Lincoln City sign striker James Collins. Credit: Chris VaughanLincoln City sign striker James Collins. Credit: Chris Vaughan

Lincoln City have confirmed the signing of experienced striker James Collins on an permanent deal from Derby County.

The 34-year-old has signed a contract that will run until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The former Republic of Ireland international scored 19 goals in all competitions during Derby’s promotion winning Sky Bet League One season last term.

He was only started one Championship game this campaign, with his other 16 appearances coming as a substitute.

Overall, Collins has more than 200 senior career goals and six EFL promotions under his belt.

Lincoln City sign striker James Collins. Credit: Chris Vaughan
Lincoln City sign striker James Collins. Credit: Chris Vaughan

Head coach Michael Skubala said: “James is a really important signing for the group and it is a massive statement of intent from the club. He is a proven goalscorer, a top professional and will also add leadership to a young squad.

“He is a double-promotion winner from this league, scored 14 goals in helping Derby County win promotion last season and he is here first and foremost because he is hungry to score more goals, win games and contribute to achieving more success.

“Apart from the obvious goal threat that James will bring us on the pitch, he will also bring a lot to us every day at the Elite Performance Centre, particularly with the likes of Freddie Draper, Jovon Makama and Bailey Cadamarteri.”

Jez George, Lincoln’s director of football, added: “Everyone may be wondering about our model, but what we see in James is another metric far more important than his age – how many goals that he has scored consistently over more than 600 games.

“He did that for Derby County last season in helping them to win promotion and has done it all his career.”

Collins becomes the Imps’ second signing of the January transfer window after fellow 34-year-old Sam Clucas returned to the club last week.

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