Few defenders have a song sang about them, as Danny Collins had, and though the lyrics towards the end are quite unrepeatable, and a fib, he certainly wasnt that skilful. What Danny Collins actually was though was a hard grafter, and he had to be in several workmanlike Sunderland sides. And the fact he survived from the Mick McCarthy time, through the revolving door period of Roy Keane - during which time he established himself as a regular in the Premier League - was testament to the player. His never-say-die attitude gained him the recognition of the fans as he was voted player of the season during another turbulent year for the club. On Collins arrival on Wearside - mainly as a utility player given his willingness to fill in as comfortably at left back as play centrally in defence - he could never have dreamed of becoming a regular in a Premiership side as he eventually did. Indeed, Sunderland were struggling to get out of the Championship at the time, but during his spell at the Stadium of Light, Danny Collins would win promotion with the side twice, later gaining call ups from Wales. Collins was by no means the most talented left back or centre back to play for Sunderland. but he put his all into his game, he kept his head down and emerged as one of the most improved players during his career at the club. It was almost a little melancholy when he left for Stoke, but by that point the Black Cats made a hefty profit on a player signed for absolute peanuts having played 150 matches for the club.
