Collison thankful for support

Hammers ace helped through tough time

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 24th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Collison thankful for support

Collison: Courageous

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Jack Collison has offered his gratitude to the many well-wishers who have helped him through a difficult time in his short career.

The 21-year-old West Ham midfielder is still coming to terms with the untimely death of his father in August, but has shown commendable courage over recent weeks as he attempts to remain focused on his football.

He turned out for the Hammers just two days after his father passed away in the now infamous Carling Cup tie against local rivals Millwall.

While that game will forever be remembered for all the wrong reasons, Collison admits that night will always hold a special place in his heart as the home fans went out of their way to show their support for what he was going through.

"It's been a lot to deal with but the management, the staff and the players have been brilliant," Collison told The Guardian.

"The fans, too. That night against Millwall is something I will never forget. People just remember it for the crowd trouble but I will always have different memories.

"The fans that night couldn't have been more supportive. They were cheering my name, urging me to do well."

Confidence

West Ham took the spoils against the Lions in that particular contest, but have endured a difficult time in the Premier League.

A slow start to the season has left them second from bottom in the table and already cast adrift of those chasing a European spot.

Collison admits it is difficult to explain the recent troubles, but the Wales international insists everyone at Upton Park is doing their utmost to bring about a reversal in fortune.

"It's hard to put your finger on what's going wrong," he added.

"Maybe it's a bit of confidence. We have good players, we've definitely got the right manager and we still feel we can have a good season and finish in the right half of the table rather than fighting for our lives.

"But it's a matter of doing it rather than saying it."