Portsmouth transfer news: Former Luton and Cardiff striker reveals 'big factor' in decision to snub Blues in favour of move to Derby
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The striker completed his much-anticipated move to the Rams on Wednesday.
He signed a two-year deal after moving to Pride Park on a free transfer from Cardiff, following the decision to terminate his contract with the Bluebirds.
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Hide AdPompey boss Danny Cowley was keen to take the Republic of Ireland international on loan after being made aware of his availability earlier this summer.
Yet the 31-year-old opted to move to the Rams on a permanent deal.
That longer-term security will no doubt have played a key role in his decision to opt for Derby over the Blues.
But the former Luton forward admitted a familiarity with many of the ever-growing Rams squad helped persuade him that Pride Park should be his new home.
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Hide AdHe was also impressed with the signings made so far by boss Liam Rosenior – a figure that has since risen to nine following the capture of Chesterfield keeper Scott Loach.
Collins told the Derby club website: ‘A lot of players I know have signed for the club so that was a big factor and we’ve built a great squad here so far so I’m excited to come here and be a part of it.
‘I know Richard Stearman really well. I know Conor Hourihane and Jason Knight from Ireland and David McGoldrick, too.
‘I know Nathaniel Mendez-Laing as well so I know four or five of them quite well.
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Hide Ad‘I spoke more with Stears about the club and he put in a good word for me.
‘He was always on the phone seeing how it was going. It took a while but I’m really glad that I can get a couple of weeks under my belt before the start of the season.’
Collins’ move to Derby means Pompey remain without a senior striker within their ranks with the start of the 2022-23 season just two weeks away.