This is why Bristol Rovers star is up for prestigious monthly award and how you can vote

Aaron Collins is up for an award - but he needs help from Bristol Rovers supporters!
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Aaron Collins is defying expectations with his impact for Bristol Rovers this season. The Gas talisman has been unphased by playing at a higher level.

If you were to go back a year, Collins was still in search of his first goal for Rovers after his summer move for Forest Green Rovers. The Welshman struggled to find the back of the net and was wondering where a goal would come from. Fast forward a year and he is firmly the best-performing player for Rovers this season and has relished the challenge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 25-year-old has nine goals and six assists in 17 league matches. The decision to sign him to a new deal amid interest from Portsmouth in the summer proved to be a wise decision. Championship clubs in January may take a look at those at the higher end of the scorer charts and so with a long-term deal at the Memorial Stadium, Rovers are in a good position for negotiations.

As far as his performances go, he’s had to play in various roles and different systems, but has acclimated well to it. The arrival of John Marquis this summer forced Collins out to the left, a position he had played at FGR. Marquis’ injury along with the form of Joey Barton tactical change which inspired Bristol Rovers fightback vs Plymouth">Ryan Loft and the loan signing of Josh Coburn has moved Collins into a supporting position behind the two strikers. It’s a position Collins has enjoyed, as he is afforded the freedom to roam and find shooting opportunities.

His form has not gone amiss with talk of a call-up to Wales’ World Cup squad. Joey Barton admitted that he signed Scott Sinclair in the expectation that Collins might be called up to represent the Red Dragons in Qatar. Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison then added a fortnight ago that Collins could be a ‘wildcard’ for Rob Page, hinting that he would be an unknown quantity for the opposition.

Wales are in the same group as England, with the United States and Iran also in what is the most closely-contested group in regards to FIFA rankings. Collins featuring against the Three Lions would be interesting given the Gas’ support is mainly made up of ardent supporters of the English national team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The plaudits continue to come for the former Newport County striker after being nominated for an award. He is up for the Professional Football Association’s (PFA) Fans Player of the Month award. It is sponsored by Vertu Motors and Collins is in stiff competition with some of his fellow League One forwards. He competes with ex-Gas loanee Victor Adeboyejo (Burton Albion), along with Sam Nombe of Exeter City, Carlos Mendes Gomes of Fleetwood and summer transfer target Finn Azaz.

This award is recognising him for his work that he did in October. He got three goals and three assists, including a man-of-the-match display against Cheltenham with a brace, as well as a contribution to Antony Evans. Collins also got Rovers back level after trailing by two goals to league leaders Plymouth.

Votes can be cast on the 90MIN website.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.