Danny Collins

Nice interview with matt dean on radio humberside. Sounds impressed with the work MJ has done since he came and certainly sounds like he’s going to be signing a new deal for next season!

Think I’d be happy with this, been a good player for us over the last 2 years. Hoping we can find a really good partner for him at CB . Don’t think I’d be comfortable with clarke again, despite a much improved last 2 months. Still feel we some pace and physicality alongside danny.

Everyone else’s thoughts on Danny’s probable stay?

I think he'll keep both clarke and collins on a reduced wage if possible, then look to sign 2 younger centre backs potentially from the u23 leagues.

I’d be very pleased if he stayed, like he said he’s played 40 odd games this season and trains every day so age doesn’t really matter in that respect. He’s played fairly well in a very poor side so with some improvements to the squad he should be a key part of it and he’s a great role model for the younger lads. He also mentions his coaching so maybe it’ll be a deal that means he can muck in with that side of it too.

I'd be happy with them both signing. Both solid CB need pace either side of them and then think good back 4

I'm a big Collins fan, my favourite outfield player. Would love to see him commit, he somehow stayed a decent and reliable player throughout the Slade-led debacle.

I’d be delighted to keep DC, he’s a warrior and knows how to defend. Pair him with a youngster next year and see what happens.  

Not exactly moving forwards or solving our lack of pace at the back if we keep both of them. Ideally I'd like to see a completely new centre back pairing, but if we are going to keep one of them then I'd prefer Collins over Clarke. Clarke scares me when the ball is on the deck.

Dominant aerially all season as far as i can recall, naturally left sided too which is handy in a centre back pairing.

If he can look towards coaching with us too then he could be a real asset. I agree we probably need somebody else to play alongside him with some pace. I actually thought Collins and Pearson worked really well so if we can find a similar kind of player with some pace then we'd be on to something. I don't think age is a big deal at this level for a player like him. There are players who play at the top level in England and Europe when they are pushing 40 so quality doesn't always go down with age when they are super fit. Might not be able to play in the Premiership now but can easily play at this level.

We need somebody at the back who is good in the air and he can also pop up with some goals too. Plus if we have younger people in the side next season at the back then playing alongside him can improve them I'm sure. I think Pearson got tons better when Collins came in and they were paired up.

As solid as they have been in the last few weeks, I wouldn't feel confident going into the season with Clarke and Collins as the first choice pairing.  I think we can only really keep one and of the two I would definitely opt for Collins.  

I know he'll start the season as a 38-year-old but there's probably a good year left in his legs, especially as he was a relative late starter to the professional game at 21. He reads the game well enough to make up for any lack of pace and in all honesty I don't think he was ever the quickest so you never really lose what you never had.

I would definitely like to see him paired up with a quicker and younger partners though.  Across the back we've lacked pace all season, painfully so at times.

Collins is a definite for me. He is as good a centre back has we have had for a few seasons. His age is irrelevant.

I personally think it would be a bit of a risk to keep Collins as it could be a season too far. He's done well for us and has managed to avoid injury since he joined but I'm not convinced I'd want him as a regular starter this next season. Wouldn't be a great idea to have him as a back-up defender as I think you need to be playing regularly to keep your fitness up at his age.

That said, it appears he's likely to re-sign for another year so hopefully he'll do well enough to prove my doubts wrong.

Completely disagree. He was the best player on the pitch in a lot of the games i saw last season. Think people get too hung up on age. He's old-ergo he must be slow and unfit.  

I think you can keep one of Clarke and Collins, as keeping both isn’t a good idea. As others have said, I’d have Collins everytime.

I don't think it would be a good idea to start next season with a completely new centre-back pairing. Of the two I would prefer Collins any day of the week. He's an old, experienced professional who has played at the highest UK level. Pair him with a youngish centre-back with potential and I think we will be ok in that department. I know it's all water under the bridge but it still rankles me that Slade insisted on bringing Clarke in last summer and ultimately Pearson was sacrificed. If we had had that pairing ( Collins and Pearson )then I don't think our goals against tally would have been so high but onwards and upwards.

Age is relative. People were saying Disley's legs were going when he was 33.

It's only a matter of time before someone mentions the name Paul Futcher, so I've just done it now to save you all the bother

I measure players on what they've shown. To me, Collins doesn't play like a grandad. He's good enough at 37 so why suddenly is 38 a problem?

Good on the bloke for going this long. Most people who played in the Prem retire at the top and don't bother giving something back lower down the leagues.

Next seasons captain?

I have no problems keeping collins and clarke but only under the terms they are not guaranteed to start.

I think we need to freshen it up at centre back imo and they are Ideal back up if needed and experience in the dressing room.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

I have no problems keeping collins and clarke but only under the terms they are not guaranteed to start.

I think we need to freshen it up at centre back imo and they are Ideal back up if needed and experience in the dressing room.

Nobody should be guaranteed a start, absolutely nobody!!!

Quoted from jonnyboy82

I have no problems keeping collins and clarke but only under the terms they are not guaranteed to start.

I think we need to freshen it up at centre back imo and they are Ideal back up if needed and experience in the dressing room.

I would keep Collins to play alongside a centre back with younger legs.

How about player/assistant manager?
He’s done some coaching badges and has ambitions in that direction.
Save Wilko’s wage, give 20/30% to Collins for the extra responsibility and use some of the rest to top up Macca’s pay.
Cheap solution too so will meet the (non) Chairman’s approval.
Win win win.....

Jolly may well want his own number 2. Not sure how he has got on with Wilko.

I thought he is really too old but every week he is in the top 3 performers for me. He would get another year for me utm

Quoted from ginnywings

Completely disagree. He was the best player on the pitch in a lot of the games i saw last season. Think people get too hung up on age. He's old-ergo he must be slow and unfit.  

Agreed, age means nothing. I'm young but I'm definitely slow and unfit.