The end for Collins

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 24th May 2018

There will be no new contract for long-serving defender James Collins, whose current deal expires next month.

Collins was recently informed by email that West Ham would not be offering him a new contract, before the club backtracked and declared that the final decision would be left to incoming manager Manuel Pellegrini.

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However the 34-year-old former Welsh international clearly hadn't done enough to persuade the new boss that he was deserving of a new deal as it was confirmed this morning that he was one of two senior players not being retained.

Co-owner David Sullivan, who received heavy criticism last week for the manner in which Collins' departure was handled thanked the Welshman for his service. "We would like to place on record our sincere thanks for the outstanding service James has given West Ham United down the years," he told whufc.com.

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"His bravery and commitment on the pitch were never called into question and he has played his part in establishing the Club in the Premier League since his return in 2012.

"We appreciate just how popular James is among our fellow supporters but, with the appointment of a new manager, we felt together that the time was right to go our separate ways. It goes without saying that we wish James and his family every success in the future and they will always be welcome at London Stadium.”

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The other senior player not being offered new terms is veteran French defender Partice Evra, who arrived on a free transfer in February and featured on just five occasions in the Premier League.

In addition to the two seniors, Academy prospects Korrey Henry, Rosaire Longelo and Rihards Matrevics are also being released by the club at the end of June.

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