Nathan Collins achieves historic career landmark with Brentford as Ireland star promises fans ‘special campaign'
The Republic of
Ireland
defender, 24, has been given the captain's armband by
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Nathan Collins has been named Brentford captain
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
2
It is less than a year after he captained Ireland for the first time
Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
He succeeds Christian Norgaard as skipper following his move to
And the Kildare-native said: "It's a massive honour to be captain of this great
football
club.
"There have been some great people and footballers before me.
"I'm really excited by
the challenge
of this season and, with your support, it'll be a special campaign."
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Collins signed for
He made 35 appearances in all
competitions
for the Bees in his maiden campaign before a record-breaking second.
The Cherry Orchard export was the only outfield player to play every minute of every game in the Premier League last season.
And he will be an important figure for new boss - and former Ireland assistant - Keith Andrews after he succeeded
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Andrews said: "Nathan's someone I've known since he was around 14 years of age, coaching some of the Ireland youth teams.
"He's always been a natural leader, he's gained a lot of experience considering the age that he is, and he's developed his professionalism to a new level because he's been involved in this environment for a couple of years and has learnt from some great people.
'Don't say that on camera' - Nathan Collins' admission about Caoimhin Kelleher's move leaves Heimir in stitches
"He communicates very well, he's got really good values, on and off the pitch, and, naturally, players gravitate towards him.
"He has respect from all the players and staff, which is a key attribute to have.
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"Nathan is a brilliant fit, but he's just one player and he needs the support of all of us and all the players within the
dressing room
.
"We've got some fantastic experience, which will include a leadership group that's been selected around Nathan and they will all have a voice in how we do things, because I'm big on player involvement in the process, what we do, and how we do it."
His ascension to Brentford skipper comes less than a year after he captained Ireland for the first time in September 2024.
He led the team out against
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And
'My
family
did, I think they were crying in the stand, honestly, it means a lot to me and my family.
'I think in this camp, it's nearly easy being a captain of this team as there are so many leaders.
"I could go through this team and you could name six or seven boys who would help me out, chip in, talk, motivate, and it makes my job easier.
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'We're missing a few of the older boys, past leaders, and it is time for boys to step up and time for us to start showing our leadership.
'It's been very a very positive week, we've had a lot of meetings, we've had to, it's part and parcel of international football.
'I think the
work
we have done on the pitch has been very productive, we're looking forward to go now and we have a good feeling this week.
'We feel a lot better, we know our ways around what the gaffer wants again and there's been a better feeling this week.'
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