James Collins has now shared the conversations he had with Paul Warne before signing a new Derby County contract.
Tuesday was by far Derby’s busiest day of the summer transfer window as the club made plenty of announcements.
The Rams completed the signings of released Ipswich Town striker Kayden Jackson while Jerry Yates joined on loan from Championship side Swansea City.
Derby also finally announced the contract decisions of two important players. Whilst Louie Sibley has chosen to leave Pride Park after 14 years at the club, top scorer James Collins signed a new one-year extension.
Collins scored 19 goals in all competitions last term – including 14 in the league – as the Republic of Ireland sharpshooter helped fire the Rams back into the Championship.
James Collins explains why he signed new Derby County contract
Collins signing a new contract left many Derby fans divided. Although his performances last season perhaps warranted an extension, the forward is approaching the twilight years of his career at 33 and is no longer a Championship-level striker to some.
Nonetheless, after having conversations with Warne over a new contract, the veteran forward always knew he wanted to stay, claiming the club is close to his heart while dropping praise for his teammates, the training ground and supporters.
Speaking to Derby’s official website, Collins said: “I’m really happy. With the way last season went, and then the conversations I had with Paul Warne, I always wanted to stay.
“This club is really close to my heart now. The lads are great here, the training ground and the stadium are fantastic, and I have a good rapport with the fans. I’m really excited to see what next year is going to bring.”
James Collins role at Derby in the Championship
Collins led the line for Derby in League One and ultimately helped the Rams earn promotion by scoring some crucial goals.
Following the additions of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates, Warne now has four strikers to pick from, including Conor Washington.
Yates and Jackson will likely battle for the starting spot, leaving Collins and Washington scrapping it out for the third choice.
In the Championship last term, Yates scored eight goals for Swansea City whilst Jackson played the role of super sub for Ipswich on their way to promotion.
The two striker signings offer an abundance of pace, pressing, athleticism and physicality to their front line as Warne will aim to stretch defences in behind and play on the counterattack.
Collins signing a one-year extension was a reward for his contribution to last year’s promotion success, although he may now have to accept playing a bit-part role in the second tier.
The post 'The conversations...': James Collins now explains why he decided to sign new deal at Derby County appeared first on Derby County News.
