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Neill Collins
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Neill William Collins (born 2 September 1983) is a Scottish football manager and former player who is the head coach of USL Championship club Sacramento Republic.
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Collins is a former Scotland U21 and Scotland B international who played as a centre-back. He started his playing career with Queen's Park before moving to Dumbarton. A transfer to English side Sunderland followed in 2004, but he failed to establish himself in the first team during his three-year spell on Wearside. After loan moves to Hartlepool United and Sheffield United, he was loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he became a first-team regular and signed a permanent deal in 2007. Following Wolves' promotion to the Premier League, he fell out of favour and moved on loan again, this time to Preston North End. Still, although they signed him permanently in 2010, he was never a regular. He quickly moved to Leeds United, with whom he won promotion to the Championship in 2010. After losing his place the following season, Collins returned to Sheffield United, one of his former loan clubs, where he made over 100 appearances. He lost his first-team place in the 2014–15 season and joined Port Vale on loan in March 2015. He moved to America in March 2016 to play for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. By the end of his 18-year playing career, he had scored 35 goals in 583 league and cup appearances.
He took his first post in management in May 2018 when he transitioned from player to head coach at the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The 2021 season would prove highly successful as he won two USL Championship Coach of the Month awards, as well as the Coach of the Year award, as his side won the Eastern Conference and went on to finish as runners-up in the playoffs. He returned to England as the head coach of Barnsley in July 2023 and was sacked with one game left to play of the 2023–24 season with his team in the League One play-off places. He was appointed as the head coach of Raith Rovers in September 2024.
Club career
[edit]Queen's Park
[edit]Collins was born in Troon, Scotland. He was associated with Kilmarnock's youth academy, the team he supported as a boy before being released at the age of 14.[4] He began his career with Scottish amateur club, Queen's Park, making his first-team debut in a 2–0 win at Stirling Albion on 24 March 2001.[5] He went on to make four appearances in the 2000–01 season as John McCormack's Spiders were relegated from the Second Division to the Third Division. He played 31 games as Queen's Park finished bottom of the Scottish Football League in 2001–02. During this time he worked at a Safeway supermarket.[6]
Dumbarton
[edit]Collins earned a move to newly-promoted Second Division club Dumbarton in July 2002.[7] During his stay at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium, Collins became popular with the fans and had a spell as captain and was key to Paul Martin's Sons battle to stay in the Second Division in 2002–03. He then featured 34 times as Dumbarton finished two points outside the promotion places in 2003–04 under Brian Fairley's stewardship. During his time there he had trials with Falkirk, Hibernian, Rangers and Charlton Athletic.[8][9] During his time in Scotland he also completed a BA 'Sport in the Community' degree at the University of Strathclyde.[10]
Sunderland
[edit]Collins was signed by Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy in August 2004 for a fee of £25,000.[11] Three months later he signed a new contract to keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2007.[12] He made 11 appearances during the 2004–05 season as the club won promotion to the Premier League as champions of the Championship.
He never appeared in the top-flight for the Black Cats after Alan Stubbs was signed and was instead loaned out to League One side Hartlepool United in August 2005.[13] He made 25 appearances for Martin Scott's Pools during his stay at Victoria Park. He was loaned out to Neil Warnock's Championship promotion hopefuls Sheffield United in February 2006.[14] The Blades succeeded in winning promotion in 2005–06, though Collins featured in just two games at Bramall Lane.
With Sunderland back in the Championship in 2006–07, Collins was forced to play in the unfamiliar role of right-back after injuries to teammates Stephen Wright and Nyron Nosworthy. He was a regular under Mick McCarthy, but when McCarthy left the job, Collins was dropped by replacement manager Roy Keane despite Collins feeling he'd performed well.[15]
Wolves
[edit]Collins was reunited with his former boss Mick McCarthy at Wolverhampton Wanderers after joining the club on loan in November 2006.[16] The discussion of his loan deal was the first time that Roy Keane and McCarthy had spoken to each other since the Saipan incident in 2002.[17] After his loan expired, he joined Wolves permanently in January 2007 for a fee of £150,000.[18] He was a regular starter for the rest of the 2006–07 season as the club reached the Championship play-offs.
The 2007–08 season saw Wolves miss out on the play-offs on goal difference with Collins making 42 appearances. Collins started 2008–09 strongly with Wolves but was left out of the first-team with the loan arrival of Michael Mancienne from Chelsea.[19] When Mancienne returned to Chelsea in the New Year, Collins returned to the side, partnering Richard Stearman. He contributed several important goals during this period. Still, he was soon ousted from the side again after receiving a red card for dissent at Reading and following the addition of Scottish international Christophe Berra. He remained out of the side for the remainder of the season as the club were promoted to the Premier League as champions and was transfer listed in July 2009.
Preston North End
[edit]In September 2009, Collins was loaned out to Championship side Preston North End, a move made permanent when he signed a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee in January 2010.[20][21] The deal was finalised after manager Alan Irvine left the club. The defender lost his place in the side under new manager Darren Ferguson.
Leeds United
[edit]In March 2010, Collins moved to League One side Leeds United on loan for the rest of the 2009–10 season as a replacement for the injured Patrick Kisnorbo.[22] He played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Championship after finishing in second place in League One. He signed a three-year deal with Leeds in July 2010 for an undisclosed fee.[23]
He started the 2010–11 season as one of Leeds' first-choice defenders due to Patrick Kisnorbo still being out with a long-term injury. After some indifferent performances early on in the season, Collins scored an own goal in Leeds' 5–2 defeat by Barnsley and was dropped to the bench by manager Simon Grayson at the end of October.
Sheffield United
[edit]
Collins signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Championship side Sheffield United after being signed by Micky Adams for an undisclosed fee in January 2011.[24] He made his debut in a 3–0 defeat to Ipswich Town at Portman Road on 5 February. He was a regular in defence for the remainder of the 2010–11 season, playing 14 games, but struggled as the team undertook an ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation; he later said that "ill discipline was rife at the club on and off the pitch" and "I tried to be like Roy of the Rovers and Terry Butcher rolled into one and it didn't go well".[25]
Now in League One and under the stewardship of Danny Wilson, the 2011–12 campaign saw Collins establish an effective defensive partnership with fellow centre-back Harry Maguire, and he was awarded supporters Player of the Month for September 2011.[26] He scored his first goal for the Blades in February 2012, in a 1–0 victory over Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium.[27] Collins remained a mainstay of the defence but United missed out on automatic promotion by three points to city rivals Sheffield Wednesday, then lost to Huddersfield in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium; the match ended in a 0–0 draw, and though Collins converted his penalty his team lost the shoot-out 8–7.[28]
With the club still in League One, Collins remained as first-choice in central defence alongside Maguire, captaining the side during Michael Doyle's absence. During the first half of the 2012–13 season, Collins began to score regularly, netting five times by the start of December as United challenged for automatic promotion. In November, he extended his current contract by two more years until 2015, with the option of another year.[29] His good form was halted when he fractured his cheekbone during a game against Scunthorpe United at the end of December, an injury that ruled him out of action for two months.[30] He made 45 appearances across the campaign as United recorded a club record 21 clean sheets; however, they could only reach the play-off semi-finals.[31]
He scored two goals in 55 appearances in the 2013–14 season and was named on the Football League Team of the Week after helping United to consecutive 1–0 victories away at Colchester United and Milton Keynes Dons as part of a total run of 450 minutes of League One football that the team went without conceding a goal.[32]
He lost his place in the United first-team early in the 2014–15 season and dropped out of manager Nigel Clough's first-team plans, having failed to make an appearance past October.[33] Despite this he vowed to remain at the club, saying he enjoyed a connection with the club.[34] He joined League One rivals Port Vale on loan until the end of the season on 26 March 2015.[35] Manager Rob Page signed him on transfer deadline day and Collins later said that "I had a difficult start... but I grew into the season, we stayed up and I really enjoyed it".[36]
Following Nigel Clough's departure as manager, Collins was restored to the first-team under new boss Nigel Adkins for the 2015–16 season.[37] He was named in the Football League Team of the Week after scoring a headed goal in a 2–0 victory at Swindon Town, winning praise for his centre-back partnership with David Edgar.[38]
Tampa Bay Rowdies
[edit]On 11 March 2016, Collins had his contract with Sheffield United cancelled by mutual consent to allow him to sign a two-year contract with the North American Soccer League's Tampa Bay Rowdies.[39][40] Head coach Stuart Campbell led the Rowdies to a ninth-place finish in the combined 2016 table. He featured 33 times in the 2017 campaign as the Rowdies finished third in the United Soccer League.
International career
[edit]Collins won seven caps at Scotland under-21 level.[41] On 20 November 2007, he played for Scotland B in a 1–1 draw with Republic of Ireland B at the Excelsior Stadium; he came on as a substitute for Darren Dods at half-time.[42]
Coaching career
[edit]Tampa Bay Rowdies
[edit]On 18 May 2018, Collins was promoted to manager at the Tampa Bay Rowdies[43] after he impressed chairman Bill Edwards with his intensity and work ethic.[44] The Rowdies went on to finish the 2018 season 12th in the USL Eastern Conference table under difficult circumstances, with Collins commenting that "We had players retiring for a variety of reasons, guys getting serious injuries, other off-field problems, it was one thing after another."[45] They finished fifth in the 2019 season, before losing 2–1 to Louisville City FC in the Conference quarter-finals.[46] The Rowdies finished top of the table in the 2020 season, which was brought to an early end and decided on points per game due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The play-offs continued and Tampa made it to the Championship final against Phoenix Rising FC. However, the final was cancelled the day before it was due to be played because several Tampa Bay Rowdies players and staff tested positive for COVID-19; the championship would not be awarded.[47]
Collins was named USL Championship Coach of the Year after his team achieved 23 wins to top the Eastern Conference in the 2021 regular season.[48] He was also named as Coach of the Month for April / May and September, having achieved 100% win records in both periods and setting a league record of 891 minutes without conceding a goal.[49][50] In the playoffs, Tampa defeated FC Tulsa, Birmingham Legion FC and Louisville City FC, before falling to a 3–1 defeat to Orange County SC in the final.[51]
He was named as Coach of the Month for July 2022 after overseeing five wins that extended the club's unbeaten run to 13 games; he credited the run to his players, name-checking new signing Jake LaCava.[52] The Rowdies qualified for the play-offs with a third-place finish in the 2022 Eastern Conference standings; they went on to lose the Conference final game with a 1–0 loss to Louisville City FC.[53]
Barnsley
[edit]On 6 July 2023, Collins returned to England when he was appointed head coach of League One club Barnsley on a two-year deal.[54] He oversaw a 7–0 victory over Port Vale in his first game in charge, the biggest opening day defeat for any team in the EFL since the 1962–63 season over 60 years ago.[55] His side maintained a top six position from 3 October until his departure.[56] On 22 April 2024, Collins was sacked following a disappointing run of form with Barnsley in the play-off places in fifth position with one match remaining of the 2023–24 season.[57]
Raith Rovers
[edit]On 3 September 2024, Collins signed a three-year contract to become head coach of Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers,[58] replacing Ian Murray.[59]
Sacramento Republic
[edit]On 21 December 2024, Collins left Raith Rovers to take charge of Sacramento Republic FC in the USL Championship.[60] Republic activated the compensation clause in Neill's contract to exercise the option.
Style of play
[edit]Writing in The Guardian in 2007, Steve Claridge compared Collins to Tony Adams, describing him as "strong and robust" with good positional and organisation skills.[61] Collins described heading as the strongest part of his game.[3]
Career statistics
[edit]Playing statistics
[edit]| Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Queen's Park | 2000–01[62] | Scottish Second Division | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 4 | 0 | |||
| 2001–02[63] | Scottish Third Division | 28 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 0 | |
| Total | 32 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 0 | ||
| Dumbarton | 2002–03[64] | Scottish Second Division | 33 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3[a] | 0 | 38 | 2 |
| 2003–04[65] | Scottish Second Division | 30 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 34 | 2 | |
| Total | 63 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 72 | 4 | ||
| Sunderland | 2004–05[66] | Championship | 11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 14 | 0 | |
| 2005–06[67] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 2 | 1 | |||
| 2006–07[68] | Championship | 7 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | — | 8 | 1 | |||
| Total | 18 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | 24 | 2 | |||
| Hartlepool United (loan) | 2005–06[67] | League One | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 25 | 0 |
| Sheffield United (loan) | 2005–06[67] | Championship | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 2 | 0 | |||
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2006–07[68] | Championship | 22 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — | 2[c] | 0 | 27 | 2 | |
| 2007–08[69] | Championship | 39 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 42 | 4 | ||
| 2008–09[70] | Championship | 23 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 27 | 4 | ||
| 2009–10[71] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |||
| Total | 84 | 9 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 97 | 10 | ||
| Preston North End | 2009–10[71] | Championship | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 22 | 1 | |
| Leeds United | 2009–10[71] | League One | 9 | 0 | — | — | — | 9 | 0 | |||
| 2010–11[72] | Championship | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 23 | 0 | ||
| Total | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 32 | 0 | |||
| Sheffield United | 2010–11[72] | Championship | 14 | 0 | — | — | — | 14 | 0 | |||
| 2011–12[73] | League One | 42 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6[b][c] | 0 | 54 | 2 | |
| 2012–13[74] | League One | 39 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2[c] | 0 | 45 | 5 | |
| 2013–14[75] | League One | 44 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[b] | 0 | 55 | 2 | |
| 2014–15[76] | League One | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2015–16[77] | League One | 30 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 4 | |
| Total | 177 | 12 | 18 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 214 | 14 | ||
| Port Vale (loan) | 2014–15[76] | League One | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 7 | 0 | |||
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | 2016[78] | NASL | 22 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 24 | 1 | ||
| 2017[78] | USL | 30 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | 2[d] | 0 | 33 | 2 | ||
| 2018[78] | USL | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 10 | 0 | |||
| Total | 61 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 67 | 3 | ||
| Career total | 517 | 30 | 38 | 2 | 22 | 2 | 20 | 0 | 597 | 34 | ||
- ^ a b Appearance(s) in Scottish Challenge Cup
- ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
- ^ a b c Appearance(s) in play-offs
- ^ Appearances in USL Cup playoffs
Managerial statistics
[edit]- As of match played 28 June 2025
| Team | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | W | D | L | Win % | |||
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | 18 May 2018 | 8 July 2023 | 176 | 97 | 34 | 45 | 55.1 |
| Barnsley | 9 July 2023 | 22 April 2024 | 52 | 24 | 14 | 14 | 46.2 |
| Raith Rovers | 3 September 2024 | 21 December 2024 | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 40.0 |
| Sacramento Republic | 21 December 2024 | present | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 38.9 |
| Total | 261 | 134 | 56 | 71 | 51.3 | ||
Honours
[edit]Player
[edit]Sunderland
Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Football League Championship: 2008–09
Leeds United
- Football League One second-place promotion: 2009–10
Manager
[edit]Individual
- USL Championship Coach of the Month: April / May 2021, September 2021, July 2022[49][50][52]
- USL Championship Coach of the Year: 2021[48]
Tampa Bay Rowdies
- USL Championship
- Coastal Cup: 2021
- ^ Championship game canceled due to COVID-19 outbreak in the Rowdies camp.
References
[edit]- ^ "Neill Collins". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
- ^ a b "FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2014/2015". www.footballsquads.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- ^ a b The Art of Heading neillcollins.com
- ^ "Collins relishes dream game". Express and Star. 25 July 2008. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ Berry, Gavin (1 November 2020). "Scot Neill Collins takes charge of Tampa Bay Rowdies in showpiece game". Daily Record. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- ^ "Neill Collins' career so far". Barnsley Chronicle. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- ^ McAllister, Jim (2002). The Sons of the Rock - The Official History of Dumbarton Football Club. Dumbarton: J&J Robertson Printers.
- ^ "Sara fails to win move". BBC Sport. 25 March 2003. Retrieved 25 March 2003.
- ^ "Charlton want Collins". BBC Sport. 21 April 2003. Retrieved 21 April 2003.
- ^ About Me Archived 28 December 2018 at the Wayback Machine neillcollins.com
- ^ "Player of the Day: Neill Collins". safc.com. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ "Collins pens Sunderland extension". BBC Sport. 24 November 2004. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ "Collins joins Hartlepool on loan". BBC Sport. 12 August 2005. Retrieved 12 August 2005.
- ^ "Sheff Utd sign defender Collins". BBC Sport. 18 February 2006. Retrieved 18 February 2006.
- ^ Lyall, Jamie (4 January 2020). "Neill Collins: Roy Keane, Joe Cole & managing in Florida". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ "Wolves loan Black Cat". Sky Sports. 2 November 2006. Retrieved 2 November 2006.
- ^ Keane, Roy (2014). The Second Half. Orion. p. 148. ISBN 9780297608882.
- ^ "Sunderland's Collins joins Wolves". BBC Sport. 5 January 2007. Retrieved 5 January 2007.
- ^ "Dropping Collins hurt - Mick". Express & Star. 18 November 2008. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
- ^ "Collins ties up move to Preston". BBC Sport. 1 September 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ "Preston North End sign Wolverhampton's Neill Collins". BBC Sport. 5 January 2010. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
- ^ "Leeds sign Preston defender Neill Collins on loan". BBC Sport. 23 March 2010. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ "Preston defender Neill Collins joins Leeds United". BBC Sport. 7 July 2010. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ "Neill Collins leaves Leeds United for Sheffield United". BBC Sport. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ The phone is not ringing neillcollins.com
- ^ "Neill nets monthly award at the Lane". The Sheffield Star. 7 October 2011. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ^ "Huddersfield Town Sheffield United". BBC Sport. 14 February 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
- ^ "Huddersfield 0 - 0 Sheffield United". 26 May 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
- ^ "Sheffield United defender Neill Collins extends contract". BBC Sport. 9 November 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
- ^ "Shaun Miller out for the season". BBC Sport. 28 December 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
- ^ Only as good as your strikers neillcollins.com
- ^ "Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week 24/02/14 - 02/03/14". www.efl.com. 3 March 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
- ^ "Rob Page says treble signing shows Vale aim to finish season in style". The Sentinel. 26 March 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
- ^ "Sheffield United: Neill Collins breaks his silence". Sheffield Telegraph. 20 November 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
- ^ "Collins, Junior and Coulibaly make move to Port Vale on loan". BBC Sport. 26 March 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
- ^ "Collins 'can't wait' for opener against former club and coach". Barnsley Chronicle. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- ^ "Neill Collins set for Blades chance as manager Nigel Adkins wipes slate clean". Sheffield Telegraph. 5 June 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
- ^ Butcher, Alex (1 September 2015). "Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week". www.efl.com. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
- ^ "Veteran Defender Neill Collins Joins Tampa Bay Rowdies". RowdiesSoccer.com. 11 March 2016. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
- ^ "Neill heads Stateside". SUFC.co.uk. 11 March 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
- ^ McLaughlin, Lee (11 February 2007). "Neill: I'd really like to play in the Park again". Sunday Mercury. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
- ^ Lindsay, Clive (20 November 2007). "Scotland B 1-1 Rep of Ireland B". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
- ^ Neill Collins: Roy Keane, Joe Cole & managing in Florida, BBC Sport, 4 January 2020
- ^ Kennedy, Will (18 May 2018). "Rowdies transition defender Neill Collins to head coach". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
- ^ "Paul Berry: Neill Collins putting the art of timing into practice having learnt from the best". Express and Star. 1 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ "Louisville City FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies - July 26, 2019 | USLChampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
- ^ "USL Championship final Cancelled, Season Concludes with Tampa Bay, Phoenix as Conference Title-Winners". USLChampionship.com. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ^ a b c "Tampa Bay's Neill Collins Voted Championship's Coach of the Year". USL Championship. 27 November 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Tampa Bay's Collins Voted Championship's Coach of the Month". USL Championship. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Tampa Bay's Neill Collins Voted Championship's Coach of the Month". USL Championship. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Match Center | USLChampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ a b USLChampionship com Staff (10 August 2022). "Tampa Bay Rowdies' Neill Collins voted USL Championship Coach of the Month". USL Championship. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "Match Center | USLChampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "Neill Collins Appointed As Head Coach". www.barnsleyfc.co.uk. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ Youlton, Clive (5 August 2023). "Disastrous opening day for Port Vale as Barnsley hit seven". StokeonTrentLive.
- ^ "Neill Collins: Barnsley sack head coach with one game to play". BBC Sport. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ "Neill Collins Departs Oakwell". Barnsley F.C. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ Fowlie, Grace (3 September 2024). "Welcome, Neil Collins!". Raith Rovers FC. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Neil Collins: Raith Rovers appoint former Barnsley boss as manager". BBC Sport. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Manager Collins leaves Raith to join Sacramento Republic". BBC Sport. 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ Claridge, Steve (13 March 2007). "Neill Collins, Wolverhampton Wanderers". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Neill Collins in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ a b "Games played by Neill Collins in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Neill Collins in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ a b "Games played by Neill Collins in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ a b "Games played by Neill Collins in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Neill Collins in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
- ^ a b c Neill Collins at Soccerway
Neill Collins
View on GrokipediaClub career
Queen's Park
Neill Collins began his senior football career with his boyhood club Queen's Park, the world's oldest football club and one of the last remaining amateur teams in Scottish senior football. Joining the youth setup at a young age, he made his first-team debut on 24 March 2001 at the age of 17, entering as a late substitute in the final two minutes of a 2–0 Scottish Third Division victory away to Stirling Albion.[12][13] As a promising centre-back, Collins featured regularly in Queen's Park's defence during the 2001–02 season, helping the team in their battle against relegation from the Third Division, where they ultimately finished bottom of the table.[14] He made 35 appearances across all competitions that season, establishing himself as a key player in the amateur setup despite the club's challenges.[15][16] Collins signed on amateur terms with Queen's Park, reflecting the club's long-standing policy of not paying players until its transition to professionalism in 2019. He spent the 2002–03 season on loan at Dumbarton, adding four more appearances upon return in the 2003–04 season before departing for a professional contract with Sunderland.[17][18]Dumbarton
Collins joined Dumbarton on loan from Queen's Park in July 2002, transitioning to full-time professional football in the Scottish Second Division as an 18-year-old centre-back.[19] This move provided him with his first opportunity in the second tier of Scottish football, where he quickly established himself as a first-team regular.[19] During the 2002–03 season, Collins made 33 league appearances and scored 2 goals, contributing to the team's defensive efforts.[20] He adapted effectively to the demands of full-time training and matches, playing alongside experienced defenders like Neil Duffy and demonstrating maturity beyond his years.[19] Dumbarton finished sixth in the Scottish Second Division that season, securing a mid-table position and avoiding relegation through consistent defensive performances in which Collins played a key role. The experience at Dumbarton marked significant personal growth for Collins, particularly in terms of physicality and defensive awareness, laying the groundwork for his move to Sunderland the following year.[19]Sunderland
Collins joined Sunderland from Dumbarton in August 2004 for a fee of £25,000, signing an initial one-year contract under manager Mick McCarthy.[21] Three months later, in November 2004, he extended his deal to run until the summer of 2007.[22] During the 2004–05 Championship season, Collins made 11 appearances, all as a substitute, without scoring, but contributed to Sunderland's promotion push as a reliable option in the backline.[23] The team secured the league title under McCarthy, earning promotion to the Premier League with a record 94 points.[23] His opportunities were limited by strong competition for places, including from established defenders like Nyron Nosworthy and Danny Collins, though he earned praise for his composed performances when called upon.[24] In the 2005–06 season, Collins was loaned to Hartlepool United in August 2005, where he made 22 appearances in League One without scoring, helping the team to a mid-table finish. He returned to Sunderland and was then loaned to Sheffield United in January 2006, making 7 appearances in the Championship before the loan ended in February. Sunderland's Premier League campaign ended in relegation, finishing bottom with just 15 points, and Collins did not feature in the top flight. During his time at the club, he also earned caps for the Scotland U21 team in 2005.[25][3] Following relegation, Collins was loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers in November 2006 before making the move permanent in January 2007 for an initial fee of £150,000, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.[26]Wolverhampton Wanderers
Collins joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan from Sunderland in November 2006, reuniting with manager Mick McCarthy from his time at Sunderland.[27] The move was made permanent on 5 January 2007 for a fee of £150,000, with Collins signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.[26] He became a regular starter in the 2006–07 season, making 27 appearances as Wolves finished fifth in the Championship and reached the play-offs, where they were eliminated by Sunderland in the semi-finals.[28] The following 2007–08 campaign saw Collins feature in 42 matches, helping the team to a seventh-place finish and another narrow miss of the play-offs on goal difference.[28] In July 2008, his strong performances led to a contract extension until summer 2012.[29] During the 2008–09 season, Collins contributed to Wolves' promotion as Championship champions, forming a key central defensive partnership with George Elokobi while making 27 appearances and scoring 4 goals.[30] Over his tenure, he amassed just under 100 appearances in all competitions, netting 10 goals, and played a pivotal role in two promotion pushes to the Premier League.[30] In September 2009, Collins moved to Preston North End on loan amid increased competition in defense, a spell that transitioned to a permanent transfer in January 2010 for an undisclosed fee.[31]Preston North End
In September 2009, Neill Collins joined Championship side Preston North End on a three-month loan from Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he had struggled for playing time following their promotion the previous season.[32] The move allowed Collins to regain match fitness and form as a central defender, starting regularly in Preston's backline during a period when the team challenged for a play-off spot under manager Alan Irvine.[33] Collins featured in 17 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell, scoring no goals but providing defensive solidity with his commanding presence.[31] He earned praise for his aerial prowess, which helped bolster Preston's defence as they maintained a mid-table position in the Championship table, conceding just 25 goals in their first 20 league matches of the campaign.[34] His contributions were particularly notable amid a season of transition for the club, culminating in Irvine's dismissal on 5 January 2010—the same day Collins' loan was converted into a permanent three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[31]Leeds United
In March 2010, Neill Collins joined Leeds United on loan from Preston North End until the end of the 2009–10 League One season, providing defensive cover for the injured Patrick Kisnorbo.[35] During this spell, he made 9 appearances in League One without scoring, featuring regularly in the latter stages of the campaign as Leeds secured automatic promotion to the Championship by finishing second in the table. His contributions helped stabilize the backline under manager Simon Grayson during a successful push for elevation from the third tier. Following the promotion, Collins signed a permanent three-year contract with Leeds in July 2010 for an undisclosed fee, marking a brief full-time stint at Elland Road.[36] In the 2010–11 Championship season, he appeared in 21 league matches and 2 EFL Cup ties, totaling 23 outings without goals, as Leeds adapted to the higher division amid a mid-table finish. However, his involvement diminished due to squad reinforcements and tactical shifts under Grayson, limiting his overall impact during the year-long permanent stay.[3] Collins departed Leeds in January 2011, transferring to Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee after 32 total appearances across all competitions.[37]Sheffield United
Collins joined Sheffield United from Leeds United on 31 January 2011, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[37] The Scottish defender quickly established himself as a regular in the Championship side's backline, making 14 league appearances in the second half of the 2010–11 season as the team fought relegation.[38] Over the next five years, Collins became a cornerstone of the defence, serving as club captain and amassing 176 league appearances with 12 goals, alongside 34 appearances and 2 goals in cup competitions.[15][39] His leadership was particularly vital during the 2011–12 League One campaign under manager Danny Wilson, where he partnered Harry Maguire in a robust defensive unit that conceded just 45 goals en route to third place and a play-off final appearance.[40] Wilson frequently praised Collins' composure and organisational skills, describing him and Maguire as "the best in the business" for their role in steadying the team during turbulent periods.[40][41] Collins scored several memorable goals, including the winner in a 1–0 victory over Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town in February 2012, which propelled Sheffield United to second in the League One table at the time.[42] He also netted in key matches such as the 4–1 win over Stevenage later that year, contributing to the side's promotion push.[43] His experience proved instrumental again in the 2014–15 season, helping the team secure fifth place and a play-off semi-final berth, where they fell to Swindon Town on penalties despite Collins' solid performances throughout the campaign. During this season, he lost his place and joined Port Vale on loan in March 2015, making 7 appearances in League One without scoring to aid their survival bid.[44] Collins returned for the 2015–16 season, playing 34 league matches and scoring 4 goals as Sheffield United finished 11th in League One. His contract expired, and on 11 March 2016, the deal was terminated by mutual consent, allowing him to join Tampa Bay Rowdies.[45] Throughout his tenure, he was lauded for his professionalism and leadership by Wilson and subsequent managers, leaving as a respected figure having played over 200 matches in all competitions.[40][39]Port Vale
In March 2015, Collins joined Port Vale on loan from Sheffield United until the end of the 2014–15 League One season.[44] The 31-year-old centre-back provided experience to the defence during a relegation battle, making 7 appearances without scoring. Port Vale secured survival by winning their final match, and Collins returned to Sheffield United after the loan.[25]Tampa Bay Rowdies
Collins signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the North American Soccer League in March 2016. As a centre-back, he quickly became a key player and was appointed captain, making 67 appearances and scoring 3 goals over two full seasons plus part of a third.[46][25] He contributed to the team's 2016 Soccer Bowl victory in the NASL's final season before the league folded, and continued playing in the USL Championship from 2017 until his retirement in February 2019.[47]International career
Youth international career
Neill Collins represented Scotland at under-21 level, earning six caps in 2005 with no goals scored.[48] His debut came in a 0–0 draw against Moldova during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers on 3 June 2005, where he started as a centre-back.[49][50] Three days later, he featured in a 2–3 defeat to Belarus on 7 June 2005, again starting in defence.[51][52] He started in a friendly against Austria on 16 August 2005, which Scotland won 3–1.[53][54] Collins then started in a 2–2 draw with Italy on 2 September 2005 and a 1–0 victory over Norway three days later on 6 September 2005, both qualifiers.[55][56] He made his final under-21 appearance with a start against Slovenia on 11 October 2005, in a 3–0 defeat during the qualifiers.[57] During this period, he gained valuable experience alongside emerging talents such as Charlie Adam, who also debuted for the under-21 side in 2005 and went on to earn full international honours.[48] These appearances provided a platform that paved the way for his later call-up to the Scotland B team.B international career
Collins earned a single cap for the Scotland B team on 20 November 2007, appearing in a 1–1 friendly draw against the Republic of Ireland B at Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie.[58] He entered the match as a half-time substitute for Darren Dods, playing the full second half in central defence alongside Chris Berra.[58] The game, managed by Alex McLeish, saw Scotland equalise late through debutant Steve Howard's header, in front of an attendance of 3,133 spectators.[58] His selection for the B team came while he was establishing himself as a regular centre-back for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Championship, rewarding consistent performances at club level.[59] This opportunity marked the culmination of his progression through Scotland's youth international ranks. Despite ongoing solid form at Wolves and subsequent clubs, Collins received no further B team call-ups.[60] In total, his international career was confined to seven appearances, comprising six at under-21 level and this solitary B cap, with no senior team involvement.[48][60]Coaching career
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Neill Collins was appointed head coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in May 2018, transitioning directly from his role as a player with the club after appearing in 67 matches over two seasons.[6][46] His tenure lasted until July 2023, during which he built on his firsthand knowledge of the team to foster a winning culture.[7] Under Collins, the Rowdies achieved significant success in the USL Championship, securing Eastern Conference regular season titles in both 2021 and 2022. In 2021, the team set a league record with 23 regular-season wins and 71 points, the highest total in USL history at the time, while scoring a league-leading 65 goals.[61][7] They advanced through the playoffs by defeating Indy Eleven in the quarterfinals, Charlotte Independence in the semifinals, and Louisville City FC 3–2 in extra time in the conference final, before falling 3–1 to Orange County SC in the USL Championship Final.[62] The 2022 campaign saw another conference title, with the Rowdies posting 19 wins and maintaining a strong defensive record, reaching three consecutive Eastern Conference finals from 2019 to 2021.[63] Overall, Collins compiled a record of 94 wins, 42 losses, and 34 draws across 170 matches, while the team scored 237 goals during his tenure.[2][7] Collins implemented a 3-4-3 formation that emphasized high possession and attacking play, averaging around 55% possession per match and contributing to the team's offensive output.[64] His approach focused on player development, resulting in 14 individual player awards, including All-League honors for key contributors, and establishing a professional pathway for young talents in Florida.[7] For his accomplishments, Collins was named USL Championship Coach of the Year in 2021 and earned four Coach of the Month honors across the 2021 and 2022 seasons.[61][65][2]Barnsley
Collins was appointed as Barnsley's head coach on 6 July 2023, signing a two-year contract after leaving his position at Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship.[66] Drawing from his tactical foundation in the USL, where he emphasized possession and structured build-up play, Collins implemented a back-three system at Barnsley that focused on quick transitions to exploit spaces behind opposing defenses.[67] This approach allowed the team to adapt to the physical demands of EFL League One, blending defensive solidity with rapid counter-attacks suited to the league's intensity.[68] Under Collins' leadership, Barnsley achieved a sixth-place finish in the 2023–24 League One standings, securing a spot in the promotion playoffs with 76 points from 46 league matches. His overall record across 52 games in all competitions stood at 24 wins, 14 draws, and 14 losses, yielding a 46.2% win percentage and demonstrating consistent performance throughout the campaign.[9] Key to this success was the integration of strategic signings, notably midfielder Adam Phillips, who emerged as the team's top scorer with 11 league goals, providing crucial attacking output in a physically demanding environment.[69] The side showcased strong home form at Oakwell, including an 11-match unbeaten league run earlier in the season that underscored their resilience and crowd support.[70] Barnsley advanced to the League One playoff semi-finals but were eliminated by Bolton Wanderers, losing 5–4 on aggregate across two legs (3–1 first leg loss, 2–1 second leg win).[71] Despite this postseason disappointment and a late-season slump that saw the team winless in five matches, Collins' tenure highlighted Barnsley's potential for promotion contention through tactical discipline and key individual contributions.[9] He was sacked on 22 April 2024, with one regular-season game remaining, as the club sought a fresh approach ahead of the playoffs amid concerns over faltering momentum.[72]Raith Rovers
Collins was appointed head coach of Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers on 3 September 2024, signing a three-year contract following his dismissal from Barnsley earlier that year.[10] He replaced Ian Murray, who had been sacked after a poor start to the season, with Rovers sitting at the foot of the table after their opening match defeat.[73] During his 109-day tenure, Collins oversaw 15 matches, achieving a record of 6 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, accumulating 21 points at an average of 1.40 points per game.[74] The team scored 22 goals and conceded 21, showing a balanced but inconsistent output. Under Collins, Raith improved significantly from their early-season struggles, climbing to second in the Championship table by mid-December, positioning them for a promotion play-off spot.[75] However, the side faced challenges with away form, securing no league victories on the road until their final game under Collins, a 2-1 win at Queen's Park on 20 December.[76] Collins implemented a preferred 3-4-1-2 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and midfield control, though squad integration proved testing in the early months due to the short timeframe and inherited issues from the previous regime.[77] Notable successes included a 2-0 Fife derby victory over Dunfermline Athletic on 14 December, which boosted morale and highlighted improving team cohesion.[78] Despite these highlights, the tenure was marked by turbulence, including a mid-season dip that tested fan patience before the late upturn. Collins' departure on 21 December 2024 came as a surprise when USL Championship side Sacramento Republic activated a financial release clause in his contract, allowing him to return to American soccer.[79] This ended his briefest managerial spell to date, with the club expressing disappointment but acknowledging the opportunity's appeal. Raith Rovers finished his time in strong form, winning three consecutive league games, but the sudden exit left them searching for a third manager that season.[80]Sacramento Republic
On December 21, 2024, Sacramento Republic FC appointed Neill Collins as head coach ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season, following the club's activation of a compensation clause in his previous contract.[81] The move marked Collins' return to the USL Championship after a brief stint abroad, bringing his proven track record from leading the Tampa Bay Rowdies to multiple playoff appearances.[7] Collins arrived in Sacramento in mid-January 2025 and immediately oversaw pre-season preparations, including open tryouts and the launch of training camp, with a strong emphasis on implementing a back-three defensive structure adapted from his prior tactical setups.[82] He prioritized youth integration by promoting three academy graduates to the first team and incorporating them into drills focused on positional fluidity and defensive organization.[83] These efforts aimed to blend emerging talents with experienced players, fostering a cohesive unit for the competitive Western Conference.[84] The appointment came with high expectations to build on Sacramento's 2024 playoff appearance, where the team reached the Western Conference Quarterfinals before a penalty shootout loss to Las Vegas Lights FC.[85] Under Collins, the club targeted a Western Conference title and deeper postseason run in 2025, leveraging his history of guiding teams to conference finals.[86] By securing the second seed in the regular season standings, Republic FC demonstrated early progress toward those ambitions before exiting in the 2025 playoffs via penalties in the quarterfinals.[87] Early in his tenure, Collins influenced signings such as defender Ryan Spaulding in January 2025 and winger Dominik Wanner, both selected for their familiarity with his systems and potential fit in a possession-oriented setup.[88] He emphasized data-driven recruitment through the USL network, drawing on analytics for player evaluation to target versatile additions from lower divisions and international loans.[84] For the technical staff, Collins retained key figures like assistant coach Martín Vásquez while integrating familiar faces from his past roles, ensuring alignment in coaching philosophy.[89] As of November 2025, Collins' tenure continues with a focus on fan engagement in Sacramento, highlighted by post-season events and community interactions that build on the club's passionate supporter base to sustain momentum ahead of 2026 preparations. In recognition of their performances, goalkeeper Danny Vitiello and defender Jack Gurr were named to the USL Championship All-League Second Team on November 13, 2025.[90][91] This approach underscores his prior USL experience in cultivating strong home atmospheres to drive performance.[7]Playing and managerial style
As a player
Collins played as a centre-back known for his powerful and combative defending style, contributing to solid backlines during his time at clubs like Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers.[92]As a manager
Collins employs an attacking, high-pressing style typically based on a 3-1-4-2 formation, evolving from 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 systems used at Tampa Bay Rowdies and Barnsley. This approach emphasizes wide play, crosses, and defensive solidity with a back three, which he continued to implement during his brief tenure at Raith Rovers and into his role at Sacramento Republic FC as of 2025.[1][68]Career statistics
Club playing statistics
Neill Collins' club playing career spanned 18 years across Scotland, England, and the United States, encompassing league matches, domestic cups, and playoffs. He accumulated 598 appearances, 35 goals, and 7 assists in total.[6][2] His statistics reflect consistent participation as a centre-back, with peak seasons including 39 league appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2007–08 and 42 for Sheffield United in 2011–12.[93] Below is a breakdown of his appearances, goals, and assists by club across all competitions (excluding internationals).| Club | Seasons | Primary Division(s) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield United | 2006, 2010–2016 | Championship, League One | 216 | 14 | 4 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2006–2010 | Championship | 97 | 10 | 1 |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | 2016–2018 | USL Championship, NASL | 67 | 3 | 1 |
| Leeds United | 2010–2011 | Championship, League One | 32 | 0 | 0 |
| Sunderland | 2004–2007 | Championship, Premier League | 24 | 1 | 0 |
| Preston North End | 2009–2010 | Championship | 22 | 1 | 0 |
| Hartlepool United | 2005–2006 | League One | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Port Vale | 2015 | League One | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Dumbarton | 2002–2004 | Scottish First Division | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Hibernian | 2003–2004 | Scottish Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Total | 2000–2018 | Various | 598 | 35 | 7 |
Managerial statistics
Neill Collins has managed 283 matches across his coaching career as of November 2025, recording 142 wins, 61 draws, and 73 losses for an overall win percentage of 50%.[77] His tenure spans multiple leagues, with the bulk of his experience in the USL Championship, EFL League One, and Scottish Championship.[1] The following table summarizes his record by club, including tenure, primary competition, matches played (P), wins (W), draws (D), losses (L), and points per match (PPM):| Club | Tenure | Competition | P | W | D | L | PPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | 18 May 2018 – 8 July 2023 | USL Championship | 179 | 94 | 46 | 39 | 1.83 |
| Barnsley | 10 July 2023 – 22 April 2024 | EFL League One | 52 | 21 | 12 | 12 | 1.44 |
| Raith Rovers | 3 September 2024 – 20 December 2024 | Scottish Championship | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 0.91 |
| Sacramento Republic | 21 December 2024 – present | USL Championship | 41 | 24 | 2 | 15 | 1.80 |