Former Hammer James Collins has announced his retirement from professional football today.
Collins had been without a club since leaving Ipswich Town in May 2019. Collins first stay at West Ham was 4 years and 3 months from 2005 to 2009 followed by his second stay between August 2012 and May 2018 adding another 5 years and 10 monthshe
Ginger Pele’, made 214 whole-hearted appearances for West Ham across two spells between 2005-18, scoring nine goals and making countless vital clearances, interceptions, tackles and blocks.
Collins wrote on Instagram: ‘This will not come as a surprise to most people as I haven’t played for a season now, but today with a heavy heart I’ve decided to officially retire from football… after a lot of thought I believe this is the best thing to do so I can draw a line under my 20-year career and move on to my next chapter in life. I would like to thank all the players and fans at all the clubs I played for @cardiffcityfc @avfcofficial @ipswichtown ❤️👍🏻 Also all the players, staff and fans of @fawales as a boy to play for my country was a dream and I’m very proud to have gone on to get 51caps and loved every second 🏴 But I must save a special thank you to all players,staff and incredible fans of @westham a team that will forever be in my heart… I spent 11 years at this wonderful football club and still think about it every day, A club where I had the best time of my life for such a long time and gave my all everyday… without @westham and you amazing fans my life wouldn’t be what it is today… I hope one day in the near future I can pull on the claret and blue one more time and thank you all properly ❤️⚒ Finally I say thank you to my amazing family without all of your love and support through the good time and bad nothing I achieved in the game would have been possible xx Love you all xx Thanks Ginge”
Warrior, and a West Ham legend.
A great servant to West Ham and he will always be remembered for his whole hearted and fearless play. As far as I am concerned, he ranks alongside Billy Bonds,and Alvin Martin as being a player who could always be relied on. I loved watching him play. A true legend
Would like to think there is a place at our club in a coaching, or other capacity, for the Ginger Pele. A real role model of a player who never displayed anything less than 100% commitment. He put some of our more recent over priced and lazy prima-donnas to shame with his love for the game, our club, and us fans.
A true gentleman and example…….
He is a True West Ham Legend who always left it all on the pitch for us. Lack of courage, effort or conviction could never be levelled at him.
Hope to see him back here in some capacity as I feel he has a lot to offer and pass on in knowledge as a coach to our youngsters.
⚒️⚒️⚒️
Always admired him as a no nonsense player and sits in my own personal top ten players I have had the pleasure to watch .
A west ham legend .
Hope our owners can find a place within the clubs structure to accomondate his loyalty
You are a legend Ginge. All the best for the future, I sincerely hope your next chapter involves a role at West Ham.
This guy gave everything to the club and the fans. Brave, determined, professional, never whinged or moaned just got on with the job. Who can forget him scoring 2 headers against Man Utd in the FA cup in 2012. A great servant to the club.
A true hero. Thanks Ginge and very best wishes for the future.
Thanke Ginge for all the memories you are loved at our club and hopefully the future pans out as you would like it too COYI !!!