James Collins Steps into the Spotlight as Wolves Seek New Direction
James Collins, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ under-21s head coach, has once again answered the call to assist the first team, this time finding himself center-stage following the dismissal of head coach Vitor Pereira. This opportunity allows Collins to showcase his talents on the stage he aspires to reach permanently: becoming a first-team coach of a Premier League or international team.
For the third time in recent seasons, the 47-year-old has the chance to lead the senior side, unlike his previous two stints as an assistant. “There’s always a burning desire to coach at the highest level with the best players you possibly can,” Collins stated, emphasizing his ambition to coach in the Premier League.
Collins spent over a month with the Wolves first team after Bruno Lage’s departure in October 2022, working under Steve Davis. Now, he’s in charge for their match against Chelsea before the international window, with Rob Edwards expected to take over as the permanent head coach.
Reflecting on his experiences, Collins noted, “What it (working with the first team) makes me realize is that I can do it. I can do it well. I’ve got experience to do it, and the players respond to it.” He acknowledges the excitement at the top level and believes he can contribute effectively.
Collins’ journey to this point includes a coaching career that began at Crewe Alexandra, where he held various positions before joining Wolves. He has observed five head coaches at close hand, learning valuable lessons from each. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the players’ needs and providing them with the necessary guidance and structure.
In preparing for the Chelsea match, Collins focused on understanding the players’ perspectives and identifying areas for improvement. “It’s not so much about how the team lines up, but more about how the week looks,” he explained. “Did they feel they needed more meetings or fewer meetings? Did they feel they got enough detail or too much detail?”
Collins recognizes that players at all levels need support and guidance. “What you realize when you come in is, like any other footballers, they want help. They want guidance. They want organization and structure,” he said. “They want to do as well as they can at the weekend and, if they think you can help them with that, they’ll buy into it.”
As Collins takes charge of Wolves for this crucial match, he aims to provide the players with the support and direction they need to perform at their best, while also demonstrating his own capabilities as a potential future first-team coach.
