From one to another

Hammers favourite Carlton Cole has offered his best wishes to James Collins, who is also departing West Ham after several years' service.

Cole, who spent nine years as a Hammer between 2006 and 2015 took to Instagram this morning in order to wish his former team mate the very best of luck, having come to the end of his own spell at the club.

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"Sorry to see one of my favourite players to play with and close friend leave the Hammers," wrote Cole. "He’s been a fantastic player and servant and I know just how he might be feeling to be leaving the club that he has had his best years at.

"He built such a strong understanding and relationship with everyone connected to the club from ground staff, media team, to the board. He is a leader and he has used his influence on and off the pitch to help the club to where it is today.

"He will be a great asset to any club he chooses to go to next. Well done you Club Legend!"

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Collins, who was West Ham United's second-longest serving player first signed for West Ham in July 2005 as part of a £3.5million double-swoop that also saw fellow Cardiff defender Danny Gabbidon arrive at the club.

Four years later he joined Aston Villa in a deal worth £5million as West Ham's crippling financial situation necessitated the sale of several frist team squad members.

However he was on his way back to east London in the summer of 2012 in a deal worth around £2million - and has remained at West Ham ever since.


James Collins: Stat Zone

West Ham United (first spell)

2005/06: Pld 19, Bkd 1, Gls 2.
2006/07: Pld 17, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
2007/08: Pld 5, Bkd 0, Gls 0.
2008/09: Pld 21, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
2009/10: Pld 3, Bkd 1, Gls 0.

Aston Villa

2009/10: Pld 37, Bkd 6, Gls 2.
2010/11: Pld 37, Bkd 7, Gls 3.
2011/12: Pld 34, Bkd 7, Gls 1.

West Ham United (second spell)

2012/13: Pld 32, S/Off 1, Bkd 9, Gls 2.
2013/14: Pld 29, Bkd 6, Gls 2.
2014/15: Pld 30, S/Off 1, Bkd 6, Gls 1.
2015/16: Pld 29, S/Off 2, Bkd 5.
2016/17: Pld 25, Bkd 4, Gls 2.
2017/18: Pld 16, Bkd 3, Gls 1.