Huddersfield Town midfielder Michael Collins has told htafc.com that he wants to repay the faith that Lee Clark has shown in him after signing a new three year deal at the Club today.
The 23-year old central midfielder will stay at the Club until the summer of 2012 and explained that once contract negotiations started, the outcome was never in doubt.
"Talks about a possible contract extension first started around three quarters of the way through last season, but these things take a bit of time these days," said Michael. "The end result was always going to be this, because this Club is going places; I have no desire to leave. When the time came to sign on the dotted line, there were no second thoughts.
"Last season was massive for me - it genuinely changed me as a person and as a player. I couldn't have asked for a better season, because being left out of the side at the beginning under Stan Ternent toughened me up as a person and made me realise how lucky I am to do what I do; by the end, I would like to think that I have proven myself in this division.
"I achieved a new level of consistency last season and I think that is down to age and experience. I also have to credit the new coaching staff - Steve Black in particular - as they have taught me to become more of a team player. I used to go out onto the pitch aiming to be the star, but I now realise that isn't possible every single week and that putting a performance in for the team is the first priority. If you do that, the outstanding games will follow.
"Having said that, it will mean nothing if I don't repeat my achievements again next season. I am aiming to have a massive year."
Collins cited Town's management team as one of the main reasons behind his decision to extend his current deal, which was due to run out in June 2010.
"The management team are probably the key factor behind my decision to commit my future to the Club. I have a great relationship with all the staff - the manager in particular. He lets me go out and express myself as a footballer, which is all you can ask for.
"The fans also played a part, as they have always been behind me in my ups and downs; I would love to repay that faith by helping the team achieve real success.
"All the ingredients are here for the Club to go forward. If we fail it will not be down to the manager or the Chairman - the players will have to accept that it is our fault."
Michael will face new competition for his place in the starting eleven in the upcoming season following the arrival of Antony Kay during the closed season, but he stressed that he is delighted to have the midfielder at the Club.
"I always view competition for places as a good thing as it makes you work harder and forces you to improve as a player. Last season saw the arrival of several players such as Jim Goodwin, Ian Craney and Michael Flynn so to think that I am signing a new contract just a year after their arrival is brilliant.
"The higher you progress up the Leagues, the more fierce the competition for places will become. To be honest, the signings that the Club has made so far have got me really excited and it is obvious why everyone is talking about us.
"I'll use Peter Clarke as an example - he has always been a player who has impressed in games against us and he should be a great signing for the Club. He plays with his heart on his sleeve but he has genuine quality and its great news for us that he is here. I also think it is good news for Andy Butler and Nathan Clarke; they are great players and if he can push them on further that will only be good for the Club."
Collins is now looking to repay the commitment that the Club have shown in him through his performances during the 2009/10 season.
"Chris Howarth (Town's under-16 coach) once told me that you only need one person to believe in you in order to succeed and that is something I have always remembered. I suppose in that sense Lee is the ideal person and I'm really happy he has shown faith in me by giving me a three year deal. Now I want to repay that faith out on the pitch.
"I've heard talk of other clubs being interested, but I have grown up here and I love playing for the Club. Town have always shown faith in me and I want to repay that by going in the journey that the Chairman and the manager want to embark upon.
"I'm delighted that I can focus on my football now - that's the main thing on the eve of pre-season. I can't wait to get back out on the pitch and I know that we will be the fittest we have ever been going into the first game. I'm raring to go!"
