James Collins was in tears in what appears to be his last game for West Ham yesterday.
West Ham fans sang ‘There is only one Ginger Pele” as he warmed up along the touchlines at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The crowd broke into song several times during the victory over Everton by chanting: ‘Sign him up, Sign him up, Ginger Pele…. Sign him up, Sign him up, I say….. Sign him up, Sign him up Ginger Pele, He plays football the West Ham way’
David Moyes gave the Ginger Pele one last run out as he brought him on as an 88th-minute substitute to replace Aaron Cresswell. Skipper Mark Noble hugged him as he came on.
Mark Noble speaking to the crowd post-match said “I really hope something happens with James Collins. Today we celebrate Ginge. Thank you”
Collins played 212 games in total for West Ham over two stints, He joined West Ham from Cardiff in 2005 moving to Aston Villa in 2009 for £5m. In 2012 he rejoined the Hammers for £2.5m and made 16 appearances this season.
James Collins aka the Ginger Pele comes on for last time in a West Ham shirt despite cries to sign him up pic.twitter.com/XEMCF9UiiI
— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) May 13, 2018
Yep wish we could keep him, if he can’t stay as a player employ him as a coach.
I think the least he deserves is a Testimonial
Noble not only hugged him, gave him the Captain’s armband as well. I think that was significant.