Roddy Collins
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Roderick Collins | ||
Date of birth | [1] | 7 August 1960||
Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||
Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) in[2] | ||
Position(s) | Forward | ||
Youth career | |||
Stella Maris | |||
Bohemians | |||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1979–1981 | Bohemians | 30 | (2) |
1981–1982 | Home Farm | 5 | (2) |
1982–1983 | Bohemians | ? | (0) |
1983–1984 |
Athlone Town | ? | (11) |
1984–1985 | Drogheda United | ? | (10) |
1985–1986 | Dundalk | 9 | (2) |
1986–1987 | Mansfield Town | 16 | (1) |
1987–1988 | Newport County | 7 | (1) |
1988 | Cheltenham Town | 6 | (0) |
1988–1989 | Shamrock Rovers | 22 | (8) |
1989–1991 | Dundalk | 7 | (1) |
1991 | Sligo Rovers | 6 | (0) |
1991 | Glentoran | 10 | (1) |
1991–1994 | Crusaders | 99 | (40) |
1993 | → Bohemians (loan) | ? | (?) |
1994–1995 | Bangor | 24 | (5) |
1995 | Coleraine | ? | (?) |
1995 | Cliftonville | ? | (1) |
1995 | Bohemians | 0 | (0) |
1996 | Home Farm | 8 | (1) |
1996 | Larne | 1 | (0) |
1996–1997 |
St. Francis | ? | (?) |
Managerial career | |||
1995 | Bangor (player-manager) | ||
1998–2001 | Bohemians | ||
2001–2002 | Carlisle United | ||
2002–2003 | Carlisle United | ||
2004 | Dublin City | ||
2004–2005 | Shamrock Rovers | ||
2009 | Floriana | ||
2010 | Cork City | ||
2011–2012 | Monaghan United | ||
2013 | Athlone Town | ||
2014 | Derry City | ||
2015–2016 |
Waterford United | ||
2017–2018 | Athlone Town | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Roderick Collins (born 7 August 1960), is an Irish former professional football player and manager.
During a playing career of 18 years, Collins played for many sides across England, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. While towards the end of his career he became a joint-manager and player, Collins eventually turned his hand entirely to management. He managed Bohemians, the side he started his career at and played for during four spells throughout his career, before moving to England to manage Carlisle. After several successful spells in Ireland and one in Malta, Collins is currently unemployed.
Playing career
Collins was born in
He made his competitive debut for
He suffered a serious leg injury which sidelined him for almost two years before going on to play for
In January 1986 Collins signed for
Noel King signed Collins for Shamrock Rovers in September 1988 and he made a scoring debut against Bohemians on 30 September in a 3–1 derby win. He also scored in his last game for the club at Cork City on 21 April 1989. He was Rovers' top scorer for the 1988–89 season.
Collins subsequently joined for Dundalk, playing twice for them in the
He later played for
Management career
Collins' first foray into management came at Bangor in 1994/95 which despite saving them from relegation, was relatively brief.[9] After Nigel Best resigned Collins' first managerial game was a 1–1 draw at home to Larne on 28 January 1995.
Bohemians
In 1998, he found himself thrust into the spotlight when he was surprisingly appointed as Joe McGrath's successor at Bohemians.
Bohemians were a side which, despite being tipped as outside contenders for the title at the start of the year, were facing a relegation dogfight when Collins arrived in the 1998–99 season. Collins' start to his reign as Bohs' manager was relatively impressive, and new signings such as
During the close-season Collins oversaw a massive change in personnel at the club, with old stalwarts such as
The following season, 2000–01, was to become one of the most remarkable, and controversial, in the history of Bohemians. Collins again brought in several new players during the summer break, with Simon Webb, Dave Hill among others joining record signing Trevor Molloy at the club.
Bohemians' opening game was an away tie in the
Despite putting in an impressive display, Bohemians who were again reduced to 10 men on the 43rd minute were beaten 3–1 in Tolka Park in the first leg, and suffered from some careless defensive lapses and a controversial red card. In Germany, Bohemians shocked the hosts by winning 1–0 thanks to a goal from Glen Crowe, and were unlucky not to score more (even having a goal ruled out for off-side). Bohemians were out of Europe, and had made history by achieving successive away victories in European competition. It was at this time in his career that Collins is rumoured to have applied for a job with Dublin Corporation as a traffic warden to escape the hectic lifestyle of football.[citation needed]
In the league that season Bohs were showing good form, though with
Bohemians went into the last game of the season trailing Shelbourne by one point, as the Gypsies travelled to Kilkenny on the final day. Meanwhile, Shelbourne were hosting Cork City in a game which the hosts were expected to win comfortably. To win the league, Bohemians needed to win and hope that Cork could achieve at least a draw in Tolka. Bohemians won 5–0, while Cork shocked Shelbourne by defeating them on their home patch. Bohemians were crowned champions, and the aftermath of the result would shape the rest of Collins' career.
Fall out from Bohemians
The following weekend Bohemians beat
To the present day Collins' name is sure to spark intense debate amongst the Bohemians faithful, with some fans opposing and supporting the former manager. He managed the club for 96 league games – winning 46, drawing 23 and losing 27. They scored 136 times, conceded 81 and kept 41 clean sheets.
Drogheda United takeover
In early July 2001 Collins expressed an interest in forming a consortium to takeover one of his former clubs Drogheda United.[12] His role as consultant did not last long as he was appointed manager of Carlisle weeks later.[13]
Carlisle United
Collins was appointed as manager of Carlisle United in July 2001 signing a two-year contract.[14] A club that was under financial embargo with only 8 senior professional players and bookies favourites for relegation, was 14th in the league by April their highest position in 5 seasons.[15] Collins was sacked in April 2002 after stating that he would resign unless owner Michael Knighton completed the sale of the club as promised to the investor John Courtenay (chairman).[16]
Courtenay finally took control of the club in July 2002 and instantly reappointed Collins as manager. Due to the long drawn out completion of the sale Collins worked with a weakened squad but yet again he retained their League status and took them to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for the LDV Cup Final.[17]
Dublin City
In July 2004 he took over as manager of Dublin City,[18] but left in November 2004 three weeks from the end of the season to manage Shamrock Rovers.[19]
Shamrock Rovers
As manager of Shamrock Rovers, Collins struggled both on and off the pitch. Following a points deduction because the club presented fraudulent documents to the FAI licensing committee, after a season of poor results and in-fighting at the club, Shamrock Rovers faced relegation. Collins was first suspended for a week in November 2005 pending the resolution of an internal investigation.[20] After Rovers were relegated for the first time ever Collins' contract was terminated.[21] He later brought a claim of unfair dismissal against Shamrock Rovers to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in Dublin, the case was settled out of court in November 2006.[22]
Post Rovers
In 2006, he applied for the vacant Glentoran job.[23] In his weekly column he continues to question the merits of the league while ironically also being retained as a pundit for the national broadcaster for live league games. In March 2008, Collins profile as a soccer pundit was raised higher in Irish football media circles through his weekly appearances on Irish state broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann, in their weekly league review television show, Monday Night Soccer. Collins was named as the man heading an Irish consortium to purchase SPL club Gretna on 15 March 2008 following the club's financial crisis and possible closure. A week later (21 March 2008) Collins and his consortium were also in talks to take over at cash strapped Rotherham United, a football club in
Floriana
On 30 June 2009, Collins was unveiled as the new Manager of Maltese Premier side Floriana F.C.[24] At the media conference, held in the Embassy of Malta in Dublin, Collins stated his delight at returning to the dugout and the large media presence was unheard of for a Maltese club. Floriana's Development Officer, Mr. Alan Moore, thanked everyone for being present on such a great occasion for the club and this was echoed
However an even greater unveiling took place in Floriana itself the very next day. After meeting his players for the first time Roddy was part of Maltese football history. Never before had such an event taken place on the islands where a manager was introduced to the fans. Introduced by Tony Zahra he spoke alongside new President John Camillieri, John Borg, Dominic Mc Donnell and Alan Moore, receiving massive applause for pledging himself to making Floriana F.C. a force to be reckoned with. The fans appreciated his honesty and applauded in agreement when he told them that "we are embarking on a long term project, all of us will stand together and make this club greater still!"
Having worked as a pundit for
Cork City
On 15 December 2009, Collins suddenly announced his departure from Floriana FC and returned to the
Monaghan United
In March 2011 Collins was appointed manager of First Division Monaghan United.[27] He has achieved promotion to the Premier Division in his first season at the Mons. After a poor start to the 2012 season, whilst lying in last position in the league table, on 18 June 2012, Monaghan United announced their withdrawal from the League of Ireland citing financial reasons as the main factor in their decision.[28] Collins was released as a free agent.
His son, also Roddy, made his debut in the
Athlone Town
On 22 November 2012, Collins was named as the new manager of First Division side Athlone Town,[30] and in his first season guided them to the League of Ireland First Division title in September 2013 [31]
However, in November 2013 in a club statement it was revealed that Collins had "requested his P45" and had left the club.[32]
Derry City
On 19 November 2013, Collins was named as the new manager of Derry City.[33][34]
On 11 May 2014 it was announced on the Derry City website that Derry City and Roddy Collins had departed by mutual consent.[35]
Waterford United
After taking charge of
Athlone Town
On 12 May 2017, Collins was appointed as the head coach of Athlone Town,[36] a role which he held until February 2018.[37]
Broadcasting & Commentating
On 6 June 2014, Dublin radio station
Personal life
He is the brother of former world champion boxer, Steve Collins. His son Roddy Collins Jr. was a League of Ireland footballer who played for Athlone Town, Derry City and Waterford United.[40]
Honours
Player
Dundalk
- League of Ireland Premier Division: 1990–91
Crusaders
- County Antrim Shield: 1992–93
Manager
Bohemians
Carlisle United
Athlone Town
Individual
- Football League Third Division Manager of the Month: February 2002
References
- ^ "Roddy Collins". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
- ISBN 978-0-356-14354-5.
- ^ "Athlone go down fighting against Standard Liege". The Irish Times. 15 September 1983.
- Athlone Town F.C. Archived from the originalon 2 December 2013.
- ^ "Collins signs for Mansfield". The Irish Times. 3 January 1986.
- ^ "Bangor ease into quarters". Ireland's Saturday Night. 23 September 1995. p. 2.
- ^ "Premier League statistics 1995/96". Cliftonville F.C. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ "Bright start for St Francis". The Irish Times. 16 September 1996.
- ^ "Bangor FC". Irish League Footballing Greats. 14 June 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ Fennelly, Amanda (4 September 2000). "Soccer: Bohemians fined by UEFA". RTÉ Sport. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011.
- ^ "'Otto won Euro 2004 with Greece - big deal, I'd have taken them to a World Cup'". The 42. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
- ^ McDermott, Gerry (7 July 2001). "Collins to weigh up Drogheda options". Irish Independent.
- ^ Cavaroli, Marcus (13 July 2001). "Roddys plea to Drogheda fans". Drogheda Independent.
- ^ "Soccer: Roddy Collins is the new manager of Carlisle United". BreakingNews.ie. 30 July 2001.
- ^ "Collins takes Carlisle job". BBC Sport. 31 July 2001.
- ^ "Carlisle sack boss Collins". BBC Sport. 6 April 2002.
- ^ "Hero's welcome for new United owner". BBC News. 1 August 2002.
- ^ "Collins takes Dublin post". BBC Sport. 26 July 2004.
- ^ "Collins move outrages Dublin". UEFA. 4 November 2004.
- ^ "Roddy Collins suspended by Rovers". RTÉ Sport. 14 June 2007.
- ^ "Shamrock Rovers sack manager Collins". RTÉ Sport. 14 June 2007.
- ^ O'Hehir, Paul (17 November 2006). "Collins settles unfair dismissal claim". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
- ^ "Collins talks to Glens officials". BBC Sport. 13 February 2006.
- ^ Mackey, Liam (1 July 2009). "Roddy toasts future with a ball O' Malta". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ "Collins takes over hot seat at Cork". RTÉ Sport. 23 December 2009. Archived from the original on 4 February 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2010.
- ^ "Roddy Collins appointed as manager". Cork City F.C.[dead link]
- ^ "Roddy Collins signs as manager". Monaghan United F.C. Archived from the original on 25 March 2011.
- ^ Davey, Christopher (18 June 2012). "Monaghan United withdraw from league". Extratime.ie. Archived from the original on 23 June 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
- ^ "Limerick 5-0 Monaghan United". Monaghan United F.C. 29 June 2011. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Athlone Town name Roddy Collins as their new manager for the 2013 season". RTÉ Sport. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
- ^ "First Division title and promotion for Athlone". Archived from the original on 28 September 2013.
- ^ http://athlonetownfc.ie/club-statement.html[permanent dead link]
- ^ Malone, Emmet. "Roddy Collins parts company with Derry City". The Irish Times. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ "Roddy Collins vows to end Derry's 'shocking' title famine". Irish Independent. 20 November 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2013.
- ^ "Roddy Collins Leaves the Club by Mutual Consent |". Archived from the original on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
- ^ Malone, Emmet (11 May 2017). "Roddy Collins returns to Athlone as Cork City aim for record". The Irish Times. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- Independent.ie. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ "Radio Nova Launches Nightly World Cup Extra Programme". Radio Nova Blog. 12 June 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ "Football hard-man Vinnie Jones tells Radio Nova presenters Roddy Collins and Con Murphy that Germany will win World Cup 2014". Radio Nova Blog. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ "Roddy Collins Jnr". www.extratime.com.
- ^ "Bristol City 2–0 Carlisle". BBC Sport. 6 April 2003. Retrieved 17 March 2024.