Nathan Collins D Brentford b.2001

[Razors left peg]

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.

Yes but when he did become a regular he was almost immediately nominated for Premiership player of the month. I think he will end up going to a mid Premiership club but I just wouldnt rule out his capability to set up to a big club already

[Colbert Report]

Burnley have just bought Northern Irish CB Daniel Ballard for £2 million from Arsenal. They're in massive financial trouble with Nick Pope just gone to Newcastle for a paltry £10m. Looks to me like Collins is on the way out.

[seanfhear]

I suggest that foot.ie buy Nathan Collins and loan him out, South American Style ~ ~ Perfect opportunity for Bielsa’s Irish to prove his bone fides. I only want 10% for this tremendous idea.

[Jd2793]

Burnley have just bought Northern Irish CB Daniel Ballard for £2 million from Arsenal. They're in massive financial trouble with Nick Pope just gone to Newcastle for a paltry £10m. Looks to me like Collins is on the way out.

pope only had a year left on his contract i think , couple that with relegation and theres not much hope of getting a decent fee from a pl club. they have the leverage.

[seanfhear]

pope only had a year left on his contract i think , couple that with relegation and theres not much hope of getting a decent fee from a pl club. they have the leverage.
Pope has always looked a good traditional style goalkeeper to me ~ ~ I don’t know too much about his distribution / ball foot work, because you wouldn’t have seen too much of that at Burnley. I like big / calm / assured looking goalkeepers and Not Jordan Pickford style goalkeeping. Not saying Pickford doesn’t have some good points but, calming down his defence certainly isn’t one of them.

As a goalkeeper Pope could have 5 years or more left in him so it does seem a good deal for Newcastle. Are prices getting a bit more sensible at the moment ~ ~ Below the upper echelons anyway ?

[Stuttgart88]

Pope at £10 million seems cheap to me.

[elatedscum]

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.

In fairness, for Burnley, he was competing against their best player (Tarkowski) and their captain (Mee) for 2 slots - and not bringing him into the fold earlier is probably what cost Dyche his job.

What I've seen of him in recent months indicates he'd go into chelsea's team. Honestly I'd have him over every centre half they have: Thiago Silva (37), Malang Sarr, Trevor Chalobah, Levi Colwill - it's not an impressive list. They lost Rudiger and Christiansen this summer, having sold Timori, Guehi and Zouma last summer. If they were to bring Collins in as one of two additions, I'd be confident he'd be playing regularly

[Colbert Report]

pope only had a year left on his contract i think , couple that with relegation and theres not much hope of getting a decent fee from a pl club. they have the leverage.

You're right, he had only one year left on his deal, but Burnley had the right to extend his contract for an additional season. Burnley need to raise £75m this summer.

[Demesne Lad]

Burnley have just bought Northern Irish CB Daniel Ballard for £2 million from Arsenal. They're in massive financial trouble with Nick Pope just gone to Newcastle for a paltry £10m. Looks to me like Collins is on the way out.

Ballard to Burnley seems to have fallen through; the Norn Iron international is now linked with Sunderland. So Burnley will probably start the season with Collins and Long as the CB pairing.

[dr_peepee]

They’ve agreed a fee to sign Irish Centre half Luke McNally from Oxford.

[Yard of Pace]

In fairness, for Burnley, he was competing against their best player (Tarkowski) and their captain (Mee) for 2 slots - and not bringing him into the fold earlier is probably what cost Dyche his job.

What I've seen of him in recent months indicates he'd go into chelsea's team. Honestly I'd have him over every centre half they have: Thiago Silva (37), Malang Sarr, Trevor Chalobah, Levi Colwill - it's not an impressive list. They lost Rudiger and Christiansen this summer, having sold Timori, Guehi and Zouma last summer. If they were to bring Collins in as one of two additions, I'd be confident he'd be playing regularly

Speaking as someone who saw pretty much every game Levi Colwill played fpr Huddersfield last season, he's a future England international, possible captain. He is absolutely fantastic. At least as good as Collins, I would say. And I think Collins is phenomenal.

[joey B]

Wolves supposed to be the expected destination for Collins now,20.5 million the supposed fee…
1546521770064314369

[Charlie Darwin]

That'd be a very sensible move for him I think. Slight step up from 12 months ago and a chance to show what he can do in a passing team who have a habit of selling on to the big clubs.

[Olé Olé]

That'd be a very sensible move for him I think. Slight step up from 12 months ago and a chance to show what he can do in a passing team who have a habit of selling on to the big clubs.

Bang on. And at just over 20m pound, if he does attract interest from a bigger/better side then Wolves will still get a good return on that and someone would double their money for them if he ever did reach the top 6 level.

[Razors left peg]

1546884684398956545

Collins to Wolves confirmed

[tommy_c12000]

Solid move, happy to see. Robbie Keane still the highest irish transfer fee? Adjusting for inflation of course which isn’t done traditionally when considering transfers fees

[Eirambler]

Duff still the highest adjusting for inflation. Collins the highest if you don't take that into account.

[Trequartista20]

I guess those rumours of a contractual relegation clause must have had something in them; £20m seems inordinately cheap for a player of Collins' potential. There can't be many better young centre-backs in Europe right now. His goal against Ukraine showed exceptional ability.

There are very few risks involved in signing a player who's only going to get better, and it wouldn't be hugely surprising to see him move on for double Wolves' initial outlay in a couple of years' time.

Seems like a great piece of business.

[Eirambler]

The reports are that there was no clause. Plenty of clubs took a look but it seems only one made a bid in the end. Burnley's relegation will have contributed also but at the same time - and in know it's a bit of a cliche - but you can't help feel that if he was an up and coming English player he would have gone for a lot more.

Even yesterday Keane Lewis-Potter's transfer was a bigger news story in the British football media despite him having never played in the Premier League and Collins being a senior international - but then Lewis-Potter has England Under 21 caps. Will be interesting to see what level both players are at in three years time.

[John83]

I expect the 20M means more to Burnley now than a potential 40M in a few years. Their need may have surpressed the price a little. Still, how many players of any calibre or age move from the Championship for that kind of money? Transfer fees are crazy, but you can't pay €100M for everyone!

[irishfan86]

Showed some naïveté today. He was man marking Kane for the goal that won Spurs the match, letting him get away. Clearly was tracking the flight of the ball rather than his man, and Perisic flicked the ball in a different trajectory, leaving Kane a free header.

Also was nutmegged by Richarlison in the final 10 minutes on a counterattack. Ultimately that play didn’t cost his team and it wasn’t an easy situation but not a great look and on a different day might have led to another goal.

That said, a lot of good small moments in possession but some growing pains overall today. Needs to work on concentration and maybe some dark arts and the pragmatic aspects of being a central defender at the top level.

[seanfhear]

Showed some naïveté today. He was man marking Kane for the goal that won Spurs the match, letting him get away. Clearly was tracking the flight of the ball rather than his man, and Perisic flicked the ball in a different trajectory, leaving Kane a free header.

Also was nutmegged by Richarlison in the final 10 minutes on a counterattack. Ultimately that play didn’t cost his team and it wasn’t an easy situation but not a great look and on a different day might have led to another goal.

That said, a lot of good small moments in possession but some growing pains overall today. Needs to work on concentration and maybe some dark arts and the pragmatic aspects of being a central defender at the top level.
Kane did him big style there ~ Nathan completely lost his bearings ~ All part of the learning curve for a young player I suppose ~ I hope Wolves get a few results to take the pressure off.

[Diggs246]

Kane did him big style there ~ Nathan completely lost his bearings ~ All part of the learning curve for a young player I suppose ~ I hope Wolves get a few results to take the pressure off.

Barr the goal
I thought he was amazing
He marked kane and son very well through out

[seanfhear]

Barr the goal
I thought he was amazing
He marked kane and son very well through out
Two very good players ~ If Son was English the British Media would be having multiple orgasms every time he plays. Spurs are lucky to have Son ~ What a player. I am actually surprised that one of the Bigger / Biggest clubs have not come in for Son and offered Spurs a Big Price for him.

[Diggs246]

Two very good players ~ If Son was English the British Media would be having multiple orgasms every time he plays. Spurs are lucky to have Son ~ What a player. I am actually surprised that one of the Bigger / Biggest clubs have not come in for Son and offered Spurs a Big Price for him.

Me too. I actually think if he was also Spanish or Brazilian... real Madrid and Munich etc would be fighting over him.
Joint top scorer with Salah last season and know one cares!!

[Eirambler]

They'd probably be salivating over Collins too by now if he was English. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd have taken him to Qatar if he'd been theirs.

[SkStu]

Barr the goal
I thought he was amazing
He marked kane and son very well through out

This is true. I watched almost the full game and he was outstanding. Kane did him alright but the beauty is you know he’ll learn from it. He’s such a smart player.

He frustrated Kane and Son for 95% of the game. There was one passage in particular where Son got in behind the Wolves back line and was, basically, just keeper to beat. Collins had about 5 yards to make up - which he did - getting a block on Son’s shot at the last second. Stunning recovery against a player that fast and clinical.

[SkStu]

Just spotted Stephen Kenny and Keith Andrews in the stand during todays game between Wolves and Newcastle. Obviously taking in Collins - - anyone else? Any potentially eligibles we’re not aware of…?

[JR89]

Just spotted Stephen Kenny and Keith Andrews in the stand during todays game between Wolves and Newcastle. Obviously taking in Collins - - anyone else? Any potentially eligibles we’re not aware of…?

Don't believe so but hopefully they have chatted with Ronan once in Wolverhampton.

[nigel-harps1954]

Just got sent off against Man City for murdering Jack Grealish and I'm quite okay with that.

[joey B]

A ridiculous challenge that,so stupid….

[tommy_c12000]

Very poor challenge. Hopefully he will continue to learn from it. He has been playing great but still prone to the hairy moment in most games this season

[tommy_c12000]

If Ronan can’t get on now with Wolves with nothing to play for, he will need to give up the ghost of trying to make it at wolves. The cord will be cut in January definitively hopefully

[Snapshot]

They'd probably be salivating over Collins too by now if he was English. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd have taken him to Qatar if he'd been theirs.
But we're salivating over him. If he wasn't Irish, our interest would be superficial.

[elatedscum]

Just got sent off against Man City for murdering Jack Grealish and I'm quite okay with that.

1 down, 1 to go

[Bielsa´s irish]

I love Collins and his attitude I think he never went to the ball he just stomp on that turncoat and idiotic type ( remember ex Lanús Almirón when the paraguayan was mocked by big Jacko) , Collins he is done what it was meant to be , it cant be that everyone despises Jacko, anyway I think Maddison is soon avail for Ireland, under the new rules, so that could be good news for the republic, on Wolves, yes Ronan has to play, but I would have given him a chance in this games, as for Collins, I would try him in the middle of the park from now on, a la Mark Lawrenson next to the small fellow from Anderlecht

[seanfhear]

I see that Nathan’s Manager has been sacked ~ ~ It will be interesting to see if that has any affect on Nathan.

[JR89]

Lage started Neves at CB in Collins absence while two other CBs sat on the bench so don't think he's anything to worry about with losing his place. Unless any new manager is given funds and decides to strengthen at CB to add competition for Collins and Kilman.

[tetsujin1979]

Not sure what a "typical Irish centre back is" but this is good
1576972852615467014

[Eirambler]

The guy that runs that page tends to overhype Irish players a bit. Actually, Collins' defensive stats don't look that great there.

Typical Irish centre back presumably means a Shane Duffy, Richard Dunne type.

[third policeman]

The guy that runs that page tends to overhype Irish players a bit. Actually, Collins' defensive stats don't look that great there.

Typical Irish centre back presumably means a Shane Duffy, Richard Dunne type.

Once upon a time it might have meant a Paul McGrath, Mark Lawrenson, David O?Leary type. Bizarre to think that Jack had those three snd more often than not opted for Moran and McCarthy who probably personify ?typical Irish?

[seanfhear]

Once upon a time it might have meant a Paul McGrath, Mark Lawrenson, David O?Leary type. Bizarre to think that Jack had those three snd more often than not opted for Moran and McCarthy who probably personify ?typical Irish?
Lawrenson probably gone past his best ( injuries reduced him as a player as time went on as it does for a lot of of players ) for a lot of Jack’s time.

[third policeman]

Lawrenson probably gone past his best ( injuries reduced him as a player as time went on as it does for a lot of of players ) for a lot of Jack’s time.


He played in midfield during the qualifiers for Euro 88 as did McGrath (who also turned out at fullback). O'Leary didn't figure much under Charlton excepting the penalty against Romania in Italia 90. Moran and MCCarthy were pretty much his preferred combo from the get-go. No-nonsense stoppers pretty much in Charlton's own mould.

[seanfhear]

O’Leary’s situation was somewhat self-inflicted. Did he Not turn up ( was it in Iceland ) for some match early in Big Jack’s reign and Big Jack never seemed to forget that. O’Leary may have refused the call up rather than just Not turned up.

[Yard of Pace]

O?Leary?s situation was somewhat self-inflicted. Did he Not turn up ( was it in Iceland ) for some match early in Big Jack?s reign and Big Jack never seemed to forget that. O?Leary may have refused the call up rather than just Not turned up.

Dave had his family holiday booked and the dates clashed with the tournament in Iceland.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/please-dave-let-your-babies-go-1.158218

I just finished reading a book called This Is How it Feels, about Oldham Athletic 1982-1994 and when they play Arsenal in 1989, O'Leary and Tony Adams are referred to by the author as being "widely regarded as the best centre-back pairing in the game".

(It's an absolutely fantastic book by the way and details the exploits of Mike Milligan and Denis Irwin)

[Stuttgart88]

All in the Game: Wolves fans dust off a quite wonderful Nathan Collins ditty – The Irish Times (https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2022/10/10/all-in-the-game-wolves-fans-dust-off-a-quite-wonderful-nathan-collins-ditty/)

To the air of ‘My old man’s a dustman’:

“Bruno said to Jeff Shi,
I need a number four,
So Jeff Shi got the credit card,
and headed to Turf Moor.
He didn’t want Tarkowski,
He didn’t want Ben Mee,
He said he wants the Irish lad,
who plays like Maldini.”

[paul_oshea]

Gave the ball away for Liverpool's goal but has been decent

[passinginterest]

Only turned on for last half hour but commentary have singled him out for praise a few times. Winning every header anyway.

Just gave him player of the match!

[tommy_c12000]

He was very good, apart from giving the ball away fatally. Not too many standouts for man of the match (it’s okay it’s mens football so we can still say MOTM). I probably wouldn’t have given him the MOTM due to that costly error

[irishfan86]

Collins was very good, although his error led to Liverpool’s second. He intercepted to start the play leading to the equalizer so between that and his overall play, more than made up for it.