fbpx
Connect with us

English Football League

Tributes made as ex-Wolves, Yeovil, Port Vale, Northampton, Mansfield player dies aged 32

Tributes have been made as ex-Wolves, Yeovil, Port Vale, Northampton, Mansfield player Lee Collins sadly dies aged 32, it’s confirmed.

Collins had not played for the Glovers since February though had made eight National League appearances this season.

He started his career and spent a few years of his youth at Wolves before heading elsewhere after struggling to make the first team.

The centre-back went on to impress at Port Vale, also spending time with Northampton and Mansfield.

Collins helped Hereford United to League Two promotion in 2007-08 and his move to Yeovil in 2019 was the first time he had dropped out of the EFL.

His last game for the Glovers ended in defeat at Stockport in February, with Collins being shown a late red card.

He was on the bench for the Glovers’ most recent match, a 3-1 victory over Barnet on Saturday, with boss Darren Sarll describing that as a ‘huge boost’.

The National League outfit have not revealed the cause of Collins’ death which happened on Wednesday.

His club tweeted: “All at Yeovil Town Football Club are mourning the loss of club captain Lee Collins.

“Lee sadly passed away yesterday and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

“We ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this time.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.

“Our game with Altrincham tomorrow has been postponed.”

AFC Bournemouth tweeting: “This is really sad news. Everyone connected with AFC Bournemouth sends our thoughts to Lee’s family, friends and everyone at Yeovil Town.”

Exeter City wrote: “Our thoughts are with Lee’s friends and family and all connected to Yeovil Town at this tragic time.”

Former Blackpool boss Ian Holloway posted: “Absolutely awful news. My thoughts are with Lee’s family & friends and everyone at YTFC. Ollie x”

Collins could play anywhere in defence, though preferred to play at centre-back. Then-Port Vale manager Micky Adams claimed that Collins always gave his all in training, and was a “remarkable athlete… [in] terms of fitness.”

In February 2010, teammate Marc Richards said that “he reads the game well, he’s fast, he’s strong…[and has] strength and pace, and he’s got vision as well.”

LEE COLLINS’ CAREER:

Youth career
2004–2007 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Senior career
2007–2009 – Wolverhampton Wanderers
2007–2008 → Hereford United (loan) – 16 apps (0 goals)
2008 → Port Vale (loan) – 22 apps (0 goals)
2009–2012 – Port Vale – 120 apps (4 goals)
2012 → Barnsley (loan) – 7 apps (0 goals)
2012–2013 – Barnsley
2012 → Shrewsbury Town (loan) – 8 apps (0 goals)
2013–2015 – Northampton Town – 74 apps (1 goal)
2015–2017 – Mansfield Town – 72 apps (0 goals)
2017–2019 – Forest Green Rovers – 54 apps (3 goals)
2019–2021 – Yeovil Town – 34 apps (0 goals)

Fans reacted at news and tributes are made as ex-Wolves, Yeovil, Port Vale, Northampton, Mansfield player dies aged 32…

@gavinfoster1989: Awful news, good servant to @ntfc and a good defender. Rest in Peace Lee

@MattCrivelli: What?? Oh my god, RIP Lee

@gavinfoster1989: Awful news, good servant to @ntfc and a good defender. Rest in Peace Lee

@Mikeytheglover: Bloody Hell. RIP Lee, solid servant to the club, thoughts are with his Familly

@ltfcdan: This is horrid. Rest in peace

@callumLtfc: Rip Lee. Thoughts with his family & everyone who knew him a incredibly sad day for football

@TimPatriot: RIP Lee. Came into the local pub in Duston from time to time. Really nice bloke. Thoughts with his family

@HgEaton: What the…..rip Lee what a great club servant you were

@jackdantucker_: Thoughts are with his family and friends. Only 32, devastating news 😓 RIP ❤️

@Vixy1988: Omg RIP Lee I can’t believe this Thoughts and prayers to all friends and family and everyone at the club at this devastating time

@Jakey_Boyz: RIP captain x

@JoshFrodsham_: RIP Lee 💚

@neilwatson01: I’m devastated to hear this sad news. RIP to Lee Collins. Condolences to friends and family

@IBradders: A tragedy, RIP Lee & condolences to his friends, family & fans of all the clubs Lee played for, a sad day. #footballfamily

@Domiyyyyyyy: RIP Lee, Thoughts Go Out To His Family and Friends

@Nogud2: Such sad news. Condolences to his family and friends….loved him as a no nonsense defender….they shalt not pass….

@RobHosking1: Such sad news ☹️ My thoughts are with his family, friends & everybody at the club, during this difficult time 💚

@MrROSSii1990: No age to die.. Thoughts with His Loved ones. R.i.P

@ilsonnut43: Omg that is no age at all, RIP , condolence to his family

@_TakeToTheSkies: Awful. Thoughts with the family and everyone connected to YTFC

@BennyHodge92: Thoughts are with all connected at Yeovil Town and Lee’s family and friends. RIP Lee

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in English Football League