It is never nice to see one of your own fly the nest, however, that has sadly happened at West Ham United on Thursday.
Jack Collinson revealed on Twitter that he would be stepping down from his position as one of the club’s academy coaches and would be leaving us for an opportunity overseas after admitting it was the hardest thing he has ever had to do, with Kevin Keen taking over the role he is vacating (via the club’s official website).
Having come through the ranks as a teenager, the former midfielder was unlucky during his career as he was blighted with a number of injuries that really stopped the Welshman from reaching the heights many had tipped he had the potential to achieve.
After leaving us in 2014, he tried to get his playing career back on track with spells at Ipswich Town and Peterborough United, however, those same injuries continued to haunt him and he decided it was time to hang up his boots two years later at the young age of 28.
Since retiring, Collison has been working hard with the up-and-coming stars that we have on our books and has helped the likes of Ben Johnson and Grady Diangana breakthrough into Manuel Pellegrini’s first-team set-up.
Following the announcement that he was leaving, many of the West Ham fans took to Twitter to thank him for the years of service he has given us, whilst others were ‘gutted’ that he was leaving the club once again. Here are some of those reactions…
You deserve the best Jack. I hope you are a great success and come back to lead the Irons when you’re ready. Enjoy the journey.
— ⚒Rob⚒ (@Rob66Hammer) June 13, 2019
All the best mate ur always a legend and a hammer ⚒
— ⚒ Leon ⚒ (@djleon1983) June 13, 2019
Excited for you – but super sad to see you go! The ???? supply at West Ham’s gonna go up without you there though that’s for sure ????
— Kelly Somers (@KellySomers) June 13, 2019
Gutted you are leaving but wish you well Jack always part of the WHU family ❤️⚒
— Mary (@ZaynafamilyMary) June 13, 2019
Good luck hammer! Always claret and blue ⚒⚒
— ⚒⚒BATESY⚒⚒ (@hammers_dave) June 13, 2019
Truly gutted to read this, but best of luck in the future mate! Wish you and your family all the best ❤️⚒
— Jamie (@Jfar_whufc) June 13, 2019
All the best Jack, would love to see you managing us in the future! Forever one of my favourite players ⚒
— Tom Guy (@TomGuy93) June 13, 2019