James Collins footballer born 1983

James Michael Collins (born 23 August 1983) is a Welsh former professional footballer who played as a defender. He started his career with Cardiff City, progressing through the club's youth system before making his senior debut in 2000. He also played for two periods with West Ham United and Aston Villa. At international level, Collins represented the Wales national football team, making his debut in 2004. He went on to win 51 caps before announcing his international retirement in 2017. Collins was included in the Great Britain Olympic football team shortlist for the London 2012 Olympics, but he did not make the final 18. He was a schoolmate of Newport County player and manager Michael Flynn, who is two years older than Collins. He won the Welsh Young Player of the Year award in 2005. He played in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea in 2010. In March 2011, Collins and fellow centre-back Richard Dunne were fined two weeks' wages after what was reported as a row with club staff during a game at Wembley. He has also been involved in a number of high-profile incidents, including a fight with Aston Villa manager Richard Gérard.