Honest James Collins takes the blame for Stoke goal

James Collins.
How hard was that game today? It seemed to be a real struggle in the first half.
“Yes, the first half was not nice. We knew exactly what they were going to do and we didn’t really deal with is as well as we would have liked. But second half we got to grips with it and I think we came out with the right result.”

Another early goal conceded today.
“Yeah, it was my fault, my man for the goal. I’d like to blame it on being a bit rusty but it was just poor play from me really, I lost my man. Luckily the boys dug me out of the hole and we got the result.”

Two wins from three over Christmas must be pleasing.
“Yeah. Obviously we said if you put a run of wins together it would put us up the league and that’s put us up to 10th today. We’ve got a bit of a break off the league next week so we’re in a good spot going into the next game.”

What did the manager say to you all at half-time. It was much better performance in the second half.
“Deep down we all knew we weren’t performing. We were getting forward and not really creating anything so we knew not to go out in the second half and start playing a long ball game. We knew if we kept it on the floor we’d eventually create chances and get the goals and luckily that’s what we did.”

FA Cup next week. Looking forward to that?
“Yes. It’s a different challenge. Playing a lower league team but we obviously want to keep the winning streak going. I’m sure the gaffer is going to put out his strongest team to keep that run going and like you said everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully we’ll get another win.”

What’s been the change in the last couple of games?
“I don’t know. I think we’ve always been playing well but the luck might have turned and now we’re getting the breaks. Like Diego scoring today, that’s come off him and I don’t think he knew it hit him. A couple of weeks ago that probably would have gone wide but hopefully that’s the change now and we can build on these two wins and kick on.”

Does it show that sometimes it’s good to keep faith in the manager.
“With the gaffer I don’t think it was a case of keeping the faith. Everyone knows he’s a fantastic manager and a fantastic motivator. He’s a great man. The football we’re trying to play, we knew it would come good eventually and in the last two games it has.”

Against Barnsley you’re going to be the team to be shot at.
“yeah. Exactly. It’s not going to be an easy game. They are going to be looking at us, 10th in the league, and it would be a big scalp for them. It will be a tough game so hopefully we can keep the winning streak going.”

Craig Bellamy is very important.
“Yes, he’s been on fire the last couple of weeks. The couple of weeks before he hadn’t scored but he got his two [against Portsmouth] and hopefully he’ll be firing on all cylinders now.”
Danger he might lose it with all the speculation about him?
“No, he’s a fantastic player. He’s a top professional. He goes out every game and tries to score goals. The weeks before it wasn’t happening for him but hopefully something’s changed for him now and he can kick on from the two he scored against Portsmouth.”

You keen for him to stay?
“Of course. Any player like Craig Bellamy is quality and you want to hang onto them if you want to kick on as a football club. I’m sure everyone around the place will say the same. He’s a good lad to have around and he’s a fantastic player.”