Last weekend he was manager of the SCEFL League leaders Chatham Town. This weekend, to use his own words, James Collins will be “chilling” after quitting the Maidstone Road hot seat in midweek – a decision that shocked many people.
Speaking to KSN in one of the first interviews since making his decision, Collins told us, “It was a big decision – probably one of the biggest of my managerial career. And obviously it was something that I didn’t want to do but its something that I’ve done. I spoke to Kevin (Hake, the Chatham chairman) and that was where it was left really.”
“In terms of the journey that the club is now on, I’m gutted that I’m not going to be a part of it. Kevin has come in and turned the place around and I’ve loved it and I wish that I could have been a part of it for many years as I think that the club will go on to achieve bigger and better things – I’m just pleased that I was able to play a full part in it – I’ve very proud of that but disappointed that I’m not going to be able to play a part of it!”
“One thing I said to Kevin from the start was that I believed that I would bring success for the club – I put that pressure on myself as I believe in myself; it was something that I had a desire to do with the Club not having win anything for a while! It’s a sleeping giant if you like and they’re desperate to win anything which I guess is the same at any club. I would say that I’ve brought something back to the club which will always be there in its history and for Kevin and the supporters. Winning the two trophies last season (Kent Senior Trophy and SECFL League Cup) was a hell of an achievement and was something to build on for this year.”
“When I spoke to him when I first got the job, there was a connection and that’s probably what he will be looking for in the new man.”
We ended by asking what was next for James Collins. He replied, “I don’t know! I’d love to stay in football – I’ve said to a lot of people involved from people like yourself, players, supporters, and match officials, we all do it for not very much personal gains and make a lot of personal sacrifices as people in our lives sometimes take a back seat as its in your blood and we probably cant explain to anyone why we do it! Probably makes no sense to a lot of people why we love Non-League football so much. I’d like to get back in the game, but that will depend if anyone wants me and then we’ll go from there. As a manager its always tough to get back in as there are a lot of good managers in the game who have done a lot more than. Its different as a player as they move all the time so who knows what’s next for me – I hope I’ll get the chance to manage again but for now, I’ve got some time off!
“I really don’t know what I’ll be doing 3.00pm Saturday afternoon this weekend – certainly chilling out I guess after a hectic couple of weeks! Who knows I might even enjoy a little break…”?
Footnote – we spoke to James before Scott Lindsey was appointed in Friday morning and we hope to speak to the new manager in the next few days…