Sam Collins (footballer, born 1977) explained

Sam Collins
Fullname:Sam Jason Collins[1]
Birth Date:5 June 1977[2]
Birth Place:Pontefract, England
Height:1.91m (06.27feet)[3]
Position:Centre back
Youthyears1:–1994
Youthclubs1:Huddersfield Town
Years1:1994–1999
Clubs1:Huddersfield Town
Caps1:37
Goals1:0
Years2:1999–2002
Clubs2:Bury
Caps2:82
Goals2:2
Years3:2002–2006
Clubs3:Port Vale
Caps3:135
Goals3:11
Years4:2005–2006
Clubs4:Hull City (loan)
Caps4:10
Goals4:0
Years5:2006–2008
Clubs5:Hull City
Caps5:13
Goals5:0
Years6:2007
Clubs6:Swindon Town (loan)
Caps6:4
Goals6:0
Years7:2008–2015
Clubs7:Hartlepool United
Caps7:244
Goals7:6
Totalcaps:525
Totalgoals:19
Manageryears1:2014
Managerclubs1:Hartlepool United (caretaker)
Manageryears2:2014
Managerclubs2:Hartlepool United (caretaker)
Manageryears3:2017
Managerclubs3:Hartlepool United (caretaker)
Manageryears4:2018–2019
Managerclubs4:York City

Sam Jason Collins (born 5 June 1977) is an English professional football manager and former player who is the lead youth development youth coach at Mansfield Town. He played as a centre back in the Football League for Huddersfield Town, Bury, Port Vale, Hull City, Swindon Town and Hartlepool United. He managed in the Football League with Hartlepool United.

Collins started his career with Huddersfield Town in 1994 before he signed for Bury in 1999. After three years, he moved on to Port Vale, where he established himself as captain. He was named the club's Player of the Year at the end of the 2002–03 season. Collins' performances earned him a move to Hull City in 2006, though knee injuries blighted his time at the club. Loaned to Swindon Town for a brief spell in 2007; the following year, he signed permanently with Hartlepool United.

Collins took on a coaching role with Hartlepool in 2014 and had three spells as caretaker manager before leaving the club in 2017. He spent a year as a coach at Bradford City before becoming youth-team manager at York City. He took over as manager in August 2018, initially as caretaker manager, before leaving in January 2019. He has since coached at Barnsley and Mansfield Town.

Playing career

Huddersfield Town

Collins was born in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. He started his career at First Division club Huddersfield Town as a trainee, signing a professional contract on 6 July 1994.[4]

Bury

Collins signed for Second Division club Bury on 2 July 1999 for a £75,000 fee.[4] He was released at the end of the 2001–02 season, following the club's relegation to the Third Division.[5]

Port Vale

He signed for Second Division club Port Vale on 26 June 2002, in a move that reunited him with Brian Horton, his manager at Huddersfield.[6] He was signed as a replacement for Sagi Burton.[7] After an initial shaky start,[7] Collins played 49 matches for Port Vale and was named their Player of the Year in the 2002–03 season,[8] later becoming captain.[9] In September 2003, he was given the Second Division Player of the Month award,[10] as he settled into a highly successful centre-back partnership with new signing George Pilkington.[11] At the end of the 2003–04 season he signed a new two-year contract,[12] having put in a 47-match haul.

Collins made 37 appearances in 2004–05, helping the club to avoid relegation with an 18th-place finish in League One.[13] His continuing strong performances in 2005–06 led to Championship club Plymouth Argyle inquiring about signing him.[14] He rejected the approach,[15] and instead joined another Championship club, Hull City, on 2 November on loan from Vale, prior to a permanent transfer for a £65,000 fee in January 2006.[16] Michael Talbot later studied him heading the ball as a model for the sculpture of Roy Sproson that was installed at Vale Park.[7]

Hull City

Collins suffered a knee ligament injury in February 2006, which ruled him out for a month.[17] He did not play again in the 2005–06 season, which he finished with 18 appearances for Hull. In November 2006, he was ruled out for the rest of the 2006–07 season through another knee injury,[18] making only eight appearances. He joined Swindon Town on 28 September 2007 on a one-month loan,[19] after the club lost captain Hasney Aljofree to injury.[20] He looked for a permanent deal at Swindon but made just four appearances as an abductor injury saw him sidelined. Swindon's financial problems ended any hopes of a permanent transfer.[20]

Hartlepool United

He signed for a nominal fee for League One club Hartlepool United on 31 January 2008.[21] After only several weeks with the club he was sidelined by an injury sustained from an awkward fall.[22] This came just days after assistant manager Ian Butterworth praised Collins for "[adding] steel to the back four".[23]

He was appointed team captain at the start of his first full season with the club,[24] and made 48 appearances by the end of the campaign. His consistency continued in 2009–10, as he made 48 appearances. He signed a new contract with the club in May 2010.[25] He was named as the League One Player of the Month for December 2010.[26] After making 49 appearances in the 2010–11 season, he signed a new contract with the club in May 2011.[27] Collins was hopeful that manager Mick Wadsworth could lead the club to the play-offs in 2011–12,[28] although they could only manage a 13th-place finish.[29] He made 43 appearances in the 2012–13 season, as Hartlepool suffered relegation to League Two with a 23rd-place finish,[30] and was retained for a further season.[31] Collins made 43 appearances during the 2013–14 season, and was praised by manager Colin Cooper for the positive influence he had on the rest of the team.[32] He was named in the Football League Team of the Week for his performance in a 2–0 win away to Dagenham & Redbridge on 8 February, which was the team's third clean sheet in four matches.[33]

Style of play

Collins played as a centre back and was described in March 2011 by his Hartlepool United manager Mick Wadsworth as a "warrior" who "leads by example" and as a "fearless header of the ball.[34] Soon after signing for Hartlepool, manager Danny Wilson stated in February 2008 that: "He's a calming influence, he's a leader and that's what we needed in that backline. You'll get that consistency from him, he doesn't complicate his game."[35] He also had an excellent range to his throw-ins.[36]

Coaching and managerial career

Collins took on the role of assistant first and reserve-team coach at Hartlepool United in May 2014 when signing a new contract with the club, while remaining part of the playing squad.[37] After Colin Cooper resigned as manager of Hartlepool,[38] Collins was appointed caretaker manager alongside Stephen Pears on 5 October 2014.[39] He took charge of four matches, overseeing one win and three losses, before Paul Murray was appointed as manager.[40] Murray was dismissed on 6 December after only 45 days in charge, and Collins was again appointed caretaker manager.[41] He took charge of one match, a 4–0 defeat away to Burton Albion on 13 December, before Ronnie Moore was appointed as manager on 16 December, who then appointed Collins as his assistant.[42] Collins took over as caretaker manager on 15 January 2017 after Craig Hignett left the club by mutual consent.[43] He was in charge for Hartlepool's 2–0 home win over Stevenage on 21 January before Dave Jones took over as manager on 23 January.[44] Collins was dismissed by Hartlepool on 10 March, with Jones explaining the decision by saying: "We're changing the culture and the ethos here and when that happens sometimes there are casualties".[45]

Collins joined League One club Bradford City on 3 July 2017 as their Professional Development Coach, a role in which he "[worked] closely with Stuart McCall and Kenny Black in helping to bring forward the younger professionals within the first team squad".[46] He left his role with Bradford on 28 June 2018.[47]

Collins was appointed youth-team manager at National League North club York City on 3 July 2018.[48] He took over as caretaker manager on 20 August after the departure of manager Martin Gray.[49] His first match in charge came on 25 August, when York drew 0–0 away to Brackley Town.[50] Collins recorded his first win two days later in the following match, with York beating Blyth Spartans 2–0 at home.[51] He was appointed permanently on 10 October after the team won four of his eight matches as caretaker manager.[52] He was dismissed on 5 January 2019 with the team 15th in the table.[53] [54]

Collins coached at Barnsley as their lead youth development phase coach before being appointed as Mansfield Town's lead youth development youth coach in August 2020. On 28 October, he was announced to be part of Richard Cooper's caretaker management team,[55] [56] before Nigel Clough was appointed as the club's new permanent manager on 6 November.[57]

Personal life

Collins married Claire in 1999, and the couple have four children. After finding that Collins had been having an affair, Claire posted derogatory messages on Collins' Twitter account, which were widely reported in the tabloids.[58] In June 2022, Collins' son Cody signed his first professional contract with Mansfield Town.[59]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
SeasonClubLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Huddersfield Town1996–97First Division40002060
1997–98First Division1000010110
1998–99First Division2303040300
Total3703070470
Bury1999–2000Second Division190102000220
2000–01Second Division342102000372
2001–02Second Division290001010310
Total822205010902
Port Vale2002–03Second Division445101030495
2003–04Second Division434301000474
2004–05League One332101020372
2005–06League One15010160
Total1351150405014911
Hull City2005–06Championship17010180
2006–07Championship60002080
2007–08Championship00100010
Total2302020270
Swindon Town (loan)2007–08League One400040
Hartlepool United2007–08League One102102
2008–09League One401203010461
2009–10League One440102010480
2010–11League One422302020492
2011–12League One361001000371
2012–13League One410101000430
2013–14League Two240200010270
2014–15League Two7010100090
Total2446100100502696
Career total5251922028011058619

Managerial statistics

Managerial record by team and tenure
TeamFromToRecord
Hartlepool United (caretaker)5 October 201423 October 2014[60]
Hartlepool United (caretaker)6 December 201416 December 2014
Hartlepool United (caretaker)15 January 201723 January 2017[61]
York City20 August 20185 January 2019[62]
Total

Honours

Individual

2002–03[8]

September 2003[10]

December 2010[26]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Football League retained list . The Football League . 12 June 2015 . 21 August 2018.
  2. Web site: Sam Collins . ESPN FC . 21 August 2018.
  3. Web site: Sam Collins . 11v11.com . AFS Enterprises . 21 August 2018.
  4. Book: Barry J. . Hugman . The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 . 2010 . Mainstream Publishing . Edinburgh . 978-1-84596-601-0 . 92.
  5. News: Bury release Bhutia . BBC Sport . 24 April 2002 . 28 June 2011.
  6. News: Collins reunites with Horton . BBC Sport . 26 June 2002 . 21 August 2018.
  7. News: Baggaley . Mike . Vale youngsters making the grade . 25 June 2024 . Valiant's Substack . 24 June 2024.
  8. Web site: It's a clean sweep as Super Sam is Top Man . Port Vale F.C. . 17 November 2004 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120609230112/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~379268,00.html . 9 June 2012 . dead.
  9. News: Vale embargo lifted . BBC Sport . 18 July 2003 . 21 August 2018.
  10. News: Huckerby wins award . BBC Sport . 8 October 2003 . 21 August 2018.
  11. News: Fielding . Rob . Five of the best: other club's cast-offs who were a success at Port Vale . 29 July 2020 . onevalefan.co.uk . 29 July 2020.
  12. News: Matthews joins Port Vale . BBC Sport . 9 June 2004 . 28 June 2011.
  13. Web site: League One: 2004/05: Latest table . Soccerbase . Centurycomm . 21 August 2018.
  14. News: Pulis confirms Vale duo interest . BBC Sport . 18 October 2005 . 21 August 2018.
  15. News: Pulis fails to land loan signing . BBC Sport . 14 November 2005 . 28 June 2011.
  16. News: Hull snap up Port Vale's Collins . BBC Sport . 2 November 2005 . 21 August 2018.
  17. News: Tigers seek stand-in for Collins . BBC Sport . 17 February 2006 . 21 August 2018.
  18. News: Hull's Collins out for the season . BBC Sport . 7 November 2006 . 21 August 2018.
  19. News: Collins joins Swindon from Hull . BBC Sport . 28 September 2007 . 21 August 2018.
  20. Web site: Swindon-Town-FC.co.uk – Sam COLLINS – Player Profile . www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk . 2 November 2022.
  21. News: Pools sign Hull defender Collins . BBC Sport . 31 January 2008 . 12 May 2009.
  22. News: Collins injury frustrates Wilson . BBC Sport . 25 March 2008 . 28 June 2011.
  23. News: Butterworth plaudits for Collins . BBC Sport . 12 March 2008 . 28 June 2011.
  24. News: Sam's the man . Hartlepool Mail . 8 August 2008 . 21 August 2018.
  25. News: Seven players released in Hartlepool summer overhaul . BBC Sport . 12 May 2010 . 21 August 2018.
  26. Web site: npower Player of the Month 2010/11 . The Football League . 6 May 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111125113036/http://www.football-league.co.uk/archive/20110506/npower-player-of-the-month-201011_2293451_2413865 . 25 November 2011 . dead.
  27. News: Ten players shown door by Hartlepool United . BBC Sport . 11 May 2011 . 21 August 2018.
  28. News: Sam Collins backs Hartlepool United to surprise . BBC Sport . 8 July 2011 . 21 August 2018.
  29. Web site: League One: 2011/12: Latest table . Soccerbase . Centurycomm . 21 August 2018.
  30. Web site: League One: 2012/13: Latest table . Soccerbase . Centurycomm . 21 August 2018.
  31. News: Hartlepool United retain Sam Collins and Andy Monkhouse . BBC Sport . 16 May 2013 . 21 August 2018.
  32. News: Hartlepool United: Sam Collins delights boss Colin Cooper . BBC Sport . 10 February 2014 . 21 August 2018.
  33. Web site: Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week 03/02/14 – 09/02/14 . The Football League . 10 February 2014 . 22 January 2020.
  34. News: Wadsworth: I wouldn't want to bump into skipper after dark . Craig . Hope . Hartlepool Mail . 14 March 2011 . 21 August 2018.
  35. News: Wilson praises 'leader' Collins . BBC Sport . 5 February 2008 . 21 August 2018.
  36. News: Collins delighted with award . 6 June 2020 . onevalefan.co.uk . 27 January 2012.
  37. News: Sam Collins extends his stay at Hartlepool United . Richard . Mennear . Hartlepool Mail . 16 May 2014 . 21 August 2018.
  38. News: Hartlepool United: Colin Cooper resigns as manager . BBC Sport . 4 October 2014 . 21 August 2018.
  39. News: Sam Collins and Stephen Pears to take temporary charge at Hartlepool United after Colin Cooper's resignation . Hartlepool Mail . 5 October 2014 . 21 August 2018.
  40. News: Hartlepool United appoint ex-player as manager . BBC Sport . 23 October 2014 . 21 August 2018.
  41. News: Hartlepool United part company with manager Paul Murray . The Guardian . London . 6 December 2014 . 21 August 2018.
  42. News: Ronnie Moore: Hartlepool United appoint ex-Rotherham manager . BBC Sport . 16 December 2014 . 21 August 2018.
  43. News: Hartlepool United manager Craig Hignett leaves club by mutual consent . The Guardian . London . Press Association . 15 January 2017 . 21 August 2018.
  44. News: Dave Jones: Hartlepool name ex-Wolves, Cardiff and Wednesday boss as manager . BBC Sport . 18 January 2017 . 21 August 2018.
  45. News: Sam Collins sacked by Hartlepool United as club moves in new direction . Richard . Mennear . Hartlepool Mail . 10 March 2017 . 21 August 2018.
  46. Web site: Bantams recruit coaching trio . Bradford City A.F.C. . 13 July 2017 . 21 August 2018.
  47. Web site: Coaching team continues to take shape . Bradford City A.F.C. . 28 June 2018 . 21 August 2018.
  48. Web site: Sam Collins appointed youth team manager . York City F.C. . 3 July 2018 . 21 August 2018.
  49. Web site: Collins takes temporary charge . Ian . Appleyard . York City F.C. . 20 August 2018 . 21 August 2018.
  50. Web site: City earn good point at Brackley . Ian . Appleyard . York City F.C. . 25 August 2018 . 27 August 2018.
  51. Web site: City's late double defeats Spartans . Ian . Appleyard . York City F.C. . 27 August 2018 . 28 August 2018.
  52. Web site: Collins appointed City manager . Ian . Appleyard . York City F.C. . 10 October 2018 . 10 October 2018.
  53. Web site: Club statement: Sam Collins . Ian . Appleyard . York City F.C. . 5 January 2019 . 5 January 2019.
  54. News: Caretaker Dave Penney not in running to be new York City manager . Dave . Flett . The Press . York . 6 January 2019 . 6 January 2019.
  55. Web site: Academy who's who? – Mansfield Town . www.mansfieldtown.net . 16 November 2020.
  56. News: Stags confirm caretaker manager . 16 November 2020 . www.mansfieldtown.net . 28 October 2020 .
  57. News: Clough appointed Mansfield manager . 5 March 2021 . BBC Sport . 6 November 2020.
  58. News: Hartlepool's Sam Collins has affair exposed after wife hacks Twitter account . Mark . Brus . The Metro . London . 10 March 2016 . 21 August 2018.
  59. News: Mansfield Town youth trio given their first pro contracts . Chad . 9 June 2022 . 15 August 2022.
  60. Web site: Hartlepool: Results/matches: 2014/15 . Soccerbase . Centurycomm . 21 August 2018.
  61. Web site: Hartlepool: Results/matches: 2016/17 . Soccerbase . Centurycomm . 21 August 2018.
  62. Web site: York City FC: Matches . Soccerway . Perform Group . 5 January 2019.