First Team Squad

Player profile and performance records.

James Collins (Defender)

Squad Number: 19
Position: Defender
Born: 23rd Aug 1983 (Newport, Wales)
Signed: 1st Aug 2012 (£2,000,000)
Contract: 2 years (signed December 2015)
Previous Club: Aston Villa

KUMB Awards: Most Improved Player 2006/07, (third place) 2014/15, 2015/16; Most Missed 2018/19, (runner up) 2009/10.

The boy from Newport arrived at West Ham along with Danny Gabbidon as part of a double swoop on Cardiff by Alan Pardew in July 2005.

Having been sold to Aston Villa as part of West Ham's cost-cutting exercise three years later he returned to West Ham in the summer of 2012 as one of Sam Allardyce's eleven transfer window signings.

2022/23 Match Notes & Ratings

James Collins is yet play any matches this season.

2021/22 Match Notes & Ratings

James Collins did not play for West Ham during this season.

2020/21 Match Notes & Ratings

James Collins did not play for West Ham during this season.

2019/20 Match Notes & Ratings

James Collins did not play for West Ham during this season.

2018/19 Match Notes & Ratings

James Collins did not play for West Ham during this season.

2017/18 Match Notes & Ratings

Southampton

3-0: Saturday, 31st March

Kept tabs on the Watford attacking three very well, in spite of not matching them in speed.

Burnley

0-3: Saturday, 10th March

Kept tabs on the Watford attacking three very well, in spite of not matching them in speed.

Swansea City

1-4: Saturday, 3rd March

Kept tabs on the Watford attacking three very well, in spite of not matching them in speed.

Liverpool

1-4: Saturday, 24th February

Kept tabs on the Watford attacking three very well, in spite of not matching them in speed.

Watford

2-0: Saturday, 10th February

Kept tabs on the Watford attacking three very well, in spite of not matching them in speed.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-3: Saturday, 3rd February

Not sharp enough and couldn't keep up with Brighton's pace of football, especially for the first goal.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-3: Saturday, 3rd February

Not sharp enough and couldn't keep up with Brighton's pace of football, especially for the first goal.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Tuesday, 30th January

Comments to follow.

Wigan Athletic

0-2: Saturday, 27th January

Did not play.

Bournemouth

1-1: Saturday, 20th January

Martialled the defence tremendously well preveting Bournemouth's attacking players from finding any gaps in the final third.

Huddersfield Town

4-1: Saturday, 13th January

As always, put some big tackles in at vital moments.

Arsenal

0-1: Tuesday, 19th December

Comments to follow.

Stoke City

3-0: Saturday, 16th December

Comments to follow.

Arsenal

0-0: Wednesday, 13th December

Did not play.

Swansea City

1-0: Saturday, 30th September

Was playing with an injury for the majority of his spell on the pitch, but got the basics right.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-3: Saturday, 23rd September

Was playing with an injury for the majority of his spell on the pitch, but got the basics right.

West Bromwich Albion

0-0: Saturday, 16th September

Ankle ligaments is the diagnosis. Fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious.

West Bromwich Albion

0-0: Saturday, 16th September

Was playing with an injury for the majority of his spell on the pitch, but got the basics right.

Huddersfield Town

2-0: Monday, 11th September

A fantastic presence in the air, both in defence and in attack. Barring the odd mistake on the ball it was a consistent performance from 'Ginge'.

Newcastle United

0-3: Saturday, 26th August

Comments to follow.

Cheltenham Town

2-0: Wednesday, 23rd August

The figurehead in the West Ham defence, preventing danger all through the ninety minutes with clearences, blocks and important tackles. Was also a threat in attack.

Manchester United

0-4: Sunday, 13th August

Did not play.

Manchester City

0-3: Friday, 4th August

(Replaced Ogbonna) The veteran defender may have been linked with a move to Everton but he continues to give 100 per cent - even in a pre-season friendly such as this.

Altona 93

3-3: Tuesday, 1st August

(Replaced Ogbonna) The veteran defender may have been linked with a move to Everton but he continues to give 100 per cent - even in a pre-season friendly such as this.

Werder Bremen

2-2: Saturday, 29th July

(Replaced Ogbonna) The veteran defender may have been linked with a move to Everton but he continues to give 100 per cent - even in a pre-season friendly such as this.

Werder Bremen

0-1: Friday, 28th July

Back in the thick of it at the heart of the Hammers defence.

2016/17 Match Notes & Ratings

Burnley

2-1: Sunday, 21st May

A couple of heart in mouth moments interspersed with strong defending. Typical Ginge really.

Burnley

2-1: Sunday, 21st May

Started the game off poorly with some clumsy challenges and failing to follow runs, but really pulled the team together in the second half to push the three points over the line.

Liverpool

0-4: Sunday, 14th May

Not as consistent as we've seen him throughout the season and was caught out of position on many occassions.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Friday, 5th May

Stuck to what he does best, and was all the better for it.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Friday, 5th May

Always there to clear the danger. One of those many consistent performances we've witnessed from 'Ginge' in the past few weeks.

Stoke City

0-0: Saturday, 29th April

Comments to follow.

Everton

0-0: Saturday, 22nd April

Comments to follow.

Sunderland

2-2: Saturday, 15th April

At one point in the game he had a ten yard start on his man and still lost the race. . Lovely bloke and all that but you can see why he doesn’t get picked unless there are injuries.

Swansea

1-0: Saturday, 8th April

Only caught for pace once and thankfully they didn’t twig. For the rest of the match they played to his strengths. Did well to not get sunburn.

Arsenal

0-3: Wednesday, 5th April

At one point in the game he had a ten yard start on his man and still lost the race. . Lovely bloke and all that but you can see why he doesn’t get picked unless there are injuries.

Hull City

1-2: Saturday, 1st April

At one point in the game he had a ten yard start on his man and still lost the race. . Lovely bloke and all that but you can see why he doesn’t get picked unless there are injuries.

Leicester City

2-3: Saturday, 18th March

Did not play.

AFC Bournemouth

2-3: Saturday, 11th March

Did not play.

Chelsea

1-2: Monday, 6th March

Did not play.

Watford

1-1: Saturday, 25th February

Did not play.

West Bromwich Albion

2-2: Saturday, 11th February

(Replaced Feghouli) An even later introduction so even less chance to shine.

Southampton

3-1: Saturday, 4th February

Did not play.

Manchester City

0-4: Wednesday, 1st February

Did not play.

Middlesbrough

3-1: Saturday, 21st January

If you need an extra body at the back, Collins is your man.

Crystal Palace

3-0: Saturday, 14th January

Did the throwing himself in front of the ball thing to his usual decent standard. Not sure he would be first choce pairing with Reid in most matches but “horses for courses” on this occasion…..

Stoke City

1-1: Saturday, 5th November

Usual Ginge performance. Solid enough under the circumstances.

Astra Giurgiu

0-1: Thursday, 25th August

Memories of Ian Pearce and Les Sealey as West Ham's bright new future began with a centre half deployed as an emergency centre forward.

AFC Bournemouth

1-0: Sunday, 21st August

The pick of our back four; solid in defence and an occasional threat up top.

Chelsea

1-2: Monday, 15th August

Put in another good shift at the heart of defence and scored a beauty to give West Ham hope of salvaging a point.

2015/16 Match Notes & Ratings

Stoke City

1-2: Sunday, 15th May

When you have a lumbering ox of a centre forward to look after Ginge is your man. When you haven’t, his lack of pace is a concern. The red card was at best clumsy and at worst nasty. Only he knows which.

Swansea City

1-4: Saturday, 7th May

The perfect game for Ginge, wh operforms at his best when we're under siege. The Welshman was immense in South Wales.

West Bromwich Albion

1-1: Saturday, 30th April

When you have a lumbering ox of a centre forward to look after Ginge is your man. When you haven’t, his lack of pace is a concern. The red card was at best clumsy and at worst nasty. Only he knows which.

Watford

3-1: Wednesday, 20th April

When you have a lumbering ox of a centre forward to look after Ginge is your man. When you haven’t, his lack of pace is a concern. The red card was at best clumsy and at worst nasty. Only he knows which.

Arsenal

3-3: Saturday, 9th April

Did not play.

Sunderland

1-0: Saturday, 27th February

Did not play.

Blackburn Rovers

5-1: Sunday, 21st February

Did not play.

Norwich City

2-2: Saturday, 13th February

Did not play.

Liverpool

2-1: Tuesday, 9th February

Did not play.

Southampton

0-1: Saturday, 6th February

Brilliant all season but the rickets are beginning to return. One mistake here could have proved costly bar for some poor finishing.

Aston Villa

2-0: Tuesday, 2nd February

Seemed to enjoy playing against his old side. Popped up in Villa's box as frequently as his own on a very odd night.

Liverpool

0-0: Saturday, 30th January

Did not play.

Manchester City

2-2: Saturday, 23rd January

Did better than one might have expected against the trickery and pace of Aguero.

Newcastle United

1-2: Saturday, 16th January

Did not play.

AFC Bournemouth

3-1: Tuesday, 12th January

Solid enough once again and giving Bilic a real selection headache.

Wolves

1-0: Saturday, 9th January

A stormer. One slip apart he won headers, blocked shots and, for all I know, does a neat sideline in children’s parties. Probably producing Benteke from an apparently empty pocket.

Liverpool

2-0: Saturday, 2nd January

A stormer. One slip apart he won headers, blocked shots and, for all I know, does a neat sideline in children’s parties. Probably producing Benteke from an apparently empty pocket.

Southampton

2-1: Sunday, 27th December

Partly culpable in the build up to their goal there were a couple of heart in mouth moments, notably in the second half when he kicked an opponent up in the air just after the offside flag had been raised. However, take those moments out of the equation and he was immense, dealing well with Long’s usual antics, particularly in the second half.

Aston Villa

1-1: Saturday, 26th December

When you need someone to put a foot in, you can always rely upon the Welsh defender. Was playing against his old side.

Swansea City

0-0: Sunday, 20th December

The perfect game for Ginge, wh operforms at his best when we're under siege. The Welshman was immense in South Wales.

Stoke City

0-0: Saturday, 12th December

When you have a lumbering ox of a centre forward to look after Ginge is your man. When you haven’t, his lack of pace is a concern. The red card was at best clumsy and at worst nasty. Only he knows which.

Manchester United

0-0: Saturday, 5th December

When you have a lumbering ox of a centre forward to look after Ginge is your man. When you haven’t, his lack of pace is a concern. The red card was at best clumsy and at worst nasty. Only he knows which.

West Bromwich Albion

1-1: Sunday, 29th November

When you have a lumbering ox of a centre forward to look after Ginge is your man. When you haven’t, his lack of pace is a concern. The red card was at best clumsy and at worst nasty. Only he knows which.

Watford

0-2: Saturday, 31st October

When you have a lumbering ox of a centre forward to look after Ginge is your man. When you haven’t, his lack of pace is a concern. The red card was at best clumsy and at worst nasty. Only he knows which.

Chelsea

2-1: Saturday, 24th October

Storming performance from Ginge who, lest we forget, is nominally our fourth choice centre-back, although that may not be the case going forward. Seemed to be having as much fun on the pitch as we were having off it.

Crystal Palace

3-1: Saturday, 17th October

A couple of shaky moments early on but had a fine second half when he kept the luckless Bolasie under lock and key.

Sunderland

2-2: Saturday, 3rd October

Did not play.

Norwich City

2-2: Saturday, 26th September

Did not play.

Newcastle United

2-0: Monday, 14th September

Did not play.

Arsenal

2-0: Sunday, 9th August

Did not play.

Arsenal

2-0: Sunday, 9th August

Did not play.

Astra Giurgiu

1-2: Thursday, 6th August

Ok defensively but his distribution is always going to function at a more basic level. Stupid booking.

Astra Giurgiu

2-2: Thursday, 30th July

Ok defensively but his distribution is always going to function at a more basic level. Stupid booking.

Norwich City

1-0: Tuesday, 28th July

Ok defensively but his distribution is always going to function at a more basic level. Stupid booking.

Charlton Athletic

0-0: Saturday, 25th July

Ok defensively but his distribution is always going to function at a more basic level. Stupid booking.

Birkirkara

0-1: Thursday, 23rd July

Ok defensively but his distribution is always going to function at a more basic level. Stupid booking.

Birkirkara

1-0: Thursday, 16th July

(Replaced Cole)

FC Lusitanos

3-0: Thursday, 2nd July

(Replaced Cole) On when Cole had to be withdrawn with less than 10 minutes to play. No chance to make an impression.

2014/15 Match Notes & Ratings

Newcastle United

0-2: Sunday, 24th May

(Replaced Cole) On when Cole had to be withdrawn with less than 10 minutes to play. No chance to make an impression.

Everton

1-2: Saturday, 16th May

(Replaced Cole) On when Cole had to be withdrawn with less than 10 minutes to play. No chance to make an impression.

Aston Villa

0-1: Saturday, 9th May

Another solid game in the centre, although there were one or two agricultural clearances.

Burnley

1-0: Saturday, 2nd May

A solid, reassuring presence in the backline at the moment.

Burnley

1-0: Saturday, 2nd May

As the boss (whose seat is a little closer to the action than mine is) pointed out he spent the whole match talking to young Burke. Solid defensively.

Queens Park Rangers

0-0: Saturday, 25th April

I wonder, does even he know why he had his hands in the air? That aside, he had a good game; importantly, he seemed to take on the mantle of 'senior pro' quite naturally, and seemed to do a good job of talking to Burke throughout.

Manchester City

0-2: Sunday, 19th April

(Replaced Cole) On when Cole had to be withdrawn with less than 10 minutes to play. No chance to make an impression.

Stoke City

1-1: Saturday, 11th April

An agricultural week this week for sure, after 2 MotMs. Some definite hoofs & fluffed clearances, though he otherwise defended stoutly enough.

Leicester City

1-2: Saturday, 4th April

Nothing flash, nothing rash, well worth a MotM accolade today.

Sunderland

1-0: Saturday, 21st March

Man of the Match.

Arsenal

0-3: Saturday, 14th March

Like O'Brien, prone to rash challenges but, as the only bona fide DC today, did a good job, both in his own game and in trying to marshal the defence.

Chelsea

0-1: Wednesday, 4th March

Crystal Palace

1-3: Saturday, 28th February

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-2: Sunday, 22nd February

(Replaced Cole) On when Cole had to be withdrawn with less than 10 minutes to play. No chance to make an impression.

Hull City

3-0: Sunday, 18th January

At half time, I had him down for Man of the Match. Saved Tomkins at least three times, never mind doing his own fair share. But then had to go off as a precaution. Still nearly MotM!

Hull City

3-0: Sunday, 18th January

One of the few that seemed ok in the first half, which made his injury slightly more annoying than usual.

Hull City

3-0: Sunday, 18th January

Took a knee to the back shortly before half time and despite coming out for the second period, was replaced within four minutes.

Everton

2-2: Tuesday, 13th January

Very nearly MotM, except that he had a huge handful of Lukaku's shirt on 80 minutes, which gave Mirallas the opportunity to equalise. Copybook duly blotted.

Everton

2-2: Tuesday, 13th January

Put in a real shift and had a great game, but blotted his copybook by giving away the free kick which led to Mirallas' goal.

Swansea

1-1: Saturday, 10th January

As always, put his head in where it hurts. Unfortunately, a minor injury sustained during one such challenge rendered him a bystander as Swansea scored.

Swansea

1-1: Saturday, 10th January

Another fine performance, good blocks and came very close to 2 goals in as many games.

Everton

1-1: Tuesday, 6th January

A defender getting MotM is a bit of a rarity this season. Ginge just about deserves it today, and not only for novelty value!

Everton

1-1: Tuesday, 6th January

Pretty dreadful before the break, pretty awesome thereafter - and the goal is worth an extra point.

West Bromwich Albion

1-1: Thursday, 1st January

Not your typical Collins game. He's fine when facing a barrage but troubled by pace. His insistence on backing away from his man played a major part in Albion's goal.

Arsenal

1-2: Sunday, 28th December

Did not play.

Chelsea

0-2: Friday, 26th December

Rather AWOL for Chelsea's first, but not a bad game.

Leicester City

2-0: Saturday, 20th December

Did well shoring up things.

Sunderland

1-1: Saturday, 13th December

Did well shoring up things.

Sunderland

1-1: Saturday, 13th December

Did well shoring up things.

Swansea

3-1: Sunday, 7th December

Did what he always does, but only on for 10 minutes.

Swansea

3-1: Sunday, 7th December

Did well shoring up things.

West Bromwich Albion

2-1: Tuesday, 2nd December

(Replaced Amalfitano) No scares or alarms from Ginge in his 30 minutes.

West Bromwich Albion

2-1: Tuesday, 2nd December

(Replaced Amalfitano) Slotted in at the back to do what James Collins does best - throw himself in front of everything that comes his way. For the role he was asked to perform tonight, there is nobody better.

Newcastle United

1-0: Saturday, 29th November

Safe game today, no great alarms. Great tackle on Perez on the hour worth a mention, though!

Newcastle United

1-0: Saturday, 29th November

Allowed Perez a bit too much room early on, but only did it once. Good battling performance.

Everton

1-2: Saturday, 22nd November

Defended solidly for the most part, but it was perfectly obvious what he intended to do to Lukaku and he didn't do it right, which opened the door for their winner.

Aston Villa

0-0: Saturday, 8th November

Another very solid game in the centre of defence.

Aston Villa

0-0: Saturday, 8th November

One silly moment in the second half where he seemed to lose his bearings but otherwise strong.

Manchester City

2-1: Saturday, 25th October

Functional again, who would ask anything more? Brave as always, who could ask anything more? Several key challenges, particularly in the latter stages. A rock upon which City broke...

Manchester City

2-1: Saturday, 25th October

I admit that I'd have picked Tomkins for this had I been fit. I'd have been totally, utterly and completely wrong. As usual. Hopefully they've dropped back into position after the Toure fee-kick. Came close to getting MOTM but for......

Burnley

3-1: Saturday, 18th October

Functional, rather than fancy, as usual. Happily, no rushes of blood or silly mistakes on his return to the starting line up.

Burnley

3-1: Saturday, 18th October

Kept it simple thus avoiding the banana skins to which he can become prone when he starts t take the “Ginger Pele” nickname at face rather than ironic value.

Liverpool

3-1: Saturday, 20th September

(Replaced Valencia) Managed to avoid the faux-pas' that have characterised his recent outings and one thundering but perfectly-timed tackle at the end got the crowd going.

Liverpool

3-1: Saturday, 20th September

(Replaced Valencia) Came on for the final quarter-hour to stiffen the defence. One heart-stopping moment when he went after a loose ball with a long slide, but he won it cleanly and fairly, and that raises him above the standard '5 for a sub'.

Hull City

2-2: Monday, 15th September

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-1: Saturday, 16th August

When you want a block put in he's your man. Unfortunately, his limitations in other scenarios were all to evident in this one.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-1: Saturday, 16th August

Has always been an intermittent liability and cost us badly today. I wasn't impressed with his performance anyway, but picked up two stupid, needless bookings to even the sides up just after the hour.

Tottenham Hotspur

Sampdoria

3-2: Saturday, 9th August

Malaga

0-2: Sunday, 3rd August

Schalke

0-0: Saturday, 2nd August

Sydney FC

1-3: Saturday, 26th July

Wellington Phoenix

1-2: Wednesday, 23rd July

Ipswich Town

0-0: Wednesday, 16th July

Stevenage FC

2-2: Saturday, 12th July

2013/14 Match Notes & Ratings

Manchester City

0-2: Sunday, 11th May

Tottenham Hotspur

2-0: Saturday, 3rd May

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-0: Saturday, 3rd May

Did not play.

West Bromwich Albion

0-1: Saturday, 26th April

Slotted in comfortably when JT departed.

Hull City

2-1: Wednesday, 26th March

Beaten far too easily in the air by Long on four minutes; off injured on eight.

Manchester United

0-2: Saturday, 22nd March

Saved Tomkins' blushes early on, did what he needed to do, but didn't add anything beyond that.

Stoke City

1-3: Saturday, 15th March

Everton

0-1: Saturday, 1st March

Dodgy dead balls aside, defended well, getting head or boot in whenever required.

Southampton

3-1: Saturday, 22nd February

Ok for much of the game but there were two or three rushes of blood that caused problems.

Southampton

3-1: Saturday, 22nd February

Mugged by Ramirez on 65. Otherwise untroubled & uninspired in equal measure.

Norwich City

2-0: Tuesday, 11th February

Nice flick header for the first goal, not overly tested in defence tonight, long balls forward dodgy again.

Aston Villa

2-0: Saturday, 8th February

Booked for an over-optimistic challenge, he was generally solid & untroubled. Long free-kicks were rather erratic.

Swansea City

2-0: Saturday, 1st February

This was his sort of game – sleeves up and battle away. Took an early – and probably deliberate – elbow from Cheato which Webb saw. Simply dabbed a bit of blood off his lip and got on with it. Someone might want to add that bit of footage to Carroll's appeal tape. And show it to those who think Webb is actually a good ref.

Swansea City

2-0: Saturday, 1st February

Solid and untroubled.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-1: Wednesday, 18th December

One of the best games I have seen him have - no mistakes!

Tottenham Hotspur

2-1: Wednesday, 18th December

Captain for the night and led by example. Nearly scored with a cheeky back-pass to Lloris that he saw the funny side of.

Sunderland

0-0: Saturday, 14th December

A bit of a liability for me.

Sunderland

0-0: Saturday, 14th December

A less error strewn run-out than normal, though even allowing for the fact that Altidore was only stood about six yards away he should have cleared him from that distance.

Liverpool

1-4: Saturday, 7th December

Lost Suarez for the third goal to maintain his regular tally of errors. Put in some good challenges and blocks too though.

Crystal Palace

0-1: Tuesday, 3rd December

Still rushes out, still worries me, when is Reid back?

Crystal Palace

0-1: Tuesday, 3rd December

Didn't really do a great deal wrong tonight but still leaves you wondering when the next error is coming.

Chelsea

0-3: Saturday, 23rd November

Oh dear.

Chelsea

0-3: Saturday, 23rd November

Groan. Another defensive lapse costs us.

Norwich City

1-3: Saturday, 9th November

There it is again - that one error per game that too often proves too costly. And he didn't even mean it this time...

Tottenham Hotspur

3-0: Sunday, 6th October

Helped shore up the defence for the final few minutes.

Hull City

0-1: Saturday, 28th September

Did not play.

Everton

2-3: Saturday, 21st September

Solid, despite his one howler a game.

Everton

2-3: Saturday, 21st September

Silly challenge allowed Everton back into the game.

Southampton

0-0: Saturday, 14th September

Played well. Missed a golden chance to win the game.

Stoke City

0-1: Saturday, 31st August

Battled gamely against the chunky Jones. Probably MOTM as the pick of an average bunch.

Newcastle United

0-0: Saturday, 24th August

A mixed bag - Some excellent blocks but some poor decisions.

Pacos de Ferreira

2-1: Saturday, 10th August

Comments to follow...

Eintracht Braunschweig

3-0: Saturday, 27th July

Comments to follow.

Colchester United

2-1: Tuesday, 16th July

Comments to follow...

AFC Bournemouth

2-0: Saturday, 13th July

Comments to follow...

Boreham Wood

3-0: Wednesday, 10th July

Comments to follow...

Cork City

6-2: Sunday, 7th July

Comments to follow.

2012/13 Match Notes & Ratings

Reading

4-2: Sunday, 19th May

Another battling run out for the defender still known as “Ginge” despite the almost complete absence of barnet.

Everton

0-2: Sunday, 12th May

Comments to follow...

Newcastle United

0-0: Saturday, 4th May

Kept Cisse quiet for the most part.

Manchester City

1-2: Saturday, 27th April

Comments to follow...

Wigan Athletic

2-0: Saturday, 20th April

Hard to pick an MOTM for this one where we weren’t at our best but, from a back four who all had decent games he was probably the pick so I’ll give it to him.

Manchester United

2-2: Wednesday, 17th April

Fine performance on a par with the one up at Anfield.

Southampton

1-1: Saturday, 13th April

Comments to follow...

Tottenham Hotspur

2-3: Monday, 25th February

Not sure if it was a good game for Ginge or whether it was Adabeyor making him look good. A bit of both perhaps. Booked while Dembele got away with murder.

Manchester United

2-2: Saturday, 5th January

Two great headers for the goals. Strong in defence where he got some important blocks in.

Everton

1-2: Saturday, 22nd December

Strangely given the MOTM award by the sponsors. Although there were some important interceptions throughout the game there were a number of occasions where he lost his man in the box – the first goal being a case in point.

Chelsea

3-1: Saturday, 1st December

Storming performance – unlucky to be penalised for the disallowed goal.

Manchester City

0-0: Saturday, 3rd November

Basically Ginge had decided pre-match that if the opposition were going to score it wasn’t going to be as a result of a failure on his part to put in a block. His best performance for a while. In a match that was notable for the strength of the team performance it’s difficult to give an MOTM but for me he just shaded it.

Wigan Athletic

1-2: Saturday, 27th October

One fantastically committed challenge in the second half when he looked a distant second best to get there ahead of the forward and gave his all as always. But too often guilty of dispatching the ball as if it was the physical manifestation of some obscure form of medieval witchcraft.

Southampton

4-1: Saturday, 20th October

Generally ok but he did get away with a couple of lapses.

Arsenal

1-3: Saturday, 6th October

Good in the air but yet again slight lapses of concentration proved costly.

Sunderland

1-1: Saturday, 22nd September

Bit of an off day that could have cost us all three points. His sloppy pass gave the ball away and he completely failed to pick up Fletcher for the goal. Can do better.

Norwich City

0-0: Saturday, 15th September

Played very well. Similar to Winston Reid, he won the aerial challenges and defended well (even if he nearly conceded a penalty).

Fulham

3-0: Saturday, 1st September

Back to being Mr No Nonsense. Only troubled once Berbatov entered the fray in the second half, but there won't be many centre halves over the years who haven't been.

Fulham

3-0: Saturday, 1st September

Much-improved from last week’s disaster. Partnered up well with Reid and showed a fine sense of anticipation throughout the match.

Swansea City

0-3: Saturday, 25th August

Looked a different player from the one who was a class above everyone else last week. As well as making an error for the goal, he struggled against the Swansea style of play and generally looked uncomfortable. It seems safe to conclude that aerially, he can deal with most players, but when teams try through the defense, he looks nowhere near as comfortable.

Aston Villa

1-0: Saturday, 18th August

Outstanding. The sponsors gave him MOTM and, for once I’m inclined to agree.

2011/12 Match Notes & Ratings

James Collins did not play for West Ham during this season.

2010/11 Match Notes & Ratings

James Collins did not play for West Ham during this season.

2009/10 Match Notes & Ratings

Blackburn Rovers

0-0: Saturday, 29th August

Some great headers and tackles in what could be his Hammers swansong.

Millwall

3-1: Tuesday, 25th August

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-2: Sunday, 23rd August

Another decent showing for the hopefully staying Welshman.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-2: Sunday, 23rd August

Another decent showing for the hopefully staying Welshman.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

2-0: Saturday, 15th August

Won just about everything in the air. And on the ground.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

2-0: Saturday, 15th August

Won just about everything in the air. And on the ground.

2008/09 Match Notes & Ratings

Sunderland

2-0: Saturday, 4th April

(Replaced Spector, 73 mins) Looked a little ring-rusty following his absence. Good clearance at the death to spare the keeper’s blushes though.

Bolton Wanderers

1-2: Saturday, 21st February

Was taken off after only 15 minutes so it is unfair to give him a rating.

Middlesbrough

1-1: Saturday, 14th February

fault for the goal but was generally solid.

Middlesbrough

1-1: Saturday, 14th February

Out of sorts and lost concentration a couple of times – one of which as the goal.

Middlesbrough

1-1: Saturday, 14th February

Out of sorts and lost concentration a couple of times – one of which as the goal.

Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 8th February

Managed to get in the way of most things thrown at him.

Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 8th February

Maybe the corner given away before the goal was a tad unnecessary, but other than that he barely put a foot wrong.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 31st January

Superb. Immense in the air and got in block after block after block.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 31st January

Superb. Immense in the air and got in block after block after block.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 31st January

Put his body in the way of numerous shots on target. Also headed off the line when Green found himself out of his goal.

Hull City

2-0: Wednesday, 28th January

Dealt competently with everything that came to him.

Hartlepool United

2-0: Saturday, 24th January

Commanding performance from this much improved player.

Fulham

3-1: Sunday, 18th January

He is developing a very good partnership with Upson. So far his lack of speed is not causing him any real problems.

Newcastle United

2-2: Saturday, 10th January

Slipped at the vital moment for their first goal but dealt with anything in the air with ease.

Barnsley

3-0: Saturday, 3rd January

Solid – though it has to be said that his pairing with Tomkins didn’t quite look like a partnership in the same way as his pairing with Upson does.

Stoke City

2-1: Sunday, 28th December

At fault big time for the goal when he left Fuller unattended. Otherwise coped well with Delap’s throws.

Stoke City

2-1: Sunday, 28th December

At fault big time for the goal when he left Fuller unattended. Otherwise coped well with Delap’s throws.

Portsmouth

0-0: Saturday, 15th November

Same as Upson. Kept Crouch quiet. Had a battle to keep up with Defoe.

Portsmouth

0-0: Saturday, 15th November

Same as Upson. Kept Crouch quiet. Had a battle to keep up with Defoe.

Everton

1-3: Saturday, 8th November

Was having a decent game until he spoilt it with his lapse of concentration for the first goal.

Everton

1-3: Saturday, 8th November

Was having a decent game until he spoilt it with his lapse of concentration for the first goal.

Middlesbrough

1-1: Saturday, 1st November

A decent performance – the free-kick that led to the goal was harsh and he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet from a first half set piece.

2007/08 Match Notes & Ratings

Fulham

2-1: Saturday, 12th January

Did not play.

Manchester City

0-0: Saturday, 5th January

Did not play.

Manchester City

0-0: Saturday, 5th January

Did not play.

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 15th December

Good in parts but had a couple of aberrations at either end.

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 15th December

Yakubu got the better of him several times and he looked ring rusty and cumbersome after a long time out with injury. He would probably have hoped to return in a less taxing fixture.

Chelsea

0-1: Saturday, 1st December

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Saturday, 24th November

Did not play.

Derby County

5-0: Saturday, 10th November

(replaced Bowyer, 72) On for a few minutes at the end. Good to see him a) play and b) not get injured in the few minutes he was on.

Derby County

5-0: Saturday, 10th November

(replaced Bowyer, 72) On for a few minutes at the end. Good to see him a) play and b) not get injured in the few minutes he was on.

Aston Villa

0-1: Saturday, 6th October

Did not play.

Aston Villa

0-1: Saturday, 6th October

Did not play.

Middlesbrough

3-0: Saturday, 15th September

Generally sound although he was another one who was guilty of offside antics from time to time.

Bristol Rovers

2-1: Tuesday, 28th August

(replaced McCartney, 62) Another decent run-out for the Ginger pele who must be close to a first team call-up.

2006/07 Match Notes & Ratings

Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 13th May

Continued his awesome form of recent weeks by doing it against the best. Ridiculously booked for winning the cleanest of tackles.

Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 13th May

Continued his awesome form of recent weeks by doing it against the best. Ridiculously booked for winning the cleanest of tackles.

Bolton Wanderers

3-1: Saturday, 5th May

Another good strong match from our resident Swan Vesta impersonator who looked like he enjoyed every minute.

Bolton Wanderers

3-1: Saturday, 5th May

Another good strong match from our resident Swan Vesta impersonator who looked like he enjoyed every minute.

Wigan Athletic

3-0: Saturday, 28th April

Despite being a tad slow on the ground, his aerial ability is invaluable in this kind of fixture.

Wigan Athletic

3-0: Saturday, 28th April

Despite being a tad slow on the ground, his aerial ability is invaluable in this kind of fixture.

Everton

1-0: Saturday, 21st April

Excellent match. The last ditch tackle on Beattie was superb.

Everton

1-0: Saturday, 21st April

Excellent match. The last ditch tackle on Beattie was superb.

Arsenal

1-0: Saturday, 7th April

Won lots of headers and made some vital interceptions and blocks. Crucially, he stayed on his feet when one on one with his back to goal.

Arsenal

1-0: Saturday, 7th April

Won lots of headers and made some vital interceptions and blocks. Crucially, he stayed on his feet when one on one with his back to goal.

Middlesbrough

2-0: Saturday, 31st March

A no nonsense defensive performance from a man whose full fitness could have made a difference this year.

Middlesbrough

2-0: Saturday, 31st March

Kept it simple throughout - any threat was instantly dismissed; text-book defending, you might say. He will retain his place in the side with more performances like it - if he can stay fit.

Blackburn Rovers

2-1: Saturday, 17th March

Despite being responsible for losing his marker for the goal, Collins was probably the pick of the defenders on show - despite some poor distribution at times. If only he could stay fit ...

Blackburn Rovers

Fulham

3-3: Saturday, 13th January

A gamble to play him, surely? Did not pay off either.

Fulham

3-3: Saturday, 13th January

Clearly not fit. A centre half appears a must after today.

Fulham

3-3: Saturday, 13th January

Clearly not fit. A centre half appears a must after today.

Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 17th December

Won just about everything. Got blocks in. Got Tackles in. Rooney? Who?

Everton

0-2: Sunday, 3rd December

Did what he was asked to do. Promising considering lack of opportunities this season.

Everton

0-2: Sunday, 3rd December

Strong in the air, but backed off too much.

Liverpool

1-2: Saturday, 26th August

Did not play.

Liverpool

1-2: Saturday, 26th August

Did not play.

Watford

1-1: Tuesday, 22nd August

Seemed to relish the aerial battle and won more than his fair share of headers.

Watford

1-1: Tuesday, 22nd August

Just about the pick of the three centre-halfs on show tonight, Collins - in for his first game of the season - increased his reputation further with a decent display. Earned the biggest (non goal-related) cheer of the night for a diving (and somewhat dramatic) headed clearance in the first-half.

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