Jimmy Collins 1937-2018

Brighton & Hove Albion is saddened by the news that former captain Jimmy Collins has passed away at the age of 80.

Born in Ayrshire, the Scotsman began his career with Lugar Boys’ Club and Lugar Boswell Thistle, for whom he played in the 1956 Scottish Junior Cup final in front of 64,702 spectators at Hampden Park.

Tottenham Hotspur paid £1,000 to secure the services of the youngster in 1956 as a part-time professional, while Collins also completed his National Service in the Army and an apprenticeship as a bricklayer.

Collins made his debut for Spurs in 1961, but the following season saw the inside forward move to the Goldstone Ground.

The Scotsman was signed by former manager George Curtis for £9,000 and made his debut for the Seagulls against Carlisle United in 1962.

Albion were relegated to the fourth division during the forward’s first season at the Goldstone, but Collins impressed for the club and captained the side during much of the their fourth division title campaign in 1964/65, scoring 17 goals.

Collins went on to score 48 goals in 221 appearances for the Seagulls, before moving into the non-league circuit with spells at Wimbledon, Stevenage, Southwick, Shoreham and Saltdean United.

The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this sad time.