Skip to content

James Collins thrilled with personal form at West Ham

Collins has been a West Ham stalwart over the years
Image: James Collins returned to West Ham from Aston Villa in 2012

West Ham's James Collins is delighted to have turned around his season and cemented his first-team spot.

The 32-year-old defender endured a miserable start to the campaign with a booking and a sending off as the Hammers crashed out of the Europa League.

Collins was told by boss Slaven Bilic he was fourth choice centre-half, but the Welshman has hit back. He was man of the match in Saturday's 2-0 win over Liverpool to stretch the club's unbeaten run to seven league games and hoist the team to sixth in the Premier League.

"I am definitely in the form of my life," Collins told the club website. I do not know what it is, just getting better with age I guess."

Collins, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, has been a critical part of West Ham's defence this season averaging more than eight clearances a game, the highest within his team.

"It was huge to sign a new contract, the thought of leaving the club again was getting me down a bit," he added.

"I was fourth choice centre-half at the start of the season, the gaffer told me that. I just thought the least I could do was get my head down and work hard in training and if the opportunity came along I would try and do well."

Also See:

Meet Iain Dowie
Meet Iain Dowie

Dowie on The Fantasy Football Club - want to be part of it?

Collins is confident he can carry his form into the Euro 2016 finals in France.

"It is obviously something I am really looking forward to for the summer," Collins said.

"To be part of a team that has qualified for the Euros is massive and hopefully I will keep my form high and have a chance to start for Wales."

The Hammers take on Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, before traveling to Bournemouth in the league three days later.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Baroness Karren Brady explains the 2016 plans for West Ham

Around Sky