West Ham fans are close to tears in the Transfer Tavern, following speculation that a fan favourite could leave the East London side.
Slaven Bilic’s side are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer rejuvenating their ranks following a disappointing maiden campaign at the London Stadium, and their array of incoming business means players are likely to leave.
The disappointing trio of Jonathan Calleri, Gokhan Tore and Alvaro Arbeloa have already been confirmed as leaving, with the Hammers keen to trim their under-performing side of all the deadwood and disappointing recruits secured last summer.
However, the latest exit to be linked concerns a player who hasn’t had consistent opportunities this season but remains a favourite of West Ham fans- and the lads in the bar have admitted they’ll be gutted if the Welsh international leaves.
The 33-year-old veteran will be seeking more first-team football ahead of Wales’ push to qualify for the World Cup next summer, which would give the experienced centre-back the perfect send-off to his international career.
However, following a season where he was in-and-out of the first-team, his best chance of action may lie elsewhere – and fans on social media have begged him to stay put.
Collins should stay another year. His form and stability he added to the defence at the end of the year was essential in our upturn in form.
— Josh V (@WestHamJoshV) May 25, 2017
I see him as being as much a "proper West ham" man as noble.
Love to see him next to zabelata and oggy/Reid but maybe he will want more mins— Pete Ellis #COYI (@One_Bobby_Moore) May 25, 2017
Should not go anywhere. Even keep on on as a defensive coach
— scott ⚒️ Murphy ⚒️ (@littlemurph77) May 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/Davefrom1987/status/867647552228929536
as much as I love ginge, we probably need to bring a youngster through.. tough call…
— Glennyboy (@GlenWorrell) May 25, 2017
He was huge for us in the latter stages of the season. Has to stay
— Rob (@RobWatson96) May 25, 2017
As much as I love the guy, his games were limited this season and only got his chance due to injury to Oggy. He'll leave 100%
— ⚒ AJ ⚒ (@northwesthammer) May 25, 2017
Get rid of fonte who we would get more money for and keep Ginge no brainer, like a lot have said he is propa West Ham like Noble #keepginge
— Birdy #GSBOUT (@birdy_gsbout) May 25, 2017
I bet he's fantastic round the dressing room. I'd love to keep him for back-up and coaching youngsters.
— Scott (@Scott_Burgess) May 25, 2017
