Darren Collins
Darren Collins
Born 24 May 1967 (Age 27 at debut)
Total appearances 286 - 152 goals
(210 League, 26 FA Cup, 23 FA Trophy, 14 League Cup, 1 Championship Shield, 10 Hillier Senior Cup 2 Maunsell Cup)
Debut:
2 August 1994 (Home
Final game:
6 May 2000 (Home
Darren Collins goal scoring record for Rushden and Diamonds was nothing short of phenomenal. After signing from Enfield in 1994 for a fee of £20,000, few could have predicated the impact Collins was about to have on the club. Collins had the ability to produce a goal out of nothing, when Diamonds needed it the most.
After being out scored by Dale Watkins in his first season, Collins went on to become Diamonds most prolific scorer for the next 5 seasons. His most impressive hauls were in the 95/96 and 97/98 seasons where he scored 40 and 35 goals respectively. His haul in the 95/96 season earned him the supporters player of the season award. However, in the 97/98 season, Collins improved his all round game. This, coupled with his 35 goals, earned him the double player of the season award from the supporters and his fellow players.
Collins was eventually sold to rivals Kettering Town in 2000 to make way for the imminent signings of Jackson and Darby. He is currently manager of UCL Premier Division side Cogenhoe United after spells at Wellingbrough Town and Cogenhoe United as a player. Collins record of 153 goals for Diamonds is unlikely to be beaten for a long time. He will be remembered as a catalyst for Diamonds early success.
