Collins opens up about West Ham exit – and you must sympathise with him

James Collins has revealed that the only ‘gripe’ he’s got from his 11-year stay at West Ham United was being deprived of the chance to say goodbye and thank you properly.

The now-retired centre-back was released last summer and despite training with the club for a short period afterwards, didn’t get a chance to say a proper goodbye to fans.

Speaking exclusively to BBC Sport, Collins explained how the only regret he’s got about his West Ham career is not being able to say goodbye properly:

I would have liked the chance to say bye to who I wanted to. Just to have one chance to say: ‘thanks for everything’. And unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. To walk out after 11 years and to not be able to show some sort of gratitude is the only gripe I’ve got.

Read West Ham’s verdict

Following a very brief stint at Ipswich Town, Collins hung his boots up following his Hammers release but he’s still remembered today as a fan favourite.

You could argue West Ham have missed ‘Ginge’ since he left the London Stadium, and after making over 200 appearances for the club, the least he deserved was an actual notice regarding his eventual release.