Former Premier League star to guest at Bangor 1876 event

On Friday, 21 February, former Wales international James Collins will attend a fundraising event for the recently announced Bangor 1876 Development Centre.

Bangor 1876 director of football Iwan Williams is delighted the club will be able to hold this event, which coincides with Collins being in Bangor to run a half-term soccer school.

Iwan said: “James Collins is a great character with a wealth of experience who was part of the Wales Euro 2016 squad.

“I’m sure James will provide us with some entertaining stories on the night. I urge Bangor 1876 fans to support what promises to be a great evening.”

The event will take place at Bangor University’s Reichel Hall from 7.30pm onwards on Friday 21 February.

There will be a hot buffet meal as well as an auction and raffle. Proceeds will be going towards the Bangor 1876 Development Centre and there will also be a collection for Mind Cymru following the club’s recent partnership in the ‘We wear the same shirt’ campaign.

Tickets are limited and cost £25 per head. The first batch will be available from Iwan Williams at upcoming matches. For more information about this event, contact Iwan via e-mail (iwan185@hotmail.com).

Bangor 1876 would like to thank Sam Wallwork of Bangor University’s Canolfan Brailsford for his help in organising this event.

James Collins

Born in Newport on August 23, 1983, James Collins has played in all divisions of the English Football League and has 51 full Wales caps to his name.

A centre-back, he started his career with Cardiff City, progressing through the club’s youth system before making his senior debut in 2000.

Collins first appeared for the senior Wales side against Norway in 2004, becoming the first player in his country’s history to have played at every age level from schoolboy to the senior team. He announced his international retirement in 2017.

At Cardiff, he played in the Third Division, Second Division, First Division and Championship between 2000-05.

Collins then spent four seasons in the Premier League with West Ham United from 2005-06 to 2008-09 before moving to Aston Villa for £5 million in early 2009-10.

He was at Villa Park for three seasons, chalking up 91 Premier League appearances.

Next came a £2.5 million return to West Ham, where he played from 2012-13 to 2017-18, featuring in 134 PL games.

Following the end of the 2017–18 season, it was announced Collins’ contract would not be renewed and that he would leave the club.

He rejoined Aston Villa, but he did not play a competitive game due to injury.

On 11 January 2019, Collins joined Ipswich Town, signing a contract until the end of the season. He was released at the end of 2018-19 after making just six appearances for the club.

Stats

Total league matches: 313 (39 as sub) Goals 14

FA Cup: Apps 21 (8) Goals 7

League Cup: Apps 21 (2) Goals 0

Other: Apps 9 (3) Goals 0

Total club career appearances: 374 (52) Goals 21

Wales appearances (full internationals): 51 Goals 3

James Collins Football camp at Bangor

Collins is bringing his Football Academy to Bangor to run a half-term camp for 5-14 year olds during half-term.

It will take place from 10am-3pm on 20-21 February at Treborth playing fields, where 1876 have been playing their home matches and training this season.

The team of qualified coaches at the camp will be led by Bangor 1876’s newly-appointed director of football Iwan Williams, who is a UEFA Pro Licence holder.

Williams said: “The camp will be fun-filled and provide an opportunity for children to develop. It will build on a similar event that recently took place in Newport.

“I’m hoping the children of North Wales can show James Collins that there’s so much talent here as well as in South Wales.”