talkSPORT sources: James Collins told he has been released by West Ham after 11 years of service… VIA EMAIL

talkSPORT

Published: 12:08, 19 May 2018
Updated: 4:19, 6 Jun 2018

West Ham defender James Collins was unceremoniously released by the club after 11 years of service VIA EMAIL, talkSPORT understands.

The 34-year-old Welshman is a popular figure at the club and a fan-favourite after spending 11 years, split across two spells, with the Hammers.

The centre-back re-joined West Ham in 2012 after a spell with Aston Villa, but he has now left the club without ceremony or tribute.

According to talkSPORT sources, Collins - who has made over 200 Hammers appearances - was told by email that his contract will not be renewed this summer.

The 51-cap Wales international was in tears after West Ham's final game of the season against Everton - his last outing in a claret and blue shirt.

West Ham have a different opinion of the chain of events.

A West Ham spokesperson told talkSPORT the club did speak to Collins to make him aware of the situation before sending confirmation that his time at West Ham had come to an end.

But talkSPORT believe Collins, one of West Hams longest-serving players, is disappointed by the nature of how his Hammers career has concluded.

Its another PR disaster for West Ham and unpopular co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan, with supporters reacting with anger and outrage to the news on social media.

And some are even fighting for the club to hold a testimonial match for the centre-back after over a decade of loyal service.

I support @WestHamUtd. At times they excite & make me proud, they also embarrass, humiliate & show a lack of any class or decency. James Collins has played for 12 years for us (yes well paid for it) Ginge always gave 100%, but was told he was leaving by email, that is a disgrace pic.twitter.com/z1AMUbc0PE
— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) May 19, 2018

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I see West Ham have dealt with James Collins with the same (lack of) class they offered David Moyes. Twenty years ago, the club was viewed from the outside fondly, happy go lucky. Now it’s generally disliked everywhere, maligned and mocked. Shameful.
— Duncan Wright (@dwright75) May 19, 2018

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Just when you think our club couldn’t sink any lower 😞 Another classless display by the board helping us sink to new depths.Would’ve liked him to get another year while we sort ourselves out #COYI ⚒
— Andy Demidow 💙 ⚒️🫧 (@andydemidow) May 19, 2018

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Fairly standard for my club. They hoofed Bobby Moore out once in the 90’s because he hadn’t paid for a ticket. It’s disgraceful. Not only that he was our best defender in first half of season.
— Adam Bridge (@abridge75) May 19, 2018

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It's like they've done it on purpose to have a dig back at the fans, even they know how much the fans love Ginge. When Nobes leaves, what then....a card from Moonpig ? Embarrassing.
— Russell Kirby (@rustyk1971) May 19, 2018

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This is where the board has no compassion for the players and does not understand the fans. They should of treated James with the same respect 100%. These are the time I feel embarrassed to say I’m a Westham fan. ⚒
— graham dawson (@grahamdawson8) May 19, 2018

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