Collins’ play is worth rewarding.
James Collins, standing six feet, four inches, and with a head that’s about as far away from the Ronaldo sportsman-cum-model archetype as is possible, is nonetheless winning hearts in East London. He has, since his return to the club in 2012, excelled in his second-choice role, playing with gusto when called upon. An injury crisis at the back last season, and now Winston Reid’s troubles this season, have allowed Collins to show exactly why he’s such a good man to have around. If ‘putting yourself about’ was a key criteria in Ballon d’Or voting, then the Welshman would place every year. He isn’t glamourous, but he’s effective. Collins signed a two-year contract extension this week, and well deserved it is too; every year West Ham’s squad is tested in some way, and having adequate deputies is crucial. He battled concussively with Rudy Gestede here, a tall task in every sense of the phrase, and his work down the desperate final furlong, keeping Villa at bay, was typically invaluable.
James Collins has been outstanding and fully deserves his new two year contract. Congratulations, Ginge. dg pic.twitter.com/icLdtQPwZj
— David Gold (@davidgold) December 24, 2015
