It’s official. James Collins is leaving West Ham.
Collins’ contract with the club he has called home for over a decade will not be renewed and he will be free to leave at the end of June.
It’s not entirely surprising that the defender is being let go but the reported manner of his departure has not sat well with supporters because, apparently, Collins was informed of the decision via email.
To bid farewell to Collins, who amassed 214 appearances for West Ham over two spells, in such brutally impersonal fashion imaginable has inspired plenty of criticism from Hammers fans.
Former Chelsea and Wimbledon midfielder Vinnie Jones was disgusted by the news.
“If the reports are true, that’s probably the lowest thing I’ve ever heard,” Jones told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast earlier this week.
“How can you put so much into the club… it should be testimonial time, the fans should be turning out for him!
“Is that the way we’ve gone? That’s pretty ruthless.”
On Thursday morning, the club confirmed that they were parting ways with the fan favourite and posted a highlight video to their official Twitter account.
He's not called the Ginger Pele for nothing! #ThanksGinge pic.twitter.com/6Y1qs6sIGi
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 24, 2018
But fans felt that it was inappropriate for West Ham to suddenly want to pay tribute to Collins’ contribution to the club when they reportedly hadn’t paid him the respect to speak to him face-to-face to explain his fate.
Should’ve posted this via email.
— AllSportsView (@AllSportsView) May 24, 2018
Don’t try and suck up to him now after the way you treated him! He’s more West Ham than all of that board out together!! #notmyclubanymore
— Tom Aldridge (@Thomas_Aldridge) May 24, 2018
Give him a proper send off he deserves… not a 2:07 long video. If he’s not part of next season’s plans fine but he deserves more from the club in terms of a proper goodbye for his years of hard work and dedication!
— West Ham Yank (@TheWestHamYank) May 24, 2018
The way you have handled this is an absolute disgrace. I’m actually ashamed for the first time in 43 years to say I’m a West Ham supporter. Shameful and shambolic come to mind too ?
— G (@gwhizz420) May 24, 2018
Really is too late for that, the club’s embarrassed themselves again in the world of football because of the way they treat loyal players
— Alex Barrie (@AlexBarrie) May 24, 2018
I’m still hoping they do the decent thing and give him a testimonial and or a staffing position he’ll kick the defence into shape and he’s West Ham through and through
— Ricksta (@Ricky87867277) May 24, 2018
Give him a new contract and I’ll consider forgiving you
— ⚒️Callum Holder⚒️ (@CallumGHolder) May 24, 2018
Give the man a testimonial! or does our contract at @LondonStadium not allow any additional fixtures?!?
— Ben ⚒ (@Whitey_B) May 24, 2018
@davidgold Is this the best you can do for someone who has been at our club for 10 years? Give the man the testimonial he deserves
— Harry McCarthy (@Harry_McC) May 24, 2018
How did this man not be given the right to end his career at the club ?
— West Ham COYI (@TheHammers_) May 24, 2018
The board are a fucking disgrace.They should be ashamed at the way they’ve treated him!
— D D (@DarrenDilliway) May 24, 2018
