Midfielder, Archie Collins has joined Huddersfield on a free transfer.
Collins’ move comes after he left Peterborough upon expiry of his contract in June, having scored eight goals and created 14 assists in 159 appearances across three seasons at the Posh.
The 26-year-old also helped Peterborough win the EFL Trophy in his first two seasons at the club and is now relishing a fresh challenge in Yorkshire in his first interview with the club’s website.
“Entering the summer as a free agent was a conscious choice at this stage of my career.
“Having enjoyed an incredible time on and off the pitch at Peterborough United, I was ready to push myself again with a new challenge, and being without a club has given me the benefit of being able to control my destiny and pick the side that felt like the best fit for me.
“Having spoken to a number of clubs both in this division and higher, my main motivations were to find a side that shared my aspirations and would give me the best chance of taking my game and career to the next level.
“After conversations with both the Sporting Director and Gaffer here, I knew that this was where I wanted to be, and I couldn’t be happier to have it complete. I’m really excited to be a Town player, and I can’t wait to get going.”
Huddersfield Head Coach, Martin Dury is “delighted” to sign Collins who he believes will bring composure and work ethic to the squad.
“He’s a player with excellent game understanding, he has a calmness in how he plays and he knows how to control the rhythm of games. This all comes from his willingness to get on the ball in any scenario.
“Alongside this, he has shown over recent years how much he values the other parts of the game and his work ethic aligns with how we want to look without the ball.
“He’s been a captain in his previous clubs and his leadership qualities will help support the group. I believe he will compliment the other midfielders we have and as their relationships build over time, I feel we will continue to develop how we want to play and the identity of our team.”
The Terriers’ Sporting Director, Chris Markham believes that Collins can “compliment” their midfield selection with his balance and leadership.
“A well balanced midfielder who can be effective in managing all different types of games, he make those around him better as well as showing he can consistently produce a high level of performance himself. We’ve been patient to ensure that we got the right player in what has been a key position for us, which we believe Archie to be.”
Collins began his career at Exeter City where he graduated through the academy to break into the senior squad in November 2017, and went on to score 14 goals in 221 appearances amidst loans at Weston-super-Mare and Dorchester Town – across which he netted three goals in 22 combined appearances in 2017-18 season.
Markham consequently feels that Collins is a reliable player who has been a constant presence in the midfield at each of his previous clubs.
“At both Exeter City and Peterborough United he made himself an indispensable part of their sides, and he has barely missed a game since stepping up to senior football – another important factor in our recruitment this summer.
“Following our meetings with him, he understands the brand of football we’re trying to play this season and he has every characteristic you would hope to see from Huddersfield Town’s number eight.”
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