OTD: DANNY COLLINS BORN

Born on this day in Chester in 1980 is former Sunderland defender and now one of the voices of Sunderland live streams, Danny Collins. The Wales international was a familiar face during the empty-stadium era, co-hosting the club’s matches for fans at home.

Collins signed as an unknown figure from Chester City after impressing in a cup tie against Mick McCarthy’s men. He was initially used as a backup player, but worked his way into the team in his second season. However, the season was a disaster for everyone involved, and we were relegated with a record low of 15 points.

Despite losing his place following our relegation, the arrival of Roy Keane reinstated Collins into the first team. Keane brought with him a winner’s mentality and Sunderland were crowned champions of the Championship at the end of the season. Collins was a fan favourite on Wearside, and a famous chant claimed that he should play for Brazil.

He scored his first goal in a 3-1 win over Fulham, despite having an earlier goal disallowed at Craven Cottage. In 2008, after consistent performances over the season, he was voted Fans’ Player of the Year at Sunderland. Collins was given the same award a year later after maintaining such a high standard.

In August 2009, the left-footed defender moved to Stoke City who were managed by Tony Pulis. Collins struggled to nail down a place at the Britannia Stadium, competing with two future Sunderland signings, Danny Higginbotham and Marc Wilson.

After spells at Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United, the Welsh international moved down the divisions to sign for Grimsby Town. He spent three years at the Mariners impressing, before announcing his retirement in 2019.

After his retirement, Collins has returned to the North East to help commentate on live-streams. Considering he’s paid by the club, the former defender is surprisingly willing to criticise the team when necessary. He adds great insight to matches and offers the perspective of a former player.