James Collins set to work even more closely with first-team as coach

James Collins has told the club’s official web-site that he has improved as a coach during his first 12 months with the first-team squad. The club’s first-team coach was promoted from the Academy last season to work more closely with manager Steve Davis and assistant manager Neil Baker, whilst also continuing his work with the Development Squad.

Collins is expected to work more closely with the first team this coming season and the former Crewe Alexandra midfielder is looking forward to the challenge.

Collins told the club’s official web-site: “I have learned a great deal from working at first team level and being around Steve and Neil.

“When you are in the Academy, you don’t have to worry too much about contracts, loan signings or budgets. When you are the first team you can see that things are more difficult. It is not easy and as a small club in this league it is extra hard.

“What we do well at this club is work hard to give ourselves an extra edge. We have to work hard to compete against clubs who have massive budgets compared to ours. I think we run our club the right way. We don’t have a financial backer who is suddenly going to come in and plough millions into the club.

“How long does that last? You never know when he will take his money out or sell up? I think we are based on more solid foundations than that.

He added: The ideal thing for me is to work with the first-team. Last season I was working 50/50 with the Academy and it was time consuming but I’ve spoken to Steve and the chairman and it will be more 80/20 in favour of the first team this season. That is the direction I am heading and it is a challenge I am looking forward to.”