Aston Villa: James Collins decision to be made in coming days

Former Aston Villa defender James Collins is back with the club. Collins trained under Steve Bruce as an out-of-contract free agent before suffering a muscle injury. He recovered and Dean Smith kept him on…for now.

Veteran central defender James Collins has recovered from the injury that prevented him from training fully with Aston Villa. As such, a decision is to be made once manager Dean Smith has had a chance to evaluate the player.

With an indifferent, often self-imploding defense, and few choices at central defender, James Collins could be an immediate boost to the reserves without very little risk involved. The most risk involved is probably whatever opportunity cost Villa foregoes by not signing a centre-back in January with Collins’ signature in their stead. But even then, it’s still possible the club brings in a long-term option(s) with Collins on-board.

Dean Smith said in his pre-match presser that a decision will be made in the coming days:

Collins played 15 times for West Ham United last season, his sixth and final season with the Hammers in London. Before that, he was with Aston Villa from 2009-2012.

He has rapport with James Chester, for what it is worth. The pair partnered together with the Welsh National Team on many occasions alongside Ashley Williams (Neil Taylor was on those teams, too).

Villa Verdict:

A lot depends on what Smith and club have planned in January. Is it worth signing Collins for a few months with another defender or two incoming? What about the health of James Bree and Mile Jedinak? Are they returning in a few days/weeks?

If so, there isn’t really a path for Collins to ever play a minute with the first-team.

However, if funds are limited, and/or Smith would like to strengthen a different area of the pitch, Collins could be a cheap, low-risk improvement as the third of fourth-choice central defender.

The ball, as they say, is in Villa’s court.