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Lambert: I'm Pretty Sure We'll Talk to Collins in the Next Few Weeks
Monday, 8th Apr 2019 16:17

Blues boss Paul Lambert is sure the club will speak to central defender James Collins about his future in the next few weeks.

Collins, 35, joined Town in January on a short-term deal and has impressed in his five starts for the Blues, but the former West Ham and Aston Villa man has spent spells out due to hamstring and calf injuries.

“We’ve not really spoken, but he’s been great,” Lambert said. “He’s been brilliant around the place as I’ve said before, and I’m pretty sure we’ll speak in the next few weeks to see what’s what and what we’re thinking, how he’s feeling himself as well. I’ve been delighted with his contribution.”

Town have had more than their fair share of injuries over the last couple of years with Emyr Huws and Tom Adeyemi yet to feature this season and a number of other players, including Freddie Sears and Grant Ward, who both suffered ACL injuries, out for lengthy spells.

Like Collins, another January addition, Will Keane, has missed a lot of games due to a hamstring injury.

Asked whether Town can afford to take risks regarding players’ injury histories when adding to the squad in the summer, Lambert added: “Not really, not as such. You never know what’s happened in people’s careers, you never ever know.

“Look at Freddie’s long-term injury, Wardy’s long-term injury, Emyr Huws’s, Tom Adeyemi’s, everybody’s been in, the two young kids, Ben Folami and Ben Morris. An incredible list of injuries, it’s strange that.

“But hopefully if this club has a pre-season and pre-season is meant to give you a start where you can last the full eight or nine months.

“You train for that period of time and we’ll try everything we can to keep the lads fit and healthy and try and get them game time so the disparity isn’t too much, from somebody playing 12 games and somebody else playing 30 or 40. I think we have to build that up and get people playing the same amount of games.”


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martin587 added 17:24 - Apr 8
He has been an exceptional defender but unfortunately is now very injury prone so I doubt very much we will retain him as Paul has said the squad will be much smaller next season.However if he were to be retained I would not be disappointed as he has character and would be very influential with regard to the younger lads.Just my opinion.🤔
7

Saxonblue74 added 18:05 - Apr 8
This could come down to how much desire he has to continue playing as I'm sure there won't be a lot of cash on the table. Would be happy to keep if if the price is right.
3

itfchorry added 19:46 - Apr 8
Was very solid on Saturday- Injury free would be a
great move.
3

Edmundo added 21:43 - Apr 8
I think at this stage he'd jump at a two year contract in the Championship and we just won't be there: having said that... I didn't think Judge would sign
1

KiwiBlue2 added 01:04 - Apr 9
If he could stay fit he would be very handy giving us three decent cb's (Woolfenden, Nsiala, Collins) plus Chambo. This should be more than adequate in League 1. While I like Pennington he will most likely return to Everton.
In terms of fullbacks next season will be big for Myles and Josh and a great chance to really establish themselves. Suspect that Knudsen and Spence will go so that leaves back-up spots for a couple of our youngsters. Overall if people consistently play to their potential the backline should be more than adequate with Bart behind them and Gerkin on the bench.
1

Cakeman added 06:49 - Apr 9
I think Collins would be keen to play for us in division one. He has been at the top and at his time of life it could be more about keeping involved and maybe developing himself as a coach or similar. He doesn't strike me as being a money grabbing type. I would like to see him stay whilst appreciating game time may be limited.
On an aside I would very much like to see another goalkeeper come in to keep the two we have on their toes. Bart and Gerks are just going through the motions in my view.
0

busterjames1 added 09:35 - Apr 9
Get him looking after our young defenders and as a bonus pay as you play bonus.
0


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