The manner in which James Collins’ time at West Ham came to an end has not gone down well among supporters.
After over a decade of total service to the club, Collins was reportedly informed via email that he would not be a part of the Hammers squad next season.
Reports emerged at the weekend that the veteran defender, who amassed 214 appearances for West Ham over two spells, had been let go in the most brutally impersonal fashion imaginable.
While Collins only played 15 times last season, he could never be accused of giving less than 100 per cent to West Ham’s cause over the years and he remained a fan favourite right up to his last appearance.
The nature of his dismissal hasn’t sat well with several Hammers fans and former Chelsea and Wimbledon midfielder Vinnie Jones speaks for plenty with his reaction to the news.
“If the reports are true, that’s probably the lowest thing I’ve ever heard,” Jones told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.
"The lowest thing I've ever heard"
Vinnie Jones is NOT happy with #WHUFC for axing James Collins via email
😡 pic.twitter.com/nKiF5PEVpu
— talkSPORT Breakfast (@TSBreakfast) May 21, 2018
“How can you put so much into the club… it should be testimonial time, the fans should be turning out for him!
“Is that the way we’ve gone? That’s pretty ruthless.”
The London club has struggled to maintain fan confidence throughout the most recent campaign, with ticket-holders voicing serious concerns in the direction of West Ham’s directors’ box during a Premier League game with Burnley in March.
A pitch invasion made clear the unrest at the club and perhaps a more considerate approach to parting ways with Collins might have been the wiser PR move.
