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James Collins would be a good short-term fix for Aston Villa’s defensive woes
Aston Villa could make a move for free agent James Collins to ease their defensive concerns, according to . The centre-back is currently training with the squad and there is a chance that he will join the club on a free. He recently left West Ham United and is looking for a new club to continue his career with.
There was interest from Ipswich Town and it was thought that the defender was close to joining. However, that move won’t happen according to manager Paul Hurst. That could be due to the possibility of joining Aston Villa. Collins played for the Birmingham-based club between 2009 and 2012.
Steve Bruce has shown a preference to bring in experienced players during his time as Aston Villa manager. There is a huge hole in his defensive options after the departure of John Terry. The club wanted to keep the legendary defender, but he opted to leave at the end of last season. His leadership and presence have been missed during the opening weeks of the season.
Mile Jedinak has been asked to fill in at centre-back. Although the Australian international is one of the leaders in the dressing room, he isn’t a natural in the heart of the defence.
There is also a lack of cover if anything was to happen to either Jedinak or James Chester. It is imperative that Villa bring in another centre-back if they are to be considered contenders for promotion.
Collins would provide a lot of experience. He has played the majority of his career in the Premier League, making 13 appearances for West Ham last season. The 35-year-old is dominant in the air and would deal with the physicality of the Championship comfortably. He will also offer a threat from set-pieces.
It wouldn’t be a signing to get supporters excited, but Collins has previously played for the club and he would be able to settle in immediately as a result. Bruce would consider it a short-term fix and it would ensure that the club don’t suffer for a lack of defensive options during the first-half of the season.