James Collins is relishing working with Graeme Jones and believes the new Luton manager’s credentials, coaching the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, will help improve him as a striker.
Town’s top scorer for the last two terms has already been rewarded for a sensational spell with the club through selection for the Republic of Ireland.
Collins has fired 46 goals in 94 appearances for Luton, including 22 in his last 28 games and he got off the mark in his Championship debut with an 85th minute leveller in Friday’s 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough.
Last term, he got to work with Hatters legend and former England forward Mick Harford and now he’s enjoying his time with Jones, who was assistant coach for Belgium in the 2018 World Cup, when they came third, with forwards like Real Madrid’s Hazard and Manchester United’s Lukaku.
Collins said: “He’s been fantastic. For me, personally, he’s been brilliant and, collectively, for the group, he’s been brilliant. I’ve really enjoyed working with him and I think he’ll be a great acquisition for this club.
“He was obviously a striker when he played himself and he has coached some of the best strikers in the world.”
On what has has learned during the summer since Jones took over the Luton hotseat, Collins said: “Just little pointers he gives me and what role he wants me to play this year, it’s really working and I’ve really enjoyed working with him.”
Asked if it was surreal that he’s now working with a coach that has trained some elite level players, the striker said: “It really is but he is so down-to-earth and humble so you would never think it. He wants the best for his players and I think he’s got the best out of the lads tonight.”
Jones returned the compliment after the Boro draw, saying of Collins: “He’s just a pleasure to work with, as a character, as a player he never stops. Again, I think football rewarded him tonight. I can’t remember James having a chance but he nearly won the game in the end so I’m delighted for him.”
