James Collins Jnr will now be officially known as James Collins after parting ways with Aston Villa and indeed his namesake centre-back (not that they were involved in any kind of civil partnership). The young striker has spent the last two months on loan at Paul Peschisolido’s League 2 outfit Burton Albion who were hoping to seal his signature on a permanent basis after some impressive performances. James has always been a good goalscorer at academy and reserves level and took that form into his loan deal, scoring 5 in 10 starts. Despite the club wanting to retain his services until at least the end of the season, they have been pipped to the post by league rivals Shrewsbury who have signed the 20-year-old on an 18 month contract. Burton manager Paul Peschisolido spoke of his disappointment at missing Collins capture, stating:
“Jimmy looks like he will be joining Shrewsbury and that is a real kick in the nuts because he has done ever so well for us during the time he was here.
“He is a great lad that showed great promise, but unfortunately for us Shrewsbury have jumped in before we could and snapped him up.
“We will just have to get on with it and look elsewhere for another striker.”
The deal might surprise some follower’s of the youth and reserve ranks at the club as the forward looked a real prospect at times and I for one am sure he will be rising from the likes of League 2 football sooner rather than later. Good luck to you James!
