well as he should and lacks the anticipation we should expect from him. This is where Hurst is trying to improve things. We'll soon find out what he really thinks of Chambers because he won't stick with him if he can sign a replacement.

1

bigtimecharlie added 15:45 - Sep 4 Can see this happening and Ipswich playing a back three with wing-backs. Good move and would plug those gaps at the back. Good acquisition of it happens.
4

Cheshire_Blue added 16:01 - Sep 4 Why has everyone got it in for Chambers ? Because he is the next scapegoat for our so called 'supporters' to have a go at.
-4

bluebare added 16:14 - Sep 4 makes me think I saw a different Pennington to you lot he was slow and hesitant I would expect him to win the ball in the air but no better than the wolf so a pointless loan for 3 games while Toto out. unless Collins is left footed there is also no point smacks of desperation
-9

yun added 16:39 - Sep 4 @midastouch - too true. I remember watching a 39-year-old John Wark play Alan Shearer (then 27) out of the match at Ewood Park many years ago. He was a brilliant reader of the game and made a fantastic sweeper in the period before the end of his career.
6

Northstander_Blue added 17:08 - Sep 4 Collins and Chambers in the back 4 yes please
1

blueherts added 17:26 - Sep 4 Set pieces - we need support and the back and def need to tak better set pieces in the attacking third - some shocking delieveries on Sunday . Good addition and good point re three at the back - not sure if Hurst has played that before ?
3

cat added 17:29 - Sep 4 We have conceded far to many goals from set pieces and this has cost us dear. Collins (if he comes) will add healthy competition for places. PH has shown he's not afraid to drop the starmen, so its game on for that C.B role. Personally think we have been a tad unfortunate this season, without the dodgy refs and sloppy goals conceded it could be a totally different story (but it ain't) but from what I've seen so far, it suggests to me that we will be okay this season. PH has adopted the 4.2.3.1 system which I'm a big fan of, so until such a time when it's looks like going tits up, I'm gonna simply enjoy the season. 👌

3

TimmyH added 17:55 - Sep 4 I've got no problem with Hurst signing him up but it does make me question Hurst's policy so far this summer after getting so many league 1/2 players in and now in the last week he's get's a loan from Everton (with brief experience of the Premiership) Walters a near on 35 year old with a lot of Premiership experience and now possibly another player of similar ilk. Collins would probably be a reasonable signing...

1

strikalite added 18:09 - Sep 4 ^^he's paid money for young hungry talent from the League below, in fairness we've all been crying for that for years, the loan market(we'll include Collins here)for added experience and strengthen our squad further was always an option, a good one too... You need a blend of youth and experience, especially in the position we find ourselves in, Collins would add some needed steel right now, another wise head...another leader, we don't have too many leaders...

4

Bert added 18:28 - Sep 4 Hold on everybody this is far from a done deal as Hurst has said. However, I would like Collins at our club because as others have said it would make for a great back three ie any three out of the four. In that case there is still a role for Chambers but it gives all four a fair crack of the whip. In truth I think Hurst has now realised that our newbies are work in progress so to survive and progress it is essential to bring some solid oldies back into the mix. I thoroughly enjoyed the derby game because all that was missing was a bit of class and experience. Hurst and Evans have both responded to what fans want so let's back them as we did with spine tingling voice on Sunday.

4

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 20:03 - Sep 4 Bert (who although a "late developer" now, if I am not mistaken, has a taste for posting on TWTD - is that right, Bert?) makes a very good point. People seem to think this deal will happen, but it seems to me fairly clear they are talking about money. And they haven't agreed yet. However, Collins would be a good addition if we CAN swing the deal. PH went rather short on experience in his mega new-broom-sweeps-clean phase and is now perhaps trying to redress that balance somewhat.

3

Bert added 20:15 - Sep 4 SteveITFC .... erm, 'late developer' ? Well, I will have to ask my wife that but I certainly have all my bits and pieces intact ! I suppose I post when there is something to say but can't say I'm a serial poster. I was certainly late to the 'MM has to go' movement but I do like to see fairness and balance in the written word. Does that help Steve ?
2

blueboy1981 added 20:22 - Sep 4 ...... experience is needed right now - Collins has it in abundance, and would learn the youngsters so much. No brainer to sign him on a two year deal, with an option on a third. GET HIM IN EVANS - and cough up this time.
1

herfie added 20:38 - Sep 4 If he does get a contract, PH needs to be certain that Collins really wants to be here and is committed to the club, not just the contract/money. Having him to train provides an opportunity to make that judgement; similarly for Collins to look at PH, his squad and the training ground vibe. It has to be a genuinely mutually balanced deal. That said, having his experience and quality in the building could only be a good thing.

2

blueherts added 20:48 - Sep 4 Would prob know couple of the ex WHU players and adds to our Welsh core plus he is probably reasonably local so could be a great fit - Great addition - as old MM would say Proper bloke !
0

Sheaver26 added 21:36 - Sep 4 Really don't understand the hate for Chambers on this forum, pretty unjustified. If he was that bad I'm sure that one of the three managers we've had since we signed him, might have dropped or sold him. Get a grip.
3

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls