Bobby Collins

Robert "Bobby" Young Collins (born 16 February 1931 in Govanhill, Scotland) was a footballer best known for his successful spells at Celtic F.C., Everton and Leeds United.

Despite of being just about 160 cm (5'3") tall, Collins was a strong, hard-working midfield player who was in the Celtic team as a 17 year old and stayed there for ten years, winning the Scottish Cup in 1951, and the Scottish league and FA cup double in 1954. He was also called up for international duty in 1950, and maintained a frequent presence in the Scottish squad in the later stages of the decade.

In 1958 he joined Everton and then became an astute addition to the Leeds squad by manager Don Revie in 1962, helping the club avoid relegation. Leeds won promotion to the First Division in 1964, and Collins captained the side towards a potential League and FA Cup double a year later; however, Leeds missed out on the League on goal difference to Manchester United, and lost the FA Cup Final to Liverpool. Collins's efforts in Leeds achievements were recognised as he was awarded the "Footballer Of The Year" title in 1965. His sparkling form at Leeds also won him a recall to the Scotland squad after a 6 year absence, and he earned three more caps. His international career ended with 31 appearances and ten goals.

Collins continued to skipper Leeds until 1966, when he suffered a horrific broken thighbone in a Fairs Cup tie against Torino. He briefly came back from the injury, but age and a struggle to reclaim previous form brought his Leeds career to an end.

Bury signed Collins and he stayed there for two years. He joined two more clubs but did not play for either, though during a short period back in his native Scotland with Greenock Morton, he doubled up as a scout for Revie, and recommended Joe Jordan. Jordan went on to become a respected and feared striker with both Leeds and Scotland.

After a spell as player/coach with Oldham he signed for Shamrock Rovers in November 1973 making his début on the 11th at Glenmalure Park. He played a total of 13 games, 12 in the league scoring once on his second appearance at Finn Harps.

Collins went into management, with spells at Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Barnsley. He also coached in Australia and also coached within the Leeds youth set-up in the 1970s and then again in the late 1990s.

He now lives in quiet retirement.

International goals

:"Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first."

External links

*SFA Profile|id=112797