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Interviews

Collins: "I think the fans are with us."

'Keeper reflects on his start for the Reds

28 September 2019

Interviews

Collins: "I think the fans are with us."

'Keeper reflects on his start for the Reds

28 September 2019

Reds 'keeper Brad Collins isn't distracted by form, the TV cameras or anything else - he's focused only on three points this weekend.

Having been thrust into first team action owing to the injury to number one, Sami Radlinger, it's been one of the main positives in recent weeks, the form of young stopper Brad Collins.

And whilst he might only be 22-years-old, the man signed from Chelsea in the summer is straight forward and bullish also when he speaks about the Reds' start to the 2019/20 season.

"We haven't been good enough," Collins stated firmly.

"The results especially, we've not got anything like what we were after. The performances have improved over time and you can see the gelling amongst us as a group out there but we need to pick up points. It's no point playing well without reward for it."

Even when asked about his own form on an individual level, Brad didn't seem too impressed, telling us he's only interested in the team, in results and the progress the club are making.

"I got a clean sheet against Wigan but none since. I think I've done alright but it's irrelevant really. I'm not interested in that. As a team we need to start getting results on the board and that is where my focus is at the moment.

"It's about the team for me and I know we can do much better which is what we intend to show in the next week."

Apologies, this video is unvailable.

Some successful loan spells away from Chelsea in the last couple of years in League Two and then last year with Burton Albion in the same division as the promoted Reds have held the Southampton-born goalkeeper in good stead. 

Moving so far north can often be a challenge for some young players but Collins says he's thriving off the change of life, the differences he's facing and that he already sees Yorkshire and Barnsley FC as his home.

"It's great to see some of the younger lads getting their chances at last at Chelsea, even if that is because of the embargo. But that wasn't for me, waiting around, being third choice or whatever.

"I want to play this game, it's what I've put everything in to do all my life to play football and so I got out on loan and I think I've experienced a lot already and this was the perfect move for me, a great step forward in my career.

"I'm settled here already, I live just up the road in Leeds and Yorkshire is great. We've great people at this club, the staff throughout the club and they've made my move so much easier.

"This is my home now and I am loving every minute. We just need to get the club some results now."

Interviews

Stern Press

27 September 2019

With Radlinger back in training, Collins knows he's going to have to fight for his starting role in Daniel Stendel's lineup.

The former Forest Green loanee says he relishes that challenge and that most importantly he's glad to see Sami back out there on the grass.

He explained, saying: "It's never nice to see a teammate, a friend injured like that. I have a lot of time for Sami and he's been great with me, as has Walts (Jack Walton). 

"We've good 'keepers here, we've a good young squad and I know we will only get better. 

"I think the fans are with us too. It's not great at the minute when you see results and look at the table but it's early in the season and I'm sure if we all stick together and keep doing what the Gaffer is asking we will turn the tide sooner rather than later.

"For me, it's about Brentford next and getting those three points."


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