Nathan Collins D Brentford b.2001

[seanfhear]

the common line at the time was that he was seen, rightly or wrongly, as just too short to be a keeper at a "top" club. He never really let us down during his prime years possibly with the exception of declaring himself fit for Euro 2012 when he really wasn't and then playing pretty disastrously.
It was a bit strange that one of the Big Clubs did Not take a chance on him all the same. I reckon Newcastle would not have been all that hard to tempt with Harper as back up. It’s not as if a big club couldn’t have taken a chance on him for a season or two. They obviously didn’t think he was worth the gamble ! !

[SkStu]

It was a bit strange that one of the Big Clubs did Not take a chance on him all the same. I reckon Newcastle would not have been all that hard to tempt with Harper as back up. It’s not as if a big club couldn’t have taken a chance on him for a season or two. They obviously didn’t think he was worth the gamble ! !

I agree with you. I think he was a fantastic keeper and worthy of a bigger platform than what he enjoyed at Newcastle (where, on the flip side, he is a bona fide club legend). But if you consider ManU, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to be the big clubs during his time with Newcastle, he would have faced some stiff competition (Lehman, Cech, Van de Sar off the top of my head). Not bad being considered best of the rest.

[ColourfulPeanut]

Shay played in an FA Cup final and 61 times in Europe for Newcastle. I'm not sure how much of a bigger platform he was going to get. Newcastle in his peak were in and around the top 5 for a few years.

[Razors left peg]

Big clubs will wait another couple of years once the price tag has probably tripled before looking at him most likely and thinking he's a decent player that lad. United wouldn't even spend the measly 12 to 15m for him even though CB is a position of concern for them for years now.

I could be wrong but I thought Burnley paid around 15 Million for him from Stoke. I suspect they'll be looking for 25 -30 million now

[JR89]

I could be wrong but I thought Burnley paid around 15 Million for him from Stoke. I suspect they'll be looking for 25 -30 million now

Think it was 12m with add ons that could bring it to 15m. Hopefully he has a relegation clause Maxwel Cornet in his contract and stops Burnley from pricing him out of any move if one was to happen.

[John83]

I agree with you. I think he was a fantastic keeper and worthy of a bigger platform than what he enjoyed at Newcastle (where, on the flip side, he is a bona fide club legend). But if you consider ManU, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to be the big clubs during his time with Newcastle, he would have faced some stiff competition (Lehman, Cech, Van de Sar off the top of my head). Not bad being considered best of the rest.
But also Almunia, Tim Howard, Taibi, and Dudek among many others. Some decent, some awful.

[SkStu]

Yeah, with the exception of Dudek though who was good and bad in equal parts, most of them didn’t last very long at their respective clubs and were quickly replaced with better. If your point is that he’d have done better than those you listed, then I’d agree.

For the most part, he was in competition with some of the best talent around to earn a move and starting spot with one of the top 4 back in the late 90’s/00’s. It was a tough spot and he was best of the rest really. Nothing to be sniffed at.

[Eirambler]

Given definitely had his weaknesses and looking back at it I can see why none of the big hitters ever went in for him. Firstly he was not a commanding keeper in terms of crosses, corners etc., Secondly he was not great with the ball at his feet, thirdly some of his wonder saves were simply a case of him making up for his lack of height, I often thought a 6 foot 3 or 6 foot 4 keeper would have made many of those saves with a lot less fuss but Given had a habit of making them look like world class saves because he was small for a keeper.

Put all that together and I think there were too many flaws for him ever to get a bigger move than he got. An excellent premier league standard keeper, no question, but not someone who was good enough to get a move to a Chelsea or Arsenal or whoever as a starter.

[dynamo kerry]

As an Arsenal fan for years, I'd have to concur with that. Loved the good times Wenger brought, but if you step back and analyse his whole contribution over the 20 years or so, he inherited a very strong back four.. and made them even better by convincing them to come off the sauce... identified brilliant, and cheap young French players like Viera, Anelka, Petit, Pires, Henry, Wiltord, who backboned a WC & EC winning side... but beyond 2006, when they were unlucky not to win the CL, he was never able to compete in the transfer market again.. with the stadium repayments, and then first Chelsea, then City raking in the State millions

But back to Collins.. still think he'd make a great centre half for Arsenal


I doubt collins is going anywhere. Mee is gone now as well. burnley may need to balance the books but some of their wage issues are walking out the door. Collins and Long are their main CB pairing now which maybe is fine for the Championship... I Can't see them cashing in on collins if they have any aspirations of going back to the PL in the next 2 years.

[Razors left peg]

We have a great habit on here of over estimating young players sometimes. Im often more guilty of it than most....Thinking Aaron Connolly was going to be the next Aguero was probably my worst ever take! But now I think the opposite might be happening with 2 of our young players, Bazunu and Collins.

I'll be absolutely shocked if someone doesn't snap up Collins. At 30 Million he would be a steal. The fact that at 20, with only 19 games in the Premiership all season, he got a nomination for player of the month. This is a lad with no experience, that we are always told is vital for a center half. He's huge, was mobile enough to play full back for a time at Stoke, was also captain of Stoke at the age of 18 which shows his leadership and hes also good on the ball.

I genuinely believe that barring injuries he will be 100% be a world class center half in the coming years. I wouldnt be shocked to see someone like Dortmund take him with their record of signing young players, but if hes playing in the Championship next season I think it is major scouting f'up by a lot of clubs.

[JR89]

I doubt collins is going anywhere. Mee is gone now as well. burnley may need to balance the books but some of their wage issues are walking out the door. Collins and Long are their main CB pairing now which maybe is fine for the Championship... I Can't see them cashing in on collins if they have any aspirations of going back to the PL in the next 2 years.

Burnley fans think he'll be off, with or without a release clause. Some joking, or probably half joking with Burnley's finances that Vincent Kompany himself could get a game if he takes the job.

Man City youngster that played with Anderlecht and Stoke last season, Taylor Jay Harwood-Bellis, is linked with a loan to Burnley and was also linked with a move to Celtic before that.

[third policeman]

Completely agree with that and for the same reason he should be a nailed on regular starter for us at this stage. I know there is this affection for Duffy because of his obvious commitment to the cause and knack of getting goals during the period when we seemed to forget where the opposition net was, but (as soon as he's fit) Omabamdele Collins and Egan have to be our first choice back three.

[Razors left peg]

Completely agree with that and for the same reason he should be a nailed on regular starter for us at this stage. I know there is this affection for Duffy because of his obvious commitment to the cause and knack of getting goals during the period when we seemed to forget where the opposition net was, but (as soon as he's fit) Omabamdele Collins and Egan have to be our first choice back three.

O'Shea will be pushing Egan for that spot too as much as I love Egan. We forget how good O'Shea was before he got that injury

[seanfhear]

O'Shea will be pushing Egan for that spot too as much as I love Egan. We forget how good O'Shea was before he got that injury
How much of a loss was O’Shea to West Brom this season ~ ~ I say a Big Loss.

[JR89]

How much of a loss was O’Shea to West Brom this season ~ ~ I say a Big Loss.

Massive, for the five or six games before he got injured he was the highest rated defender in the league. Though West Brom had bigger problems namely having no midfleld being the top issue. Gardener-Hickman ended up starting a bunch of games in midfield and he was a RB they put in midfield because of suspensions I believe.

[John83]

Completely agree with that and for the same reason he should be a nailed on regular starter for us at this stage. I know there is this affection for Duffy because of his obvious commitment to the cause and knack of getting goals during the period when we seemed to forget where the opposition net was, but (as soon as he's fit) Omabamdele Collins and Egan have to be our first choice back three.
I rate all of O'Shea, Collins and Obamadele, but there's not need to dismiss Duffy and Egan yet. Duffy in particular had a decent season for a middling team in the Premiership - and if that sounds underwhelming, none of the younger lads have done it yet - and part of Ireland rediscovering where the net is has been his goals from corners. There's room to rotate them all as the younger three build up experience; Obamadele and O'Shea have had serious injuries this year too.

[Olé Olé]

O'Sh. a coasted through Championship when WBA went back down. He had a few goals and all. That injury looked dreadful at the time too. Not on a par with Coleman v Wales but I haven't seen an injury worse since that. It's a testament to the lad that he came back before the season is over and maybe the time it took him getting up his levels implies that he came back a little early? Either way, I hope and I think he can do himself justice this window and that he starts off next season as well as the one just gone.

[irishfan86]

Interesting piece here on Collins, talking about his comfort in midfield and playing there at youth level.

He’s brilliant to have at the back but given how dire our midfield is at times (Cullen excepted), I wonder if it would be worth trying him out there? I appreciate some of us might be gun shy given the failed Christie experiment but I think this would be different:

https://www.the42.ie/nathan-collins-6-5791345-Jun2022/

[John83]

Christie has a very different skillset. We've had good centre halves who could play midfield before, though not in a while. The bould Rice made that move at an older age than Collins only a few years back. Ideally, his club would do the experimenting, lowering the risk for us.

[Eirambler]

I always think with these situations - if we are lucky enough to produce a world class centre back can we not just play him as a centre back and get the best out of him that way?

Cullen is an excellent sitting midfielder and we have Coventry and Kilkenny coming through there also, so there's probably no need to move Collins anywhere.

[lofty9]

I always think with these situations - if we are lucky enough to produce a world class centre back can we not just play him as a centre back and get the best out of him that way?

Cullen is an excellent sitting midfielder and we have Coventry and Kilkenny coming through there also, so there's probably no need to move Collins anywhere.


Brings memories of Lawrenson and McGrath playing midfield for Ireland very well. Agree to play him in his CB role and get the best out of it. Imagine the meltdown if Kenny played him in midfield!

[JR89]

I wouldn't mind seeing him in a friendly game get some minutes there but more so to see could he fill in there in an emergency. Say Cullen goes off hurt late in the game and you've got no subs left so push Collins up and make it four at the back.

Do believe he should be that centre player in a back three going forward as he's much more comfortable on the ball. Played there for Burnley vs Spurs and received the ball on the halfway line and dribbled into the final third when he saw space to do it and played Cornet through on goals with a lovely pass.
https://youtu.be/dxGVrMHHFaQ

Wouldn't be trying to change him into a midfielder though and believe the same was said about Omobamidele after September's games.

[John83]

Wouldn't be trying to change him into a midfielder though and believe the same was said about Omobamidele after September's games.
A certain Argentinian poster was suggesting it of O'Shea more frequently than I was eating hot meals at one point.

These ideas are tempting because we're relatively stacked at centre half. Still, I see no harm in speculating. A player's best position can evolve over time. I generally think it's best to see what their clubs do with them because they see much more of them and have time to experiment.

[Diggs246]

A certain Argentinian poster was suggesting it of O'Shea more frequently than I was eating hot meals at one point.

These ideas are tempting because we're relatively stacked at centre half. Still, I see no harm in speculating. A player's best position can evolve over time. I generally think it's best to see what their clubs do with them because they see much more of them and have time to experiment.

"Argentinian" your too kind ..he's from templeogue and girlfriend-less

[John83]

"Argentinian" your too kind ..he's from templeogue and girlfriend-less
His IP address is Argentinian, so if it's a bit then he's really committed to it.

[Olé Olé]

Good interview with his father on Off The Ball. He basically admits that he always knew Nathan was special. Didn't say how special but just said that he would train years above in Cherry Orchard and never looked out of place. Speaks admiringly about his talent and determination and workrate. He's dumbfound! Also said that if he can't go to a match then he doesn't watch it on telly. So he couldn't go to Lodz, didn't watch the match and his phone was absolutely hopping after the goal but he didn't want to look at that either! Interesting insight into how they selected Stoke and that Ipswich was the other club they were looking at, even though everyone was in.

[Eirambler]

Interesting interview, you can see that Nathan has an advantage over other young players coming from a family that have been involved in football for so long and have seen the pitfalls first hand.

Sounds like he would have gone to Ipswich if they hadn't sacked Mick McCarthy. That was about 10 million quid Ipswich threw away there.

[Insidetherock]

Interesting interview, you can see that Nathan has an advantage over other young players coming from a family that have been involved in football for so long and have seen the pitfalls first hand.

Sounds like he would have gone to Ipswich if they hadn't sacked Mick McCarthy. That was about 10 million quid Ipswich threw away there.

Yeah, great interview.

Having a family member who's seen it/done it, before was a huge help all right. Plus was interesting to hear the part where he said Nathan played in teams that got hockeyed six and eight nil, and learned from those games. Put me in mind of so many teams who's coaches have no interest in a team that might get beat badly.

Definitely someone at Ipswich kicking themselves after hearing that

[tetsujin1979]

The interview is on YouTube
kuwFX83gM3Q

[Diggs246]

His IP address is Argentinian, so if it's a bit then he's really committed to it.

He's committed alright tbf!
His regularly drops character in his posts. Where its clear he is a native English speaker using Dublin slang.
If i had to guess he has manipulated his IP, he's living with his mum and likes dungeons & dragons

[tetsujin1979]

He's committed alright tbf!
His regularly drops character in his posts. Where its clear he is a native English speaker using Dublin slang.
If i had to guess he has manipulated his IP, he's living with his mum and likes dungeons & dragons

You just described actor Michael B Jordan. Apart from the manipulating IP part, I'm not sure of his networking admin skills

[Razors left peg]

His IP address is Argentinian, so if it's a bit then he's really committed to it.

A VPN is easy to switch on. I use one all the time to use the RTE player for example. Takes about 10 seconds but it definitely takes a strange mind to continue the bit so long.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Hi I am a professor engaged too, worked in Suisse years ago, and a true peronist. About Collins and O'Shea yes I would have them for midfield, I wouldn't discard Duffy nor Egan, Egan is better but Duffy is a set pieces weapon too. Don't play the dungeons and dragons and don't know any Dublin slang at all, I speak rioplatense Spanish as in Buenos Aires province and Uruguay as a whole. That Collins is Barça worthy, reminds me Lawrenson!!

[Fixer82]

Collins reminds me of McGrath. So calm and assured. I think he’d be excellent in midfield.

As I said here before, in front of two CBs (any two of O’Shea/Egan/Duffy) he would excel I think.

Cullen and Hendrick CM and Knight just ahead of them.

Wing backs of Stevens and Doherty with Obafemi and Parrott up front.

Some good players on bench then in Ogbene, Robinson, McClean.

Hogan unfortunately hasn’t taken his chance in these games (although was unlucky with header against Scotland)

[pineapple stu]

I thought Hogan was lively against Scotland in general (and Lithuania before that), but certainly given the longer time on the pitch against Ukraine, he didn't do great.

[JR89]

Did he pick up a knock in the first half. Pretty sure commentary passed comment that they were surprised to see him out again for the second half.

[Olé Olé]

Did he pick up a knock in the first half. Pretty sure commentary passed comment that they were surprised to see him out again for the second half.

Really? I wasn't surprised. He should have been removed earlier. He was terrible.

[Diggs246]

Hi I am a professor engaged too, worked in Suisse years ago, and a true peronist. About Collins and O'Shea yes I would have them for midfield, I wouldn't discard Duffy nor Egan, Egan is better but Duffy is a set pieces weapon too. Don't play the dungeons and dragons and don't know any Dublin slang at all, I speak rioplatense Spanish as in Buenos Aires province and Uruguay as a whole. That Collins is Barça worthy, reminds me Lawrenson!!

Never change. You're actually good value!!

[third policeman]

[QUOTE=Fixer82;2114314]Collins reminds me of McGrath. So calm and assured. I think he’d be excellent in midfield.

As I said here before, in front of two CBs (any two of O’Shea/Egan/Duffy) he would excel I think.

Cullen and Hendrick CM and Knight just ahead of them.

Wing backs of Stevens and Doherty with Obafemi and Parrott up front.

Some good players on bench then in Ogbene, Robinson, McClean.

Hogan unfortunately hasn’t taken his chance in these games (although was unlucky with header against Scotland)[/QUOTE

Omabamidele has got to be way ahead of Duffy as a serious contender for a CB position.

[Trequartista20]

His IP address is Argentinian, so if it's a bit then he's really committed to it.

Andy Kaufman lives!

[Bielsa´s irish]

I thouged.ht Hogan was lively against Scotland in general (and Lithuania before that), but certainly given the longer time on the pitch against Ukraine, he didn't do great.

He got a knock. Played very well vs Scotland he did ok first half in Poland. We need his positioning a la Givarch At least france1998

[Trequartista20]

Burnley expected to allow Collins to leave and have targeted Luke McNally as his replacement, according to Neil O'Riordan.

1538538884728033282

[JR89]

Would be a good move for McNally, and if Collins doesn't get a move then be great to have both lads playing together. One of the best defenders in League One last season. Thought Swansea would have been all over this lad as he'd suit the way they want to play.

[Kingdom]

I've followed Nathan Collins career with interest for a number of years now. What he is playing at the moment - for Burnley, for Ireland last month... this isn't news - this is the ability he's had.

He's big, strong, deceptively quick, agile. He's a heads up player, composed and calm, and he's very aggressive with the ball at his feet, very progressive when his team are in possession, and ultra strong at set-pieces in both boxes.

I said to a friend who follows the Irish teams more than English football a few months ago - he could be playing somewhere big outside England in 3 years time. He's that good.

Called it!

[paul_oshea]

Called Aidan mcgeady. Hope this one turns out a (lot) bit better than that

[John83]

Called it!
Which big club outside England has he been linked to? I've read Leicester, Villa, and Leeds, but nowhere outside England.

[elatedscum]

Kinda surprised he isn't linked with bigger teams. Like if I were Chelsea who lost Rudiger and Christiansen - I'd be chasing him and Kounde. Thiago Silva is 38 in September, he can't have too much longer left in him beyond the current season. I don't think there's a signable centre-back in the premier league with the upside that he has. I feel like him signing for Villa or Leicester or Leeds is a needless step. The way Konate progressed at Liverpool is what I'd expect Collins to do at a team like Chelsea. Obviously guys can move from those mid table sides like Leicester and Villa to top teams pretty easily if they're good enough (good example: Van Dijk, bad example: Harry Maguire) but it probably means a move to a top team is at least 2 years away.

I wouldn't want him to go to United cause of the disaster that their defence is - but they tried and failed to sign Timber from Ajax who is the same age as Collins for a similar asking price

[Trequartista20]

Kinda surprised he isn't linked with bigger teams. Like if I were Chelsea who lost Rudiger and Christiansen - I'd be chasing him and Kounde. Thiago Silva is 38 in September, he can't have too much longer left in him beyond the current season. I don't think there's a signable centre-back in the premier league with the upside that he has. I feel like him signing for Villa or Leicester or Leeds is a needless step. The way Konate progressed at Liverpool is what I'd expect Collins to do at a team like Chelsea. Obviously guys can move from those mid table sides like Leicester and Villa to top teams pretty easily if they're good enough (good example: Van Dijk, bad example: Harry Maguire) but it probably means a move to a top team is at least 2 years away.

I wouldn't want him to go to United cause of the disaster that their defence is - but they tried and failed to sign Timber from Ajax who is the same age as Collins for a similar asking price

Sure, it'd be great fodder for the likes of Balls, Joe, Pundit Arena and the typical Irish barstool 'fan' if he were to go to Chelsea or Arsenal, but at 21, the most important thing is that he's playing.

Potential is one thing, but he's only going to reach the heights that he seems capable of reaching if he's playing first-team football.

[Razors left peg]

Sure, it'd be great fodder for the likes of Balls, Joe, Pundit Arena and the typical Irish barstool 'fan' if he were to go to Chelsea or Arsenal, but at 21, the most important thing is that he's playing.

Potential is one thing, but he's only going to reach the heights that he seems capable of reaching if he's playing first-team football.

Theres no reason he wouldnt play if he went to Chelsea, personally I think he'd start immediately there

[Trequartista20]

Theres no reason he wouldnt play if he went to Chelsea, personally I think he'd start immediately there

I'm wouldn't be quite as confident about that. It has to be remembered that Burnley were one of the poorest sides in the PL last season and Collins didn't become a regular for them until March.

If one of the clubs he's been linked with (ie Leicester/Wolves etc) signs him I'd imagine he'd be likely to start, especially given the mooted outlay involved.

I absolutely believe that he has every attribute required to be a top centre-back at one of the blue-chip clubs within the next few years, I just think there's another stage involved before he gets there.