The old guards time is coming to an end as Collins is heavily linked with a move to West Ham

Now Lambert is here, and with all the talk of a new era at Villa Park, I can’t say I’m too disappointed with the suggestion that James Collins is the latest player who may be bidding farewell.

When those stupid ‘ITK’ accounts on Twitter spout nonsense I generally ignore it. Anyone can speculate about links, and if they get it right, they’ll claim they’re men on the inside and all the nonsense that comes with that. When actual real journalists say something though, I’m more inclined to believe it, even if they are occasionally guilty of the old rumour themselves. The latest comes from Peter Lansley, a journalist with the Times, are here is his latest tweet:

“Expect #WHU to confirm they’ve agreed a deal for #AVFC’s James Collins shortly”

With Vlaar on his way in (hopefully), then we had a surplus of centre-backs, and Collins would have probably found himself as fourth choice had he stayed here. With the emergence of Baker last season, who proved he could step in and do well, we have options at the back.

Vlaar will partner either Dunne or Clark at the back, so it seems Collins’ time at Villa is nearing an end. Great first season, not so good the last few. I love his commitment on the pitch, but I don’t think his qualities are what Lambert is looking for this season, namely he struggles in possession. With the early indications being that we’re looking to play a more passing game, and to build from the back, Collins’ famous ‘hoof-ball’ doesn’t seem to fit in.

If he goes I wish him well, and it will be very interesting if we come against him on the opening game of the season. Perfect world and Vlaar will get above him at a corner and power one in!

So it seems like the old guards time at Villa is almost over, with only a few left over from MON and his panic/overpriced buys. Lambert has already shown he is looking for a more value for money approach, a refreshing change.

Should hear more on the matter soon, both with regards to Vlaar and Collins.

UTV.