James Collins aka the Ginger Pele has shared his disappointment about not being given the chance to say his goodbyes at West Ham.
Talking on BBC Wales radio Collins said “I don’t want to say I deserved better, but I wanted to say goodbye, I was 20 years of age when I went to West Ham, Anita who works in the office, I’ve known her since I was 2o years old. And I’ve walked out and probably not spoken to Anita, the chef, the kit man. It sounds stupid but that’s the sort of person I am.
“Even the fans, just one chance to say ‘thanks for everything’ but unfortunately it hasn’t happened.”
“I’ve said it before, I know football, I’m big enough and ugly enough to know if a manager came up to me and said ‘Look Ginge we don’t want you’ I’d hold my hands up and say I’ve had a great time at West Ham, I’ve had 11 years, just give me one chance to see who I want to seem say thanks to the fans’
“They’ve given me everything, my life in London my wife, my kids, It wouldn’t happened without West Ham, to leave after 11 years and not be able to show some sort gratitude is only gripe I’ve got”
⚽️ Former Wales and West Ham defender James Collins tells @elisjames , @Gabbidon35 and @iwanwroberts of his disappointment at not being able to say goodbye to anyone at the club when he left#EJFOF#WHUFC pic.twitter.com/6jKHDBKXwk
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 26, 2019
I personally think he deserves one. No nonsense defender, if in doubt, stick it in row Z. Happy to stick his head where it hurts and bled for the club on more than one occasion. There’s only one Ginger Pele
It would be a great Christmas present for Ginge (& us) if he could be given a day saying his farewells before the Liverpool or Palace.
He always gave 100% it would be good to see that 20 years of loyalty recognised.
Couldn’t agree more. He deserves at least a walk out on to the pitch before the start of a match so we can show our gratitude
Watch this space 😉
I agree that we should have given the Ginger Pele a proper send off – I think he was a victim of the shoddy way that the club got rid of Moyes. I wanted Moyes to be given a chance and am happy to admit that I was wrong on that score – Pelle is certainly a step forward. However I still think that the way he left was wrong on the part of the club – and in that case how could Moyes say anything to Collins if he had no idea about his own future?
Nothing stopping him going to the training ground to say his personal goodbyes I’m sure they would let him in!!
If it’s true that this great WH soldier, who sweated blood for his team every match he played, was released in this cold manner, then the WH board should apologise and give Ginge the farewell he richly deserves. Ginge, you are highly appreciated, son … and if you are still able, come and show our current centre-backs how it’s done. God bless.