For West Ham United’s board of Gold and Sullivan, most things are turning around but the one that still gives them the most scrutiny and headaches from the fans is the handling of club hero James Collins.
The now-retired James Collins was a servant for the club for just over 10 years. First, when he came from Cardiff in 2005 until 2009 and then again in 2012 from Aston Villa. Collins remained at West Ham until 2018 when the club chose not to resign him and sent him out.
In his 11 years at the club, Ginger Pele played in 214 matches with 188 of them being in the Premier League. That number places him 4th on the list for all-time appearances in the EPL for the Hammers.
The love he receives from the fans comes from the above-mentioned appearances but for so much more. His grit, passion, determination, and love to play for the badge are just some of the things that have made him a favorite among the fans.
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The news of Collins returning to the club is a bittersweet one for sure. Just as fans have welcomed these reports, most are still angry with the owners and how they treated the Welshman when his contract ran out over the summer last season.
In the same report by talkSPORT, it was reported that Collins, as well as others from the club, were notified that they would not be receiving a contract extension. Just as that news settled in the hearts of Hammers fans worldwide, something new came up.
Ginger Pele told BBC Sport last week in an interview that he “would have liked to have said goodbyes” before leaving the club he served for 10 years and with that, the anger came right back. With the wound opened back up, it has been welcoming for West Ham fans to hear the news of his potential return as a club ambassador.
️⚽️ On the latest #EJFOF podcast, former Wales and West Ham defender James Collins tells @elisjames, @Gabbidon35 and @iwanwroberts about the moment he left the Premier League club#WHUFC pic.twitter.com/Txf6f3AWLi
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 26, 2019
Both Football insider and West Ham ITK, ExWHUemployee report that club owners Sullivan and Gold are “working to smooth relations with Collins” with the idea it to invite him to a game in order to appear on the pitch at half-time and say his goodbyes.
This all sounds good and well, but is it too little too late? Let us know by commenting below or reaching out to the staff on Twitter and Facebook.
For some maybe yes and for others, this might just be what is needed for the club hero. Collins has yet to agree to either, but if and when he does accept, you will all get the chance to sing “We’ve got Pele, Ginger Pele” once more.