Released by West Ham at the end of last season, James Collins has spent the first half of the season trying to find himself gainful employ.
The 35-year-old was initially invited to train with former club Aston Villa by Steve Bruce and then retained by new manager Dean Smith (following Bruce’s departure in October) as he continued to inch closer to earning a full contract.
Indeed, after impressing in a recent trial match against Yeovil, Collins was offered a short-term deal to provide defensive cover for Villa until the end of January, reportedly worth £10,000-per-week over five weeks.
However, having worked so hard to get it over the line, the Welsh centre-half then went and ripped up his new contract just one hour after signing it.
According to the Mirror, Collins went out to train later that morning and promptly strained a calf muscle.
The star, frustrated with himself, then trooped back inside Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground and tore up the paperwork.
Frankly, we’ve come to expect such nobility from The Ginger Prince.
As the Mirror add, it would appear that Collins’ reluctance to skive has only served to improve his standing at Villa, with club officials “highly impressed” by witnessing a rare example of a player refusing to be paid when injured.
As such, once full fitness is reached, he is likely to have a fresh contract drawn up and waiting for him.
Nice. Everybody loves a happy ending.