It’s still unclear which division Sheffield Wednesday will be in next season, but planning has already begun as they eye a move for Watford youngster James Collins.
As reported by the Sheffield Star, Collins is on trial at Hillsborough, with his departure from Vicarage Road widely expected in the summer. He appeared against Queens Park Rangers last month and has once again led the line for The Owls’ Under 21 side, this time against Bristol City.
The game against QPR brought a 3-1 win, and it seems they’re something of as good omen for the striker. During his trial period at Watford, he bagged a hat trick against the same opposition, helping earn him his spot in their youth setup.
Young Watford striker, James Collins, started for #SWFC’s U21s again this week as the club take an extended look at the 19-year-old…
Plenty of youngsters have stepped up a level, too – expect to see more of that in the final few games. https://t.co/f4nJobcAMG 🦉⚽️
— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) April 11, 2024
Collins joined the Hornets from Hertford Town, and has represented their Under 18 and Under 21 outfits, scoring goals for both. Over the summer, he was rewarded with his first professional contract, a one-year deal with an option for the club, should he impress.
He was an unused sub on one occasion for Watford, sitting on the bench in August 2023 against Stoke City, without getting on the field. A first-team breakthrough didn’t follow, and the striker has since had loan spells at Royston Town and, most recently, Haringey Borough in January 2024.
The 19-year-old now appears surplus to requirements with the Hornets, and that’s allowed the Owls to take an extended look at him as they plan for the future.
Having seen him twice, the club’s youth staff will have seen his qualities as a hold-up striker, someone who likens himself in terms of approach to Harry Kane.
Writer’s View
Sheffield Wednesday fans won’t be getting excited at this news straight away, but it is an interesting development. Often, young players can bounce around a couple of clubs before settling, and whilst Collins hasn’t broken through at Watford, it doesn’t mean he won’t in Yorkshire.
He’s raw, but has a bit of pace and strength which helps set some young strikers apart from their peers. With so much focus on youth development in the country right now, it’s surely worth the Owls taking a punt on a young striker who has non-league senior experience.
After all, cost versus risk is very small, so even a one-year deal and a loan into the National League North might be worthwhile.
