My body is telling me to hang up my boots, says Collins

Friday 23rd October 2009

VETERAN striker, Micky Collins, 38, says he has been forced to retire from the game due to a shoulder injury, writes Stephen McCartney.

Hadlow-based Collins has today announced his retirement from the game, having sustained a serious injury whilst playing for Ryman League Division One South side Chipstead in their FA Trophy preliminary round 3-1 home win over Horsham YMCA on 3rd October 2009.

Collins, who has played for numerous Kent sides and was a part of the reserve management team at Tonbridge Angels last season, underwent reconstructive surgery to his shoulder last Saturday after suffering a shattered collar bone in the game at Chipstead’s modest High Road ground.

“At the age of 38 I feel the body is telling me it’s time to hang my boots up, which I have decided to do and look to get a position in management or coaching,” Collins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Tompkins (Chipstead’s manager) and everyone connected with Chipstead Football Club for their support and also to all the managers, coaches and players that I have worked with over the years.”

Collins, whose previous clubs include Millwall, Charlton Athletic, Gillingham, Dartford, Welling United, Erith Town, Thamesmead Town, Erith & Belvedere, Croydon Athletic, Tonbridge Angels and Chipstead, scored a total of 196 career goals during 247 senior appearances.