Lincoln City have completed the permanent signing of James Collins from Derby County.
The 34-year-old forward, who has scored over 200 career goals and been part of six EFL promotion-winning teams, has signed a contract until the summer of 2026, with an option for a further year.
A Proven Goalscorer
Collins joins the Imps after an impressive spell with Derby County, where he scored 19 goals last season to help the Rams secure automatic promotion from League One. His career has spanned over 600 professional appearances, including stints at clubs like Luton Town, Shrewsbury Town, and Swindon Town. A former Republic of Ireland international, Collins has consistently delivered goals throughout his career.
Head coach Michael Skubala described the signing as a “massive statement of intent” for the club. “James is a proven goalscorer, a top professional, and will also add leadership to a young squad,” Skubala said. “He’s here first and foremost because he is hungry to score more goals, win games, and contribute to achieving more success.”
Adding Experience and Leadership
Director of football Jez George echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Collins’ experience and professionalism. “It’s not easy to sign proven goal scorers of this calibre,” George said. “James will also be brilliant in helping us develop our young forwards while adding firepower and know-how to our squad.”
Lincoln’s young forwards, including Freddie Draper, Jovon Makama, and Bailey Cadamarteri, are expected to benefit from Collins’ presence both on and off the pitch.
A Remarkable Career
Born in Coventry in 1990, Collins began his career at Aston Villa before making his mark in the lower leagues. He enjoyed success at Shrewsbury Town, Swindon Town, and Luton Town, where he became a fan favourite and played a pivotal role in back-to-back promotions to the Championship. His performances earned him the League One Player of the Year award in 2019 after a 25-goal season with the Hatters.
Collins has also represented clubs in Scotland and Wales and rediscovered his scoring touch at Derby County, where he notched 19 goals in the 2023–24 campaign. His ability to deliver in crucial moments and his leadership qualities make him a valuable addition to Lincoln City’s squad.
Writer’s View
The signing of James Collins is a clear statement of Lincoln City’s ambitions. Collins’ track record of goals and his wealth of experience make him a significant asset for a young and developing squad. While his age may raise questions, his consistent performances over the years prove he remains a reliable and effective forward.
