Collins thanks City for backing after contract extension triggered

James Collins contract extension
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James Collins has thanked City for their backing after the club triggered an option to extend his contract until the summer of 2027 - and promised to play his part helping the club have a successful second half of the season. 

The experienced forward is recovering from surgery following a serious knee injury suffered in the Vertu Trophy game against Huddersfield Town in early December, with his rehab process expected to go into next season. 

He said: “I couldn't be more thankful for the way everyone at the club, the owners and coaching staff have shown faith in me by extending my contract.  

“I particularly want to thank the medical department for their unbelievable support and care since my injury. They have all gone above and beyond to help me. 

"I've never been out of contract nor had a long-term injury before, and what would happen this summer was the first thing I thought of. So the club taking all that worry away from me and allowing me to concentrate on my rehab and not rush it is massive. 

“The fact they have done that, for me, shows what a good club Lincoln City is and how they do right by their players. My family and I will be forever thankful for how they've gone about their business after the injury – this gives me a chance to fully concentrate on my recovery without that worry of what would happen at the end of the season.” 

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Collins has hit 16 senior goals for the Imps across 45 appearances since moving to Lincolnshire last January, and although he cannot feature on the pitch again this season to increase that tally he is ready to support his team-mates. 

He added: “I will do anything the club need me to do, whatever that looks like.  

“I love coming in every day and seeing the lads in good spirits. I love being a part of that, and if I can help off the pitch this season to help us achieve what we want to, then I'm all-in.” 

Sporting director Jez George added: “We pride ourselves as a club on how we look after players and, in this case, we feel it is the right thing to offer James and his family this security.  

“Twelve months ago we were in a very different league position following a very different Christmas and New Year.  We needed James and he committed to us.  Now James needs us and it is our turn to show commitment to him. This decision enables him to take his time with his rehab so that he gets back on the pitch next season doing what he does best: scoring goals. 

“James is a hugely influential character within the group, so despite not being on the pitch he can still have a massive impact on our season through his personality every day at the training ground.” 

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