The summer rebuild at West Ham has begun and it’s meant that fans have had to wave goodbye to one of their favourites at the club.
The Hammers confirmed that Wales international James Collins, who turns 35 in August, will leave the London Stadium when his contract expires at the end of June.
Collins gave 11 years of service to the east London side during two different spells with the club and is affectionately dubbed ‘the ginger Pele’, winning over fans with fine defensive displays and a number of crucial goals.
While some wanted to see Collins remain at the London Stadium, suggesting a coaching role would be a good move, West Ham have elected not to explore such an option and the veteran will have to look elsewhere to continue his career.
After the news was confirmed by West Ham, fans were quick to share their views on the situation on social media – with many calling for a testimonial to be played in his honour.
https://twitter.com/hevans111/status/999704101284929537
https://twitter.com/WilliamCaswel18/status/999745796940673025
https://twitter.com/KevinTrivett1/status/999740795543470080
Thanks for everything, you gave absolutely everything every time you pulled on that shirt⚒⚒⚒⚒#GINGERPELE
— Luke (@LukeWHUFC1895) May 24, 2018
You need to give him a testimonial guys, he deserves that at the least. #onlyonegingerpele #ThanksGinge
— Dan ⚒ (@danwestham1) May 24, 2018
Absolutely disgusted, I’m 62 years old and I’ve supported West Ham my whole life as all of my family have and still do but I’m ashamed to call myself a fan now. Do the decent thing and give the man a testimonial ⚒
— JanG (@specialjan54) May 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/WilliamJ_Hunt/status/999781282749009920
https://twitter.com/SWham_/status/999639013089861632
https://twitter.com/WHUmiklosko/status/999637841788497920
https://twitter.com/MrPatrick999/status/999637270792720384
https://twitter.com/spottycunt/status/999636149709819906
