Thursday 24 December 2015 14:27, UK
West Ham defender James Collins has been handed a two-year contract extension after proving a valuable member of the squad during the first part of the 2015/16 campaign.
The 32-year-old Wales international centre-back has made 160 appearances for the Hammers during two stints with the east Londoners and he will have plenty of opportunities to add to that tally, as he will be staying until at least the summer of 2018.
Collins was first at West Ham between 2005 and 2009, then re-joined in the summer of 2012 after a spell with Aston Villa.
To sign for another two years is something that, to be honest, looked doubtful at the start of the season, so I got my head down and trained hard and tried to show what I could do.
He has appeared in seven Premier League games this term, impressing in recent weeks as the Hammers' defence held firm in 0-0 draws against Stoke and Swansea.
Collins would have been out of contract at the end of the campaign and told West Ham's official website he is thrilled to have sorted out his immediate future.
"I'm obviously delighted to sign, as it was worrying me a bit that I'd have to leave again!" he said.
"I can't explain how happy I am to be part of a club that is moving forward and getting bigger and bigger. To be part of that is unbelievable.
"I try to be professional, as I have been in teams where players make a negative effect when they're not playing, so I am just proud to be part of such an amazing club.
"I'm happy coming in every morning, whether I'm playing or not playing, and I train hard and try to keep myself fit.
"To sign for another two years is something that, to be honest, looked doubtful at the start of the season, so I got my head down and trained hard and tried to show what I could do."
West Ham will be moving into the Olympic Stadium next season and Collins says that provided him with even more motivation to earn a new deal.
"It's massive and that was the biggest thing in my head, to be part of something that is moving forward and is so big," he said.
"The thought of not being involved in it was getting me down a little bit.
"The thought of not being involved in this club, and with the fans, who I have got a special relationship with and have always been great to me, was playing on my mind.
"As soon as I knew I could get a chance, I had to perform to be involved in that, and fortunately that's what has happened.
"I've got my head down, so thanks to the gaffer, the club and everyone involved. Merry Christmas!"
