Atlanta United have confirmed on their official website that former West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison is one of two new faces joining their academy coaching team.
The 30-year-old has previously coached in Peterborough United’s youth teams, before going on to do the same back at West Ham.
Collison has tweeted to mark the occasion, looking forward to the challenge ahead of him:
Big season ahead https://t.co/0JHd0v45Bw
— Jack collison (@jackcollison) August 21, 2019
Collison is fondly remembered (if the tweets below are anything to go by) by many at West Ham, having played for the club 121 times, scoring 14 goals and assisting 10 more, as per Transfermarkt – with his tally including a brace in a play-off semi-final victory over Cardiff City.
After being forced to retire in 2016 he has gone on to build a career in coaching, with his move to Atlanta United being the latest exciting step for him.
Some Hammers fans are hoping he will return to the London Stadium one day with some young gems following, but above all, they wish him success at his latest club.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the announcement, including posts from well-wishing West Ham fans, can be seen below:
Agent Collison going to be sending some top class talent to the Academy of Football
— James L (@iowairon) August 21, 2019
For me @jackcollison going to @ATLUTD is like peanut butter & jelly OR sugar and kool-aid. Perfect Match! #COYI pic.twitter.com/tjRTbsc2cf
— Mississippi Hammer (@mshammers) August 21, 2019
Go on Jack, smash it
— WHUFCStickers (@WHUFC_Stickers) August 21, 2019
Good luck jack hope it works out well for you in the land of opportunity
— Kevin Taylor (@KevinTa57176733) August 21, 2019
Good luck Jack, get some experience and have a great time then come back to West Ham in the future
— Ross(G) (@rd_goodey) August 21, 2019
Good Luck Jack, you deserve it. We’re all behind you
— d. (@dxrio_) August 21, 2019
Congrats Jack. Future West Ham manager
— Jarvo (@ajarvis86) August 21, 2019
