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Roderick Collins (born 7 August 1960), is an Irish former professional football player and manager.

During a playing career of 18 years, Collins played for many sides across England, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. While towards the end of his career he became a joint-manager and player, Collins eventually turned his hand entirely to management. He managed Bohemians, the side he started his career at and played for during four spells throughout his career, before moving to England to manage Carlisle. After several successful spells in Ireland and one in Malta, Collins is currently unemployed.

Playing career

Collins was born in Dublin. He played for the youth teams of Stella Maris FC, where in 1977 he was scouted and went on trial with Fulham FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal FC.

He made his competitive debut for Bohemians in a FAI League Cup tie against St Patrick's Athletic on 26 August 1979, which they lost on penalties. The game at Dalymount Park had ended scoreless with Collins being one that had his spot kick saved. His League of Ireland debut came on 9 September on the opening day of the 1979–80 season at Finn Harps. Ten days later he made his European debut at the Estádio José Alvalade against Sporting Clube de Portugal in the UEFA Cup.

He suffered a serious leg injury which sidelined him for almost two years before going on to play for Home Farm. After another spell at Bohemians he joined Athlone Town, where he scored in the 1983–84 European Cup against Standard Liège. He also scored Athlone's goal in their 1984 FAI League Cup final loss to Drogheda United. He then moved to Drogheda United before joining Dundalk for six months.

In January 1986 Collins signed for Mansfield Town for a transfer fee said to be in excess of £10,000 He left to join Newport County in August 1987, playing seven times in an injury-plagued 1987–88 season which would see Newport lose their place in the Football League amid a growing financial crisis. Collins then went on to play once for Cheltenham Town.

Noel King signed Collins for Shamrock Rovers in September 1988 and he made a scoring debut against Bohemians on 30 September in a 3–1 derby win. He also scored in his last game for the club at Cork City on 21 April 1989. He was Rovers' top scorer for the 1988–89 season.

Collins subsequently joined for Dundalk, playing twice for them in the 1989-90 UEFA Cup.

He later played for Sligo Rovers, Crusaders (with whom he won the County Antrim Shield and was leading scorer in his first season), Glentoran, Bangor, Coleraine, Cliftonville, Larne and Home Farm. He scored once for Cliftonville in the 1995–96 season, and he made one Leinster Senior Cup appearance for Bohemians in December 1995. His last club was St Francis, where he played in their first ever game in senior football in a League of Ireland Shield game in September 1996.

Management career

Collins' first foray into management came at Bangor in 1994/95 which despite saving them from relegation, was relatively brief. After Nigel Best resigned Collins' first managerial game was a 1–1 draw at home to Larne on 28 January 1995.

Bohemians

In 1998, he found himself thrust into the spotlight when he was surprisingly appointed as Joe McGrath's successor at Bohemians.

Bohemians were a side which, despite being tipped as outside contenders for the title at the start of the year, were facing a relegation dogfight when Collins arrived in the 1998–99 season. Collins' start to his reign as Bohs' manager was relatively impressive, and new signings such as Kevin Hunt eventually dragged the side out of relegation trouble and to safety. However, a poor run of results at the end of the season saw the Gypsies, which has never been outside of the top tier of Irish football, plummet back into relegation trouble, and were forced to take part in a play-off with Cobh Ramblers. Bohemians won the play-off convincingly, 7–0 on aggregate. He remained as manager during the close-season, though he was under pressure from both the supporters and the committee at Bohemians.

During the close-season Collins oversaw a massive change in personnel at the club, with old stalwarts such as Brian Mooney, Tommy Byrne (footballer) and Peter Hanrahan being released, and new signings such as Glen Crowe, Mark Dempsey, Wayne Russell and Avery John coming in. Bohemians started the season brightly, and it was evident that this side would not be fighting relegation. Bohemians eventually finished 3rd in the league, and were beaten in a replay of the final of the FAI Cup by Shelbourne FC.

The following season, 2000–01, was to become one of the most remarkable, and controversial, in the history of Bohemians. Collins again brought in several new players during the summer break, with Simon Webb, Dave Hill among others joining record signing Trevor Molloy at the club.

Bohemians' opening game was an away tie in the UEFA Cup against Aberdeen FC, which was to be the first time that the club had fielded a starting eleven consisting entirely of full-time professional players. Despite being written off by the local press, Bohs produced one of the all-time great Irish performances in Europe to come from a goal down to defeat the Scots by two goals to one. Bohemians were reduced to 10 men after 45 minutes and were beaten 1–0 in the return leg, due to an own-goal, but progressed on the away goals rule and faced German giants Kaiserslautern in the next round

Despite putting in an impressive display, Bohemians who were again reduced to 10 men on the 43rd minute were beaten 3–1 in Tolka Park in the first leg, and suffered from some careless defensive lapses and a controversial red card. In Germany, Bohemians shocked the hosts by winning 1–0 thanks to a goal from Glen Crowe, and were unlucky not to score more (even having a goal ruled out for off-side). Bohemians were out of Europe, and had made history by achieving successive away victories in European competition. It was at this time in his career that Collins is rumoured to have applied for a job with Dublin Corporation as a traffic warden to escape the hectic lifestyle of football.

In the league that season Bohs were showing good form, though with Glen Crowe emerging as a phenomenal goal-scorer and Kevin Hunt marshalling the midfield. Once out of Europe, results began to dip, and Collins found himself under pressure. Shelbourne were clear leaders at the top, and a huge investment in the Bohemians playing side looked set to fail to reap just rewards. In January 2001, Collins was under huge pressure as Bohemians travelled to Santry to take on fierce rivals Shamrock Rovers. At half time, Bohemians were trailing the game by 3 goals, as Rovers scored 4 to Bohs 1. It looked certain that a new manager would be appointed following the game. However, in one of the most remarkable come-backs in Irish football, Bohemians put 5 past a shell-shocked Rovers side in the second half and won 6–4. That result, coupled with a break for several weeks due to the foot and mouth outbreak in the UK and Ireland, gave Bohemians the momentum to mount a late challenge for the league.

Bohemians went into the last game of the season trailing Shelbourne by one point, as the Gypsies travelled to Kilkenny on the final day. Meanwhile, Shelbourne were hosting Cork City in a game which the hosts were expected to win comfortably. To win the league, Bohemians needed to win and hope that Cork could achieve at least a draw in Tolka. Bohemians won 5–0, while Cork shocked Shelbourne by defeating them on their home patch. Bohemians were crowned champions, and the aftermath of the result would shape the rest of Collins' career.

Fall out from Bohemians

The following weekend Bohemians beat Longford Town in the FAI Cup Final thus securing their first double in 75 years, a remarkable achievement. The club also recorded a profit for the first time in 20 yrs. After this Collins was supposedly set to discuss a new contract with the Bohemians committee. During this time the club announced that Pete Mahon would be taking over the reins at Bohemians. This ended Collins' association with the club.

To the present day Collins' name is sure to spark intense debate amongst the Bohemians faithful, with some fans opposing and supporting the former manager. He managed the club for 96 league games – winning 46, drawing 23 and losing 27. They scored 136 times, conceded 81 and kept 41 clean sheets.

Drogheda United takeover

In early July 2001 Collins expressed an interest in forming a consortium to takeover one of his former clubs Drogheda United. His role as consultant did not last long as he was appointed manager of Carlisle weeks later.

Carlisle United

Collins was appointed as manager of Carlisle United in July 2001 signing a two-year contract. A club that was under financial embargo with only 8 senior professional players and bookies favourites for relegation, was 14th in the league by April their highest position in 5 seasons. Collins was sacked in April 2002 after stating that he would resign unless owner Michael Knighton completed the sale of the club as promised to the investor John Courtenay (chairman).

Courtenay finally took control of the club in July 2002 and instantly reappointed Collins as manager. Due to the long drawn out completion of the sale Collins worked with a weakened squad but yet again he retained their League status and took them to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for the LDV Cup Final.

Dublin City

In July 2004 he took over as manager of Dublin City, but left in November 2004 three weeks from the end of the season to manage Shamrock Rovers.

Shamrock Rovers

As manager of Shamrock Rovers, Collins struggled both on and off the pitch. Following a points deduction because the club presented fraudulent documents to the FAI licensing committee, after a season of poor results and in-fighting at the club, Shamrock Rovers faced relegation. Collins was first suspended for a week in November 2005 pending the resolution of an internal investigation. After Rovers were relegated for the first time ever Collins' contract was terminated. He later brought a claim of unfair dismissal against Shamrock Rovers to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in Dublin, the case was settled out of court in November 2006.

Post Rovers

In 2006, he applied for the vacant Glentoran job. In his weekly column he continues to question the merits of the league while ironically also being retained as a pundit for the national broadcaster for live league games. In March 2008, Collins profile as a soccer pundit was raised higher in Irish football media circles through his weekly appearances on Irish state broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann, in their weekly league review television show, Monday Night Soccer. Collins was named as the man heading an Irish consortium to purchase SPL club Gretna on 15 March 2008 following the club's financial crisis and possible closure. A week later (21 March 2008) Collins and his consortium were also in talks to take over at cash strapped Rotherham United, a football club in Football League Two.

Floriana

On 30 June 2009, Collins was unveiled as the new Manager of Maltese Premier side Floriana F.C. At the media conference, held in the Embassy of Malta in Dublin, Collins stated his delight at returning to the dugout and the large media presence was unheard of for a Maltese club. Floriana's Development Officer, Mr. Alan Moore, thanked everyone for being present on such a great occasion for the club and this was echoed

However an even greater unveiling took place in Floriana itself the very next day. After meeting his players for the first time Roddy was part of Maltese football history. Never before had such an event taken place on the islands where a manager was introduced to the fans. Introduced by Tony Zahra he spoke alongside new President John Camillieri, John Borg, Dominic Mc Donnell and Alan Moore, receiving massive applause for pledging himself to making Floriana F.C. a force to be reckoned with. The fans appreciated his honesty and applauded in agreement when he told them that "we are embarking on a long term project, all of us will stand together and make this club greater still!"

Having worked as a pundit for Radio Telefís Éireann, Newstalk Radio and The Star on Sunday, Collins began pre-season with Floriana F.C. on 2 July 2009. The club are also known as "The Irish" and footballing partners of, his former club, Shamrock Rovers and Russian side FC Volga Ulyanovsk. Collins had a very shaky start to his time in Floriana winning only 1 pre-season game and none of his first 3 competitive games including a humiliating 6–0 loss to eternal rivals Valletta F.C.. However just before he left the club he had guided the team to 7 unbeaten games.

Cork City

On 15 December 2009, Collins suddenly announced his departure from Floriana FC and returned to the League of Ireland to take charge of Cork City, where it was announced that he had signed a 12-month contract on 23 December 2009. Collins spoke of his delight at the appointment and said that it was a job he had wanted "for many years". In February 2010 the holding company Cork City Investments Fc Ltd. was wound up and he was not reappointed. Collins didn't manage a single competitive game with Cork City.

Monaghan United

In March 2011 Collins was appointed manager of First Division Monaghan United. He has achieved promotion to the Premier Division in his first season at the Mons. After a poor start to the 2012 season, whilst lying in last position in the league table, on 18 June 2012, Monaghan United announced their withdrawal from the League of Ireland citing financial reasons as the main factor in their decision. Collins was released as a free agent.

His son, also Roddy, made his debut in the EA Sports Cup.

Athlone Town

On 22 November 2012, Collins was named as the new manager of First Division side Athlone Town, and in his first season guided them to the League of Ireland First Division title in September 2013

However, in November 2013 in a club statement it was revealed that Collins had "requested his P45" and had left the club.

Derry City

On 19 November 2013, Collins was named as the new manager of Derry City.

On 11 May 2014 it was announced on the Derry City website that Derry City and Roddy Collins had departed by mutual consent.

Waterford United

After taking charge of Waterford United in the 2015 season, he led them to 7th in his first league season. After signing players he was more familiar with in the 2016 season his squad showed some early promising signs at the start of the season but many on and off the field problems caused disharmony and with two games left in the season Collins parted ways with Waterford United

Athlone Town

On 12 May 2017, Collins was appointed as the head coach of Athlone Town, a role which he held until February 2018.

Broadcasting & Commentating

On 6 June 2014, Dublin radio station Radio Nova announced that Collins and broadcaster Con Murphy had signed to present a new World Cup phone-in programme for the duration of the 2014 tournament.

Personal life

He is the brother of former world champion boxer, Steve Collins. His son Roddy Collins Jr. was a League of Ireland footballer who played for Athlone Town, Derry City and Waterford United.

Honours

Player

Dundalk

• League of Ireland Premier Division: 1990–91

Crusaders

• County Antrim Shield: 1992–93

Manager

Bohemians

• League of Ireland Premier Division: 2000–01
• FAI Cup: 2001

Carlisle United

• Football League Trophy runner-up: 2002–03

Athlone Town

• League of Ireland First Division: 2013

Individual

• Football League Third Division Manager of the Month: February 2002

References

1. "Roddy Collins". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
2. Dunk, Peter, ed. (1987). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88. London: Queen Anne Press. p. 238. ISBN 978-0-356-14354-5.
3. "Athlone go down fighting against Standard Liege". The Irish Times. 15 September 1983.
4. "Player Bio: Roddy Collins". Athlone Town F.C. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013.
5. "Collins signs for Mansfield". The Irish Times. 3 January 1986.
6. "Bangor ease into quarters". Ireland's Saturday Night. 23 September 1995. p. 2.
7. "Premier League statistics 1995/96". Cliftonville F.C. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
8. "Bright start for St Francis". The Irish Times. 16 September 1996.
9. "Bangor FC". Irish League Footballing Greats. 14 June 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
10. Fennelly, Amanda (4 September 2000). "Soccer: Bohemians fined by UEFA". RTÉ Sport. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011.
11. "'Otto won Euro 2004 with Greece - big deal, I'd have taken them to a World Cup'". The 42. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
12. McDermott, Gerry (7 July 2001). "Collins to weigh up Drogheda options". Irish Independent.
13. Cavaroli, Marcus (13 July 2001). "Roddys plea to Drogheda fans". Drogheda Independent.
14. "Soccer: Roddy Collins is the new manager of Carlisle United". BreakingNews.ie. 30 July 2001.
15. "Collins takes Carlisle job". BBC Sport. 31 July 2001.
16. "Carlisle sack boss Collins". BBC Sport. 6 April 2002.
17. "Hero's welcome for new United owner". BBC News. 1 August 2002.
18. "Collins takes Dublin post". BBC Sport. 26 July 2004.
19. "Collins move outrages Dublin". UEFA. 4 November 2004.
20. "Roddy Collins suspended by Rovers". RTÉ Sport. 14 June 2007.
21. "Shamrock Rovers sack manager Collins". RTÉ Sport. 14 June 2007.
22. O'Hehir, Paul (17 November 2006). "Collins settles unfair dismissal claim". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
23. "Collins talks to Glens officials". BBC Sport. 13 February 2006.
24. Mackey, Liam (1 July 2009). "Roddy toasts future with a ball O' Malta". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
25. "Collins takes over hot seat at Cork". RTÉ Sport. 23 December 2009. Archived from the original on 4 February 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2010.
26. "Roddy Collins appointed as manager". Cork City F.C.
27. "Roddy Collins signs as manager". Monaghan United F.C. Archived from the original on 25 March 2011.
28. Davey, Christopher (18 June 2012). "Monaghan United withdraw from league". Extratime.ie. Archived from the original on 23 June 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
29. "Limerick 5-0 Monaghan United". Monaghan United F.C. 29 June 2011. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
30. "Athlone Town name Roddy Collins as their new manager for the 2013 season". RTÉ Sport. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
31. "First Division title and promotion for Athlone". Archived from the original on 28 September 2013.
32. http://athlonetownfc.ie/club-statement.html
33. Malone, Emmet. "Roddy Collins parts company with Derry City". The Irish Times. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
34. "Roddy Collins vows to end Derry's 'shocking' title famine". Irish Independent. 20 November 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2013.
35. "Roddy Collins Leaves the Club by Mutual Consent |". Archived from the original on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
36. Malone, Emmet (11 May 2017). "Roddy Collins returns to Athlone as Cork City aim for record". The Irish Times. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
37. "Roddy Collins steps away from role as general manager at Athlone Town". Independent.ie. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
38. "Radio Nova Launches Nightly World Cup Extra Programme". Radio Nova Blog. 12 June 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
39. "Football hard-man Vinnie Jones tells Radio Nova presenters Roddy Collins and Con Murphy that Germany will win World Cup 2014". Radio Nova Blog. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
40. "Roddy Collins Jnr". www.extratime.com.
41. "Bristol City 2–0 Carlisle". BBC Sport. 6 April 2003. Retrieved 17 March 2024.

• 1962 births
• Living people
• Association footballers from Dublin (city)
• Republic of Ireland men's association footballers
• Republic of Ireland expatriate men's association footballers
• Men's association football forwards
• League of Ireland players
• League of Ireland managers
• English Football League players
• Home Farm F.C. players
• Athlone Town A.F.C. players
• Athlone Town A.F.C. managers
• Drogheda United F.C. players
• Dundalk F.C. players
• Bohemian F.C. players
• Bohemian F.C. managers
• Mansfield Town F.C. players
• Newport County A.F.C. players
• Cheltenham Town F.C. players
• Crusaders F.C. players
• Glentoran F.C. players
• Carlisle United F.C. managers
• Shamrock Rovers F.C. managers
• Shamrock Rovers F.C. players
• Cliftonville F.C. players
• Coleraine F.C. players
• Floriana F.C. managers
• NIFL Premiership players
• English Football League managers
• You're a Star contestants
• Irish association football commentators
• Expatriate men's association footballers in Northern Ireland
• Expatriate football managers in Malta
• Irish expatriate sportspeople in Malta
• Derry City F.C. managers
• Stella Maris F.C. players
• St Francis F.C. players
• Monaghan United F.C. managers
• Sligo Rovers F.C. players
• Bangor F.C. players
• Larne F.C. players
• Bangor F.C. managers
• Cork City F.C. managers
• Waterford F.C. managers
• Republic of Ireland association football managers
• People from Cabra, Dublin
• 20th-century Irish sportsmen