James Collins: Paolo Di Canio key to leaving

Departing striker James Collins has revealed Paolo Di Canio was the main reason for him quitting Shrewsbury Town in favour of a move to Swindon Town.

Collins put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Robins yesterday, rejecting the offer of a new deal from Graham Turner's side.

And the 21-year-old, who top scored for Town last season with 16 goals, said the foundations for a move had been laid in Shrewsbury's 2-1 defeat at the County Ground in February.

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"When I spoke to Swindon I was impressed with the ambition of the club and with Di Canio," said Collins. "The gaffer is the main factor. He played in the same position as me and is passionate about what he wants and so am I."

"He came up to me after the game at Swindon last season and gave me a hug and said he liked me as a player.

"I thought Shrewsbury were a bit unlucky to lose at Swindon that night but the atmosphere at the County Ground was brilliant and once they got on top the fans were brilliant.

"I look up to Paolo and he played in my position. I spoke to a few of the lads who had been here last season and they all said it was a good club to be at.

"Paolo does a lot of work with the strikers and will do separate sessions with them after training and I think he can improve my game."

Collins is the fourth Town player offered a contract to depart the club, with only goalkeeper Chris Neal now yet to decide on his future.

But, despite calling time on his 18-month stay at the Meadow, the frontman was full of praise for the Town faithful.

He said: "The gaffer at Shrewsbury gave me a chance to make a name for myself which led to bigger things with Swindon Town.

"I can't speak highly enough of Graham Turner and the way he treated me on and off the field. I wish him and the club all the success in the future.

"The fans at Shrewsbury have been brilliant to me, without them I wouldn't have scored 16 goals last season. If I happen to score against them I certainly won't be celebrating.

"I had a great time at Shrewsbury but felt the time was right to move on."

See also:

• James Collins m0ves to Shrewsbury Town
• Shrewsbury Town’s cup trip to Leeds rearranged
• Shrewsbury Town face Sheffield United opener