James Collins (footballer, born 1990)

Last updated

James Collins
Collins, Jim.jpg
Collins in 2010
Personal information
Full name James Steven Collins [1]
Date of birth (1990-12-01) 1 December 1990 (age 33) [2]
Place of birth Coventry, England
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) [3]
Position(s) Striker [4]
Team information
Current team
Derby County
Number 9
Youth career
2004–2009 Aston Villa
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2009–2011 Aston Villa 0 (0)
2009–2010Darlington (loan) 7 (2)
2010Burton Albion (loan) 10 (4)
2011–2012 Shrewsbury Town 66 (22)
2012–2013 Swindon Town 45 (15)
2013–2014 Hibernian 36 (6)
2014–2016 Shrewsbury Town 68 (20)
2016Northampton Town (loan) 21 (8)
2016–2017 Crawley Town 45 (20)
2017–2021 Luton Town 174 (68)
2021–2022 Cardiff City 26 (3)
2022– Derby County 89 (25)
International career
2008–2009 Republic of Ireland U19 6 (3)
2009–2012 Republic of Ireland U21 12 (3)
2019–2021 Republic of Ireland 13 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:04, 6 November 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 8 September 2021 (UTC)

James Steven Collins (born 1 December 1990) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for EFL Championship club Derby County. Starting his career at Aston Villa, he did not break through to the first team and has since represented a number of teams in the English Football League and the Scottish Premiership.

Contents

Collins has won promotion from the fourth tier of English football four times so far in his career: twice as a runner-up with Shrewsbury Town, once as champions with Northampton Town, and most recently with Luton Town. He also twice gained promotion from the third tier of English football; once as champions with Luton Town, and most recently with Derby County.

Born and raised in England, he represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels [5] before making his senior international debut and scoring in 2019 in a friendly match against Bulgaria.

Career

Aston Villa

Born in Coventry, West Midlands, [6] Collins started his career with Aston Villa. Collins attended the Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School in Coventry.[ citation needed ]

In his final years at the club's academy and reserve teams, Collins had been a prolific goalscorer for the academy notching up 23 goals. His impact led manager Martin O'Neill to give Collins the opportunity to prove himself on loan the following season. [7]

He was loaned out in October 2009 on a three-month deal to Darlington, [8] where he made his professional debut in a 3–0 loss to Barnet. He scored his first goal for Darlington in a 2–1 defeat at Hereford United on 31 October 2009. [9] Three weeks later, on 21 November 2009, Collins scored again, a 35-yard lob, in a 5–2 loss against Chesterfield. [10] Collins' spell at Darlington began successfully, however he found it difficult to remain in the first team and later returned to Aston Villa on 22 January 2010 when his loan spell terminated. [11]

On 15 October 2010, Collins joined League Two club Burton Albion on an emergency loan, [12] and immediately made an impact by scoring two goals in his first three matches for the club. His good performance earned Collins a nomination for the League Two Player of the Month award. [13]

His good performance led Collins to stay at the club making a permanent move. [14] On 15 November 2010, his loan spell was extended for a second month. [15] After adding two more goals to his tally, his loan spell was extended for the third time. [16] However, manager Paul Peschisolido believed Collins would not stay at the club after January. [17]

Prior to the 2010–11 season, Collins joined up with Scottish club Aberdeen for a trial, appearing in a friendly match away to Tamworth. At this time, he became known as "Jim Collins", presumably to avoid confusion between himself and his Aston Villa teammate of the same name. [18] [19] Following the trial, it appeared that Collins had returned to The Villans; however it was reported that Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee had not given up on signing the player. [20] Nonetheless, Collins remained at Villa following the departure of O'Neill. Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald named the striker in his 20-man squad to travel to Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Europa League on 18 August 2010. On Aston Villa's official website, he has been called James Collins Jnr. [21]

Shrewsbury Town

On 7 January 2011, Collins signed permanently for League Two club Shrewsbury Town on an 18-month contract. [22] He made his debut the following day, setting up a goal for Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, in a 3–1 loss against Morecambe. [23] Collins scored his first goals for the club on 18 January, notching twice in a 3–1 win over Accrington Stanley and scored another brace on 29 March, in a 3–1 victory over Rotherham United, managing eight goals in total during his first half season at Shrewsbury.

The 2011–12 season started well for Collins when he scored his first league goal in the opening match of the season, Shrewsbury Town drawing 1–1 against Plymouth Argyle, [24] and scoring again in a 3–2 win over Derby County in the first round of the League Cup days later. [25]

On 20 September 2011, he scored against Premier League team Arsenal in the third round of the League Cup, giving Shrewsbury an early lead in a match they would ultimately lose 3–1 at The Emirates, [26] and hit another brace on return to League duty four days later in a 2–0 win over Torquay United to send the club into second place in the table. [27]

Following an injury to midfielder Nicky Wroe, Collins temporarily assumed penalty taking duties for Shrewsbury Town, scoring from the spot in a 2–1 home win against Southend United. [28] [29] During the season, manager Graham Turner compared Collins to Wolves legend Steve Bull, due to his strength and determination, also commenting that he believed he could continue to improve his goal scoring record. [30]

In his first full season at Shrewsbury, Collins made 47 appearances, scoring 16 goals in all competitions, and was the club's top scorer as they won promotion to League One. [31] Collins was offered a new deal and Turner expected him to re-sign, [32] however he attracted interests from other clubs such as Watford, Coventry City and Sheffield United, [33] ultimately opting to join fellow promoted club Swindon Town. [34]

Swindon Town

On 18 June 2012, Collins signed for Swindon Town. [35] Upon the move, Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner expected the fee to be settled by a tribunal, [36] which was eventually settled at £140,000 plus add-ons, ultimately causing Swindon to enter a transfer embargo due to overspending. [37] [38]

Collins first goals for the club came against Premier League team Stoke City in the second round of the League Cup, scoring a hat-trick to help knock out Stoke 4–3 after extra time. [39] [40] Collins first league goal came eleven matches into Swindon's campaign and proved to be the winner despite being scored in the first minute against Bury on 6 October 2012. Collins then added his second goal in the league the following match against the club he supported as a boy, Coventry, this time helping Swindon rescue a point on 13 October. [41] The New Year proved to be good fortune for Collins as he scored four goals against Portsmouth on 1 January 2013 in a 5–0 thrashing. [42] After the match, Collins described scoring four goals, after coming on from the bench, as "surreal experience". [43]

Despite manager Paolo Di Canio resigning, the introduction of new manager Kevin MacDonald allowed Collins to add to his goal tally with strikes against promotion-chasing Tranmere Rovers and Yeovil Town. By the end of the season, Collins had scored 18 goals in all competitions, his last a consolation effort in a 3–1 loss against Scunthorpe United, who fell to final day relegation despite their win. Collins finished his only season at Swindon Town as the club's top-scorer in the league and in all competitions. [44]

It was reported on 21 July 2013 that Swindon had accepted a £200,000 bid from Hibernian for Collins. [45]

Hibernian

Hibernian confirmed that Collins had signed a three-year contract with the club on 29 July 2013. [46] Collins made his Hibs debut, making his first start in the opening match of the 2013–14 Scottish Premiership season, in a 1–0 loss against Motherwell. [47] After five matches without a goal, [48] Collins scored the winning goal against St Johnstone on 14 September [49] and scored another the following week, in a 2–0 win over against St Mirren. [50]

Following Pat Fenlon's departure, Collins vowed to score more goals under new manager Terry Butcher after scoring fewer goals than expected by that point. [51] In Butcher's first match as Hibernian Manager, Collins scored a last minute goal, in a 1–1 draw against Partick Thistle on 7 November 2013. [52] Collins scored the opening goal in a 2–1 win against fierce rivals Hearts on 2 January 2014. [53] A week after scoring in the derby, Collins scored twice, as Hibernian lost 3–2 to St Mirren on 18 January 2014. [54] Reflecting on his time at Hibernian, Collins told his former Hibernian teammate Owain Tudor Jones on The Longman's Football World podcast that he regretted joining the club, though he "did have some happy memories" there. [55]

Return to Shrewsbury

Following Hibernian's relegation, Collins re-signed for former club Shrewsbury Town on 4 June 2014 on a two-year contract with an option for a third year. [56] He scored twice on his return debut, securing a point in a 2–2 draw away to AFC Wimbledon on 9 August. [57] The following month, he scored the only goal as Shrewsbury beat Norwich City in the League Cup, notably sending the club through to the fourth round of the competition for the first time since the 1986–87 season. [58]

Surpassing his previous season's goal tally on 8 November, when he scored his seventh goal of the season in all competitions against Walsall in the FA Cup, [59] he continued to weigh in with important goals as Shrewsbury climbed into the top reaches of the League Two table, hitting double figures for the season with a brace against Exeter City, [60] following this up with the opener in a 2–0 away win at Oxford United on Boxing Day, [61] and the second goal in a 3–0 home win against bottom of the table Hartlepool United in January 2015. [62]

Collins ended the 2014–15 season as Shrewsbury's top scorer, with 17 goals in all competitions as he won promotion to League One with the club for the second time in his career, having finished as runners up to Burton Albion. [63] [64]

Collins began the 2015–16 with a goal in each of the opening two matches, a 2–1 home defeat to Millwall, [65] and a 2–1 away victory over Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup. [66] After a spell where he found himself in and out of the team, he was restored to the starting line-up, and named captain for the first time in an FA Cup first-round tie at non-League team Gainsborough Trinity. After scoring the only goal of the match, he won the plaudits of manager Micky Mellon, who commented that wearing the captain's armband had turned Collins into "Superman". [67]

In January 2016, following a 7–1 defeat to Chesterfield in which he was named captain, Collins was loaned out to Northampton Town until the end of the season. [68] He scored on his debut for the club, the opening goal in a 2–1 victory at Plymouth Argyle. [69] He played regularly during the second half of the season as Northampton were promoted from League Two as champions. [70]

After returning from his loan spell, Collins contract at Shrewsbury was cancelled by mutual consent in July 2016. [71]

Crawley Town

After his release from Shrewsbury, Collins signed a three-year contract with League Two club Crawley Town on 11 July 2016. [72] He scored his first goal for Crawley in a 1–1 draw with Doncaster Rovers on 13 August 2016. [73]

Luton Town

On 29 June 2017, Collins signed a three-year contract with League Two club Luton Town for an undisclosed fee. [74] On his Luton debut on 5 August 2017, he scored a hat-trick in an 8–2 win over Yeovil Town. [75]

His contract was extended by a further year at the end of the 2017–18 season after a promotion clause was triggered as a result of Luton's promotion to League One. [76]

In the 2018–19 season Collins was named the League One Player of the Year at the EFL Awards as he helped Luton to back-to-back promotions after scoring 25 goals as they move up to the Championship. [77]

Collins scored his first second-tier goal of his career against Middlesbrough on the opening night of the 2019–20 season. He went on to score 14 goals in total in the Championship, becoming Luton's top scorer for the second season running. [78]

On 12 December 2020, Collins scored his second hat-trick of his Luton career, in a 3–0 win against Preston North End. [79]

Cardiff City

Collins rejected a new contract with Luton at the end of the 2020–21 season and signed for fellow Championship club Cardiff City on a two-year contract. [80] [81] He scored his first goal for Cardiff in a 2-1 win against Preston North End on 20 November 2021. [82] Collins spent two years at Cardiff scored three times in 30 appearances, he left the club with a year left on his contract. [83]

Derby County

Collins signed for League One Derby County, signing a two-year contract on 13 July 2022. [83] Collins would score 12 times in 52 games for Derby in the 2022–23 season, with Collins scoring twice against Cambridge United on 1 October 2022 in Paul Warne's first game as manager being the highlight. [84]

On 23 September 2023, Collins scored a brace in a 2–0 win at Carlisle United the second of which was his 200th goal in senior club football. [85] [86] Collins would score his first hat-trick for Derby in a 4–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers U-21s in the EFL Trophy on 8 November 2023. [87] He would follow this up on 11 November 2023, with two in Derby's 3–0 league win against Barnsley on 11 November 2023, also at Pride Park Stadium. [88] By the end of January 2024, Collins had scored 18 goals during the season for Derby in all competitions, with 13 of these coming in the league. After scoring four league goals in the month of January, Collins was named the PFA League One fans Player of the Month for January. [89] In Derby's match at Exeter City on 13 February 2024, Collins received treatment for a knee injury, but was able to complete the match, two days later Collins was due to go for scan for to assess the damage to his knee, with a worst case scenario being Collins missing the season. [90] On 17 February 2024, the scan results stated that Collins was expected to be out of action until mid-April minimum. [91] Collins was able to return six weeks ahead of schedule in March 2024, after Derby medics were able to perform "platelet therapy" on Collins where a sample of his blood was taken, then spun before it was injected back into his knee which enabled to ligament to be able to be attached back to the knee, this reduced a potential 12 week layoff to 6. [92] Collins scored the second goal in Derby's 2–0 over Carlisle United on 27 April 2024, the result which ensured Derby finish runners-up in the division and earn promotion to the Championship automatically. [93] Collins scored 19 times in 46 appearances during the season; being Derby's top scorer during the season. [94]

On 18 May 2024, Derby County confirmed that Collins was in talks to extend his contract at Derby with his deal expiring in June 2024. [95] On 2 July 2024, Collins signed a one-year contract extension at Derby, extending his stay at the club until June 2025. [96]

International career

Collins, who was born and raised in England, is also eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland at international level through his parents. He has represented Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels. [5] On 11 October 2011, Collins scored his first hat-trick of his international career, as Republic of Ireland under-21 beat Liechtenstein U-21, with a score 4–1. [97] Upon a move to Hibernian, Collins hoped that his performances would get him a call-up to the senior squad. [98]

He received his first call-up to the senior national team in March 2019, when Mick McCarthy named him in a 38-man provisional selection for UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia. [99]

Collins made his full international debut for Ireland on 10 September 2019, coming off the bench to score the third goal in a 3–1 win against Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium. [100]

On 24 March 2021, Collins scored his first competitive goal for Ireland in a 3-2 defeat away to Serbia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. [101]

Personal life

Collins's mother was born in Mullingar, County Westmeath, and moved to England at the age of four. [102] Collins became a father for the first time in 2015, and was given paternity leave by Shrewsbury Town. [103]

In October 2011, Collins was arrested along with former Aston Villa teammate Barry Bannan after a Range Rover hit the central reservation of the M1 motorway in Nottinghamshire. The following month, Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that he would not face any charges, although Bannan was charged with four offences. [104]

On 15 March 2016, whilst attending the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, Collins and Milton Keynes Dons' Samir Carruthers were photographed urinating into a beer glass before Collins poured it over a balcony. [105] The next day, Collins apologised for his behaviour and was fined two weeks' wages. [106]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 6 November 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational Cup [a] League Cup [b] OtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Aston Villa 2009–10 [107] Premier League 00000000
2010–11 [108] Premier League00000000
Total00000000
Darlington (loan) 2009–10 [107] League Two 721082
Burton Albion (loan) 2010–11 [108] League Two10421125
Shrewsbury Town 2010–11 [108] League Two2482 [c] 0268
2011–12 [109] League Two42142032004716
Total66222032207324
Swindon Town 2012–13 [110] League One 451510332 [d] 05118
Hibernian 2013–14 [111] Scottish Premiership 3662020406
Shrewsbury Town 2014–15 [112] League Two451531411 [e] 05317
2015–16 [113] League One235312100287
Total68206262108124
Northampton Town (loan) 2015–16 [113] League Two218218
Crawley Town 2016–17 [114] League Two452020103 [f] 25122
Luton Town 2017–18 [115] League Two42192110004520
2018–19 [116] League One44254000004825
2019–20 [117] Championship 461400004614
2020–21 [118] Championship421010134413
Total1746871230018372
Cardiff City 2021–22 [119] Championship2632020303
Derby County 2022–23 [120] League One42115130205212
2023–24 [121] League One381420104 [f] 54619
2024–25 [122] Championship900020110
Total892571607510931
Career total5871933252510157658215

International

As of match played 1 September 2021 [123]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Republic of Ireland 201941
202020
202171
Total132
As of match played 27 March 2021. Republic of Ireland score listed first, score column indicates score after each Collins goal. [123]
List of international goals scored by James Collins
No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetitionRef.
110 September 2019 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland1Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria 3–13–1 Friendly [124]
224 March 2021 Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade, Serbia7Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia 2–32–3 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [125]

Honours

Shrewsbury Town

Northampton Town

Luton Town

Derby County

Individual

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matthew Taylor (footballer, born 1981)</span> English footballer and coach

Matthew Simon Taylor is an English former professional footballer, who most notably played for Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers. He is the current manager of National League side Wealdstone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Howard</span> Footballer (born 1976)

Steven John Howard is a former professional footballer who played as a striker. Howard was usually cited as a typical target man and renowned for his aerial strength.

Samuel Parkin is an English former footballer; a radio presenter for BBC Wiltshire, regularly involved with Swindon Town's coverage; and commentator for Chelsea TV. Throughout his career Parkin has played as a forward for Chelsea, Millwall, Wycombe Wanderers, Oldham Athletic, Northampton Town, Swindon Town, Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Leyton Orient, Walsall, St Johnstone, Queen of the South, St Mirren, and most recently Exeter City in League Two.

Scott James Cuthbert is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a defender. He is currently a first-team coach at Stevenage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Edwards (footballer, born 1986)</span> Wales international footballer

David Alexander Edwards is a former professional football player who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Shrewsbury Town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Holmes</span> English footballer

Lee Daniel Holmes is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Mangan</span> English association football player

Andrew Francis Mangan is an English former footballer who played as a striker. He is now a coach at Stockport County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Martin (footballer, born 1988)</span> Footballer (born 1988)

Christopher Hugh Martin is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League One club Bristol Rovers. Born in England, he has played for the Scotland national team and has also represented England U19 national team.

Anthony Paul Shaun Andrew Daure Grant is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for National League South club Welling United. Born and raised in England, he represented the Jamaica national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eoin Doyle</span> Irish footballer (born 1988)

Eoin Doyle is an Irish former professional footballer who played as a forward.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtis Main</span> English footballer

Curtis Lee Main is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Scottish Premiership club Dundee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jake Jervis</span> English footballer

Jake Mario Jervis is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Northern Premier League Division One West club Hednesford Town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Clark (English footballer)</span> English footballer

Jordan Charles Clark is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Luton Town.

Miles James Storey is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Northern Premier League Division One West club Clitheroe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan Smith (footballer, born 1986)</span> English footballer

Jonathan Peter Smith is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isaac Vassell</span> English footballer

Isaac Cleveland Vassell is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for National League South team Bath City. He previously played in the Football League for Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Birmingham City and in non-league football for Truro City, Bideford and Weymouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonny Bradley</span> English footballer (born 1991)

Sonny Bradley is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for EFL Championship club Derby County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathaniel Knight-Percival</span> English footballer

Nathaniel Lawrence Knight-Percival is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Southport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Cummings</span> Scottish/Australian footballer

Jason Steven Cummings is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Indian Super League club Mohun Bagan. Born in Scotland, he represents the Australia national team, after previously representing Scotland at youth and senior international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Yates</span> English footballer

Jerry Aaron Yates is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL Championship club Derby County, on loan from Swansea City.

References

  1. "EFL: Club retained and released lists published". English Football League. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  2. "Jim Collins". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  3. "James Collins". Luton Town F.C. Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  4. Simmonds, Mike (1 October 2019). "Luton striker Collins named in Ireland squad". Luton Today. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  5. 1 2 "James Collins Jr Profile". Aston Villa F.C. Archived from the original on 8 October 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  6. "James S Collins". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  7. "Martin O'Neill backs youngsters Clark and Collins to be loan stars". Birmingham Mail. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  8. Stoddart, Craig (24 October 2009). "Staunton has high hopes of his new loan signings". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  9. "Hereford 2–1 Darlington". BBC Sport. 31 October 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  10. "Chesterfield 5–2 Darlington". BBC Sport. 21 November 2009. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  11. "Could Convery be on his way – Striker Situation". Vital Darlo. 21 January 2010.
  12. "James Collins joins Burton Albion from Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 15 October 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  13. "GreenScene Players of the Month for October". GreenScene. 2 November 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
  14. "Collins keen to make his Burton loan permanent". Burton Mail. 15 November 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  15. "Front man Collins delighted to have extended his loan stay with Brewers". Derby Telegraph. 15 November 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  16. "Burton keen to keep James Collins and Scott Malone". BBC Sport. 8 December 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  17. "Albion and Shaun stay 'poles apart'". Burton Mail. 11 December 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  18. "Honours even at Tamworth". Aberdeen F.C. 25 July 2010. Archived from the original on 7 October 2015. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  19. "Dons keeper in hot water injury". BBC Sport. 24 July 2010.
  20. "Dons still chasing Basey, Collins". The Press and Journal. Aberdeen. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
  21. "Squad arrive in Vienna". Aston Villa F.C. 18 August 2010.
  22. "Shrewsbury bring in Aston Villa striker James Collins". BBC Sport. 7 January 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
  23. "Shrewsbury 1–3 Morecambe". BBC Sport. 8 January 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  24. "Shrewsbury 1–1 Plymouth". BBC Sport. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  25. "Derby 2–3 Shrewsbury". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  26. "Arsenal 3–1 Shrewsbury". BBC Sport. 20 September 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  27. "Shrewsbury 2–0 Torquay". BBC Sport. 24 September 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  28. "Shrewsbury 2–1 Southend". BBC Sport. 21 January 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  29. "Nicky Wroe to reclaim spot-kick role from James Collins". BBC Sport. 25 January 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  30. "James Collins has Steve Bull traits – Graham Turner". BBC Sport. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  31. "Shrewsbury Town promoted from League Two". Shropshire Star. Telford. 28 April 2012. Archived from the original on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  32. "Four stay, four go at Shrews". Sky Sports. 8 May 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  33. "Chase on for Collins". Sky Sports. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  34. "James Collins chose Swindon move after failed Coventry bid". BBC Sport. 20 June 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  35. "Swindon Town sign Gary Roberts, Andy Williams and James Collins". BBC Sport. 18 June 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  36. "Shrews seek cash for Collins". Sky Sports. 29 June 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  37. "Swindon Town: Paolo Di Canio confirms transfer embargo". BBC Sport. 6 October 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  38. "Swindon Town pay out for Collins and Archibald-Henville". BBC Sport. 20 September 2012.
  39. "Stoke 3–4 Swindon (aet)". BBC Sport. 28 August 2012.
  40. "Collins hails cup heroics". Sky Sports. 29 August 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  41. "Swindon 2–2 Coventry". BBC Sport. 13 October 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  42. "Swindon 5–0 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. 1 January 2013.
  43. "Swindon striker James Collins admits it was a surreal experience to score four goals against Portsmouth". Sky Sports. 4 January 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  44. "Scunthorpe 3–1 Swindon". BBC Sport. 27 April 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  45. "Transfer news: Swindon accept Hibernian offer for James Collins". Sky Sports. 21 July 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  46. "Collins excited about move". Hibernian F.C. 29 July 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  47. "Hibernian 0–1 Motherwell". BBC Sport. 4 August 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  48. "Goal drought affecting Hibs' James Collins". Edinburgh Evening News. 2 September 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  49. Forsyth, Paul (16 September 2013). "St Johnstone 1–2 Hibs: New strikeforce earn points". Edinburgh Evening News. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  50. "Hibs 2–0 St Mirren: Collins and Heffernan earn win". Edinburgh Evening News. 21 September 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  51. "Hibernian: James Collins targets more goals under Terry Butcher". BBC Sport. 21 November 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  52. "Terry Butcher relieved after Hibernian snatch late draw with Partick Thistle". Sky Sports. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  53. "Hibernian 2–1 Heart of Midlothian". BBC Sport. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  54. "Hibernian 2–3 St Mirren". BBC Sport. 18 January 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
  55. "Former Hibs striker James Collins admits he regrets signing for the club in hindsight". Edinburgh Live. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  56. "James Collins: Hibernian striker re-signs for Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 4 June 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  57. "AFC Wimbledon 2–2 Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 9 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  58. "Shrewsbury Town 1 Norwich City 0". Shropshire Star. Telford. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  59. "Walsall 2–2 Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 8 November 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  60. "Exeter City 3–2 Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  61. "Oxford United 0–2 Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 26 December 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  62. "Shrewsbury Town 3–0 Hartlepool United". BBC Sport. 17 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  63. "Shrewsbury's James Collins targets more glory". Shropshire Star. Telford. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  64. "Connor Goldson top man at Town's awards". Shropshire Star. Telford. 4 May 2015. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  65. "Shrewsbury Town 1–2 Millwall". BBC Sport. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  66. "Blackburn Rovers 1–2 Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  67. "Shrewsbury Town: Captain Collins was 'like Superman' – Mellon". BBC Sport. 19 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  68. "Shrewsbury striker James Collins joins Northampton Town on loan". BBC Sport. 5 January 2016.
  69. "Plymouth 1 Northampton 2". BBC Sport. 12 January 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  70. "Exeter City 0–0 Northampton Town". BBC Sport. 16 April 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  71. "James Collins moves on". Shrewsweb. 11 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  72. "James Collins: Crawley Town sign striker after Shrewsbury exit". BBC Sport. 11 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  73. "Doncaster 1–1 Crawley". BBC Sport. 13 August 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  74. "James Collins: Luton Town sign Crawley Town striker". BBC Sport. 29 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  75. "Luton Town 8–2 Yeovil Town". BBC Sport. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  76. Simmonds, Mike (16 May 2018). "Luton confirm new contracts for Potts and Sheehan". Luton Today. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  77. "EFL Awards: Norwich's Teemu Pukki named Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season".
  78. "James Collins - Forward - First Team & Staff | Luton Town FC". Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  79. "Luton Town 3–0 Preston North End: Collins scores hat-trick in Luton win". BBC Sport. 12 December 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  80. Simmonds, Mike (19 May 2021). "Striker Collins leaves Luton to join Cardiff after turning down new contract". Luton Today. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  81. "James Collins: Cardiff City sign Republic of Ireland striker". BBC Sport. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  82. "Preston 1-2 Cardiff". BBC. 20 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  83. 1 2 Curtis, Leigh (13 August 2022). "Derby County clinch Cardiff City transfer as James Collins signs". Derbyshire Live. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  84. "Cambridge United 0–2 Derby County". BBC. 1 October 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  85. "Carlisle United 0–2 Derby County". BBC. 23 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  86. "Carlisle United 0-2 Derby County highlights and reaction as James Collins brace secures win". Derby Evening Telegraph. 23 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  87. "Bristol Street Motors Trophy Match Report: Derby County 4–1 Wolves U21s". dcfc.co.uk. Derby County Football Club. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  88. "Derby County 3–0 Barnsley". BBC. 11 November 2023. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  89. "PFA announces Fans' Player of the Month award winners for January". www.thepfa.com. Professional Footballers' Association. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  90. "Derby County top scorer set for scan as Rams sweat over injury fear". www.derbytelegraph.co.uk. Derby Telegraph. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  91. "Derby County trying to sign Dwight Gayle after James Collins blow confirmed". www.derbytelegraph.co.uk. 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  92. "James Collins latest as Derby County pine for return while unique treatment does the trick". www.derbytelegraph.co.uk. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  93. 1 2 "Breaking: Derby County promoted as duo seal it for Paul Warne's side". Derby Telegraph. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  94. "Nelson Named Derby's 2023/24 Jack Stamps Player of the Season". Derby County. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  95. "Derby County Retained List: 2023/24 Season". Derby County. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  96. "New Contract:Collins Derby stay by penning new deal". Derby County. 2 July 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  97. "Collins hits hat-trick in U21 victory". Football Association of Ireland. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  98. "Hibs new boy James Collins eyes Irish call up". Edinburgh Evening News. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  99. "Euro 2020 qualifiers: Republic of Ireland boss McCarthy hands three players first call-ups". BBC Sport. 7 March 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  100. "Fresh faces make the difference as Ireland eventually see off Bulgaria". The 42. 11 September 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  101. "Committed Ireland start World Cup campaign with defeat in Serbia". The 42. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  102. McDonnell, Daniel (2 March 2019). "'I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, being silly' - Reformed James Collins eyes Ireland call". Irish Independent. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  103. "Oh baby! Striker James Collins is given paternity leave". Shropshire Star. 6 October 2015. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  104. "No charges for Coventry footballer after M1 crash". Coventry Telegraph. 25 April 2013. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  105. "Cheltenham urine row: Samir Carruthers and James Collins apologise". BBC News. 16 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  106. "Northampton Town statement". Northampton Town F.C. 16 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  107. 1 2 "Games played by James Collins in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  108. 1 2 3 "Games played by James Collins in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  109. "Games played by James Collins in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  110. "Games played by James Collins in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  111. "Games played by James Collins in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  112. "Games played by James Collins in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  113. 1 2 "Games played by James Collins in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  114. "Games played by James Collins in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  115. "Games played by James Collins in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  116. "Games played by James Collins in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  117. "Games played by James Collins in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  118. "Games played by James Collins in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  119. "Games played by James Collins in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  120. "Games played by James Collins in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  121. "Games played by James Collins in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  122. "Games played by James Collins in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  123. 1 2 "Collins, James". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  124. "Republic of Ireland 3–1 Bulgaria". BBC Sport. 10 September 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  125. "Serbia 3–2 Republic of Ireland". BBC Sport. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  126. Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 37, 342–343. ISBN   978-0-7553-6356-8.
  127. Anderson, John, ed. (2015). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2015–2016. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 326–327. ISBN   978-1-4722-2416-3.
  128. Anderson, John, ed. (2016). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2016–2017. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 258–259. ISBN   978-1-4722-3395-0.
  129. Anderson, John, ed. (2019). Football Yearbook 2019–2020. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 210–211. ISBN   978-1-4722-6111-3.
  130. Anderson, John, ed. (2018). Football Yearbook 2018–2019. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 214–215. ISBN   978-1-4722-6106-9.
  131. "League One: Barnsley dominate PFA selection of team of 2018–19". BBC Sport. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2019.