Should West Ham Really Give James Collins A New Contract?

The 34-year-old defender’s current deal expires at the end of this season

- Lucy Woolford

James ‘Ginge’ Collins is a Hammers’ fan favourite, there’s no debating that.

Currently in his second spell in claret and blue, the Welsh international has shown the qualities over the years that endear him to West Ham fans, managers and owners alike.

But at 34 years old, he’s no spring chicken. Premier League football is unforgiving for defenders and as the Hammers add to their aging back-line, the question of whether Collins’ contract should be renewed in the summer has to be asked – and the answers are to be debated.

The defender has just shy of 200 league appearances for West Ham, something that is to be celebrated.

It also can’t be said that he didn’t put his all into most of those games. Yes, there have been mistakes made but he’s only human.

Before our game against Swansea, the ‘Ginger Pele’ had played in 11 games and all bar one he has put in 90 minutes.

Collins was forced off due to injury against West Brom back in September and subsequently missed 12 league games with an ankle problem.

In terms of time in the treatment room, Collins seems to have picked up a pattern of suffering from one significant injury per season.

Some may say that’s not too bad for a West Ham defender, especially one who puts his body on the line so often.