National League team Yeovil Town has announced the death of the club’s captain Lee Collins at the age of 32.
Collins joined the gloves in 2019 and became an important part of their backline during his first campaign with the club. However, after being sent out against Stockport in early February, the defender had been absent from the first team’s duties.
Rest in Peace, Lee Collins.
1988-2021 #YTFC
– Yeovil Town FC (@YTFC) April 1, 2021
Unfortunately, Yeovil has released a statement on its official website to confirm Collins’ death, with his deep condolences to his family and friends.
“Everyone at Yeovil Town Football Club mourns the loss of club captain Lee Collins,” the statement began. “Unfortunately Lee died yesterday and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We ask everyone to respect the integrity of the family right now.
“The club will not make any further comments at this time. Our game with Altrincham tomorrow has been postponed.”
Collins graduated from the Wolves academy as a central defender, but later in his career he showed his versatility by making a number of appearances on the right back. He failed to make an older appearance at Molineux and continued his career playing in English football’s lower leagues.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of former FGR captain Lee Collins.
Lee played for Rovers between 2017 and 2019 and made 64 appearances. Our thoughts are with Lee’s family during this time.
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– Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) April 1, 2021
Collins liked spells with Port Vale, Northampton, Forest Green Rovers and Mansfield Town, while he was also on the book at Barnsley during a season when they were a championship side.
A number of Collins’ former clubs and teammates have expressed their grief on social media, especially former Wolves midfielder Karl Henry – who saw the young defender develop during his time at Molineux.
On his Twitter page, Henry wrote: “Such sad news,” he wrote. “I remember Lee as a young player at Wolves. He was a good guy with a great attitude. I sent my condolences to his close friends and family. Rest in peace.”
