Jack Collison

Born in Watford, Hertfordshire and raised in Shefford, Bedfordshire, Collison started out at the local club Shefford Saints as a schoolboy.{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Burke |title=West Ham star Collison: 'Move is massive for Shefford Saints' |url=http://www.theadvertisergroup.co.uk/Daily-News/West-Ham-star-Collison-Move-is-massive-for-Shefford-Saints-26062012.htm |newspaper=The Advertiser |date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508105118/http://www.theadvertisergroup.co.uk/Daily-News/West-Ham-star-Collison-Move-is-massive-for-Shefford-Saints-26062012.htm |archive-date=8 May 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |first=Mat |last=Kendrick |title=5 Jack Collison facts worth knowing as former West Ham midfielder trains with Birmingham City |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/5-jack-collison-facts-worth-7775775 |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=15 September 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016}} He moved to Peterborough United,{{cite news |title=Posh old boys: Ex-Posh youth player scores for West Ham |url=http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/posh-old-boys-ex-posh-youth-player-scores-for-west-ham-10-11-08-1-119462 |newspaper=Peterborough Telegraph |date=10 November 2008 |access-date=6 November 2016}} and later Cambridge United,{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Taylor |title=Jack Collison is happy to have the support of West Ham's extended family |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/oct/24/jack-collison-west-ham-united |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}}{{cite news |first=Gideon |last=Brooks |title=Jack is pushing right buttons for Hammers |url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/81325/Jack-is-pushing-right-buttons-for-Hammers |newspaper=Daily Express |location=London |date=23 January 2009 |access-date=10 April 2017}} but was forced to find another club when Cambridge announced their disbanding of the youth set-up after being relegated from the Football League, due to financial problems.

After leaving Cambridge United, the 17-year-old was offered a trial with West Ham and impressed Academy director Tony Carr enough to be offered a first year scholarship.

Collison continued his development under Carr and his staff at Little Heath before being made reserve team captain at the start of the 2007–08 season.{{cite news |title=Young Hammer looking forward international outing |url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/3857262.Young_Hammer_looking_forward_to_international_outing/ |newspaper=Guardian Series |location=Walthamstow |date=18 November 2008 |access-date=6 November 2016}} That summer, the teenager also featured in pre-season friendlies against Hornchurch and Milton Keynes Dons. He made his first-team debut on 1 January 2008, when he came on as a substitute for the injured Freddie Ljungberg in their 2–0 Premier League defeat away to Arsenal.{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Bevan |title=Arsenal 2–0 West Ham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7163888.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 January 2008 |access-date=1 March 2008}}{{cite web |title=Leaders dash Hammers hopes |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2008/january/01-january/leaders-dash-hammers-hopes |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=1 January 2008 |access-date=10 April 2017}} Collison was handed his first league start in place of the injured Mark Noble in a 1–0 defeat away to Bolton Wanderers on 11 April 2008.{{cite web |title=United fall short at Bolton |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2008/april/12-april/united-fall-short-bolton |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=12 April 2008 |access-date=10 April 2017}}

Collison joined the first-team squad on the pre-season tour of North America where he appeared as a 71st-minute substitute for Scott Parker in the 3–1 win over Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew,{{cite web |title=Columbus 1–3 West Ham United FT |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2008/july/20-july/columbus-1-3-west-ham-united-ft |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=20 July 2008 |access-date=10 April 2017}} followed by a 3–2 defeat to the MLS All-Stars.{{cite web |title=MLS All-Stars 3–2 West Ham United FT |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2008/july/24-july/mls-all-stars-3-2-west-ham-united-ft |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=24 July 2008 |access-date=10 April 2017}} The 2008–09 season began with Collison in Alex Dyer's reserve team, and a loan move to League One promotion-chasers Peterborough had been lined up. However, an impressive substitute appearance in the 2–0 Premier League loss at Manchester United on 29 October coupled by injury problems in the midfield convinced manager Gianfranco Zola that Collison would be better served by remaining at Chadwell Heath and training with the first-team squad.

Collison repaid Zola's faith with more solid performances. He scored his first goal for West Ham, an 18-yard strike, on 8 November in a 3–1 defeat at home to Everton, after coming on as a substitute for the injured Matthew Upson to make his home debut.{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Ashenden |title=West Ham 1–3 Everton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7697432.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 November 2008 |access-date=28 April 2010}} Collison's good form earned him praise from Zola,{{cite web |title=Manager on Monday |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2008/december/08-december/manager-monday |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=8 December 2008 |access-date=10 April 2017}} who rewarded the 20-year-old with a new five-year contract extension in December, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2013.{{cite web |title=Collison commits for five years |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2008/december/18-december/collison-commits-five-years |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=10 April 2017}}{{cite web |title=Collison inks Hammers deal |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/4667086/collison-inks-hammers-deal |publisher=Sky Sports |date=19 December 2008 |access-date=6 November 2016}} On Boxing Day, he scored the equaliser at Portsmouth and had a hand in the next two goals in a 4–1 rout.{{cite web |title=Manager praises midfield marvel |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2008/december/27-december/manager-praises-midfield-marvel |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=27 December 2008 |access-date=10 April 2017}} Collison scored his third goal of the season, the only goal of the match in a 1–0 win at home to Manchester City on 1 March 2009.{{cite news |first=Sachin |last=Nakrani |title=Collison stays cool to give Hammers a breakthrough |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/mar/01/premier-league-west-ham-manchester-city |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=1 March 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} Although he mostly played in centre midfield during his days in the reserves, he eventually established himself as first-choice on the left side of Zola's midfield diamond.{{cite news |title=Collison loving life with Hammers |url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/4065580.Collison_loving_life_with_Hammers/ |newspaper=Guardian Series |location=Walthamstow |date=23 January 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}}

In a 1–0 win away at Wigan Athletic three days later, Collison dislocated his kneecap while attempting to chest down a long ball and was ruled out for six weeks.{{cite web |first=David |last=Ornstein |title=Wigan 0–1 West Ham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7908464.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 March 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}}{{cite news |title=West Ham blow as Jack Collison is ruled out for six weeks |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/mar/12/jack-collison-knee-injury-six-weeks |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=12 March 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} He returned to the first-team two months later, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute in a 1–0 win away at Stoke City.{{cite news |title=Jack's back for Hammers |url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/4345832.Jack_s_back_for_Hammers/ |newspaper=Guardian Series |location=Walthamstow |date=6 May 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} On 24 May, he finished the season on a high, by assisting Junior Stanislas to score the winner, in a 2–1 win at home to Middlesbrough.{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Ashenden |title=West Ham 2–1 Middlesbrough |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8048322.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} Collison ended the season having made 24 appearances in all competitions,{{cite web |title=Jack's year to remember |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2009/may/27-may/jacks-year-remember |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=27 May 2009 |access-date=10 April 2017}} before being named Young Hammer of the Year by Tony Carr.{{cite web |title=Parker named Hammer of the Year |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2009/may/24-may/parker-named-hammer-year |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=10 April 2017}}

On 23 August 2009, Collison played 89 minutes of a 2–1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur,{{cite web |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=West Ham 1–2 Tottenham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8210561.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} before learning that his father had been killed in a motorcycle accident, while travelling to the game.{{cite news |first=Terry |last=Kirby |title=Father of West Ham star dies on his way to Spurs match |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/father-of-west-ham-star-dies-on-his-way-to-spurs-match-6705805.html |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=25 August 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} Two days later, he started a League Cup match against Millwall that went into extra time and ended 3–1 to West Ham.{{cite web |title=West Ham 3–1 Millwall |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8205836.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 August 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} His teammates all wore black armbands to show their support.{{cite news |title=Wales sympathy for young Collison2 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/8220930.stm |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2009}} The match also featured a number of pitch invasions and violent clashes between fans outside the ground.{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Wilson |title=West Ham and Millwall face FA investigation after violence mars Carling Cup tie |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/6091636/West-Ham-and-Millwall-face-FA-investigation-after-violence-mars-Carling-Cup-tie.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=26 August 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} After full-time, Collison left the pitch in tears visibly upset.{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Wilson |title=Jack Collison's tears heap more shame on West Ham and Millwall fans |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/6091956/Jack-Collisons-tears-heap-more-shame-on-West-Ham-and-Millwall-fans.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=26 August 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} During the post-match interview, manager Gianfranco Zola complimented Collison's character in light of his father's death.{{cite news |title=Collison back and vowing to inspire West Ham's survival bid |url=http://metro.co.uk/2009/10/22/jack-collison-back-and-vowing-to-inspire-west-hams-survival-bid-496470/ |newspaper=Metro |location=London |date=22 October 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} After missing most of September's games due to the recurrence of the knee injury suffered at Wigan during the previous season, Collison returned to training in October and made his comeback on 9 October in a behind-closed-doors friendly against French club Valenciennes and scored one goal.{{cite web |title=Collison returns in friendly |url=http://www.whufc.com/page/News/0,,12562~1822336,00.html |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=9 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012074806/http://www.whufc.com/page/News/0%2C%2C12562~1822336%2C00.html |archive-date=12 October 2009 |url-status=dead}} He then marked his return to league action by being named in the starting lineup in a 2–1 defeat away to Stoke City eight days later.{{cite web |title=Stoke City 2–1 West Ham United FT |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2009/october/17-october/stoke-city-2-1-west-ham-united-ft |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=17 October 2009 |access-date=10 April 2017}} Collison scored his first goals of the season in consecutive matches, against Hull City and Burnley. Having not played since Wales' 1–0 defeat to Sweden on 3 March 2010, on 7 May 2010, it was announced that Collison would be out for around nine months after undergoing knee surgery, having never fully recovered from the cartilage damage he suffered in the 2008–09 season.{{cite web |title=West Ham & Wales' Jack Collison ruled out until 2011 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/8668696.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2010 |access-date=8 May 2010}}

File:Jack Collison.jpg

After 14 months out through injury, Collison made his first-team return in a 1–1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on 7 May 2011.{{cite web |title=West Ham United 1–1 Blackburn FT |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2011/may/07-may/west-ham-united-1-1-blackburn-ft |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=7 May 2011 |access-date=10 April 2017}}

On the opening weekend of the 2011–12 season, Collison came on as a 74th-minute substitute for Mark Noble in a 1–0 defeat at home to Cardiff City.{{cite web |title=West Ham United 0–1 Cardiff City FT |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2011/august/07-august/west-ham-united-0-1-cardiff-city-ft |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=7 August 2011 |access-date=10 April 2017}} Four days later, Collison committed his future to the football club by signing a new long-term deal with West Ham.{{cite web |title=Jack Collison signs new long-term deal with West Ham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14509299 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 August 2011 |access-date=6 November 2016}} On 15 October, Collison scored his first goal of the season in a 4–0 win at home to Blackpool.{{cite web |title=West Ham 4–0 Blackpool |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15225762 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=6 November 2016}} After just over a month out of the starting lineup, Collison returned in the final away game of the season against Leicester City, with West Ham needing to win to ensure the final automatic promotion place would be determined on the final day of the season. With the score at 1–1, Collison hit a 25-yard shot that beat Kasper Schmeichel giving West Ham the points needed.{{cite web |first=Emlyn |last=Begley |title=Leicester 1–2 West Ham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17724582 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 April 2012 |access-date=6 November 2016}} West Ham finished the season in third-place with 86 points, and would enter the Championship play-offs.{{cite web |title=West Ham United 2011–2012: Table: Final table |url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/west-ham-united/2011-2012/table |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=10 April 2017 |archive-date=6 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506173145/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/west-ham-united/2011-2012/table |url-status=dead }} On 3 May 2012, Collison scored twice in a 2–0 win away at Cardiff City in the first leg of the play-off semi-final,{{cite web |first=Bruce |last=Pope |title=Cardiff 0–2 West Ham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17881430 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=6 November 2016}} before West Ham won the second leg 3–0 to advance to final after a 5–0 aggregate scoreline.{{cite web |title=West Ham 3–0 Cardiff (5–0 agg) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17890891 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2012 |access-date=6 November 2016}} He also played the full 90 minutes in the play-off final as West Ham defeated Blackpool 2–1 at Wembley Stadium, securing an instant return to the Premier League.{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=Blackpool 1–2 West Ham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18044378 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2012 |access-date=6 November 2016}}

Collison signed a one-month loan deal with Championship club AFC Bournemouth on 1 October 2013.{{cite web |title=Jack Collison: AFC Bournemouth sign West Ham midfielder |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24351076 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 October 2013 |access-date=6 November 2016}} He made his debut the same day in a 2–1 defeat away to Leeds United.{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Mitchener |title=Leeds United 2–1 Bournemouth |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24246374 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 October 2013 |access-date=6 November 2016}} At the end of October 2013, after playing four games for Bournemouth, Collison returned to West Ham United.{{cite web |title=Jack Collison will return to West Ham United |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8996902 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=31 October 2013 |access-date=6 November 2016}}

On 18 March 2014, Collison signed for Championship club Wigan Athletic on loan until the end of the season.{{cite web |title=Wigan sign West Ham midfielder Jack Collison on loan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26640729 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 March 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016}} Having not played for West Ham in the FA Cup during the 2013–14 season, Collison was not cup-tied. He played for Wigan in their semi-final match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on 12 April 2014.{{cite web |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Wigan Athletic 1–1 Arsenal (aet, 2–4 on pens) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26897266 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 April 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016}} After the match ended 1–1 after extra time, Arsenal won the penalty shoot-out 4–2, with Collison taking the second Wigan penalty which was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. Collison was released by West Ham at the end of the 2013–14 season.{{cite web |title=Retained list published |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2014/may/23-may/retained-list-published |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=23 May 2014 |access-date=10 April 2017}} He had played 121 games in all competitions for West Ham, scoring 14 goals.{{cite news |title=Jack Collison: 'Why I wrote West Ham farewell letter' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p022wr0p |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=BBC Radio 5 live – In Short |date=15 July 2014}}

Collison signed a short-term contract with Championship club Ipswich Town on 26 September 2014 until the end of December.{{cite web |title=Jack Collison joins Ipswich Town on short-term deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29381463 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 September 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016}} After struggling with injury during his time with Ipswich, by December he had not played for the club and manager, Mick McCarthy, confirmed that Collison's contract would not be renewed.{{cite news |title=Ipswich Town boss McCarthy sad to see midfielder Collison go |url=http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2014-12-12/ipswich-town-boss-mccarthy-sad-to-see-midfielder-collison-go/ |publisher=ITV News |date=12 December 2014 |access-date=20 December 2014}}

On 29 May 2015, Collison returned to Peterborough United, signing a one-year contract with the League One club.{{cite web |title=Posh swoop for Collison |url=http://www.theposh.com/news/article/collison-2475567.aspx |publisher=Peterborough United F.C. |date=29 May 2015 |access-date=30 May 2015}} On 3 August, he was named as Peterborough's under-21 team coach, remaining registered as a player.{{cite web |title=Jack Collison: Peterborough United midfielder to manage Under-21s |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33762555 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2015 |access-date=6 November 2016}} On 13 February 2016, aged 27, Collison retired from playing following persistent knee injuries, having made 12 appearances for the club.{{cite news |last1=de Menezes |first1=Jack |title=Jack Collison retires: Former West Ham and Wales midfielder announces retirement due to injury at the age of 27 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/jack-collison-retires-former-west-ham-and-wales-midfielder-announces-retirement-due-injury-age-27-a6871786.html |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=The Independent |date=13 February 2016}}

Collison was eligible to play for Wales through his maternal grandfather{{cite news |title=Young Collison hails Zola tuition |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7879853.stm |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 February 2009}} and is related to John Gwilliam, a former captain of the Wales rugby union team.{{cite news |title=John Gwilliam: Wales Grand Slam-winning captain dies at 93 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/25758156 |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 December 2016}} Born and brought up in England, Collison chose to play for Wales due to his Welsh ancestry.{{cite web |title=Collison is 'committed' to Wales |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/8048124.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} His then-West Ham teammate and former Wales captain Craig Bellamy had alerted Wales youth coach Brian Flynn about Collison's eligibility. After observing the 19-year-old, Flynn named him in the squad to face Bosnia and Herzegovina under-21 in a UEFA European U-21 Championship qualifier.{{cite web |title=Wales call excites Collison |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2007/november/16-november/wales-call-excites-collison |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=16 November 2007 |access-date=10 April 2017}}

In November 2007, Collison made his debut for the Wales under-21 team in that match and scored in a 4–0 rout.{{cite web |title=Wales U21 4–0 Bosnia-H U21 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/7098237.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 November 2007 |access-date=17 November 2007}} He made further appearances in a 4–2 win over France under-21 on 20 November 2007,{{cite web |title=Wales U21 4–2 France U21 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/7100787.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 November 2007 |access-date=1 March 2008}} and a 4–0 win over Malta under-21 on 5 February 2008, in which he scored Wales' third goal.{{cite web |first=Domenic |last=Aquilina |title=Evans helps send Wales top |url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de753610a00-84025361f3fd-1000--evans-helps-send-wales-top/ |publisher=UEFA |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=6 November 2016}} He was in the squad that narrowly lost to England under-21 in the qualification play-offs and were denied a place in the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.{{cite web |title=Wales U21 0–2 England U21 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7365340.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2008 |access-date=30 May 2008}} While in the under-21s, he formed a burgeoning partnership with Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal in central midfield.{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Wathan |title=Jack Collison pledges future to Wales |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-hams-jack-collison-pledges-2108154 |newspaper=Wales Online |date=28 May 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}}

Collison made his senior debut for Wales in a friendly win away at Iceland on 29 May 2008.{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Shuttleworth |title=Iceland 0–1 Wales |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7415117.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2008 |access-date=30 May 2008}} Bellamy praised the young midfielder saying, "I've seen him every afternoon at West Ham and he does extra training. If you want to give this career a good go then you get the rewards and that seems to be how Jack is looking at it."{{cite web |title=Bellamy backs Jack |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2008/november/21-november/bellamy-backs-jack |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=21 November 2008 |access-date=10 April 2017}} After the death of Collison's father, national team coach John Toshack gave him the choice whether to make himself available for selection.{{cite web |title=Collison to play in Russia clash |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1097110.html |publisher=FIFA |date=1 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906161056/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid%3D1097110.html |archive-date=6 September 2009 |url-status=dead}} Having played in West Ham's last two games, he declared himself available for the World Cup qualifier against Russia. This match would confirm Collison as a full Wales international, as his previous six caps all came in friendlies. He did not play, however, as he had to attend his father's funeral, which took place on the day of the match.{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Abbandonato |title=Collison could miss Russia tie through compassionate leave |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/collison-could-miss-russia-tie-2080577 |newspaper=Wales Online |date=4 September 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} A calf injury ruled Collison out of Wales' remaining World Cup qualifying matches.{{cite news |title=Gareth Bale returns but midfield trio ruled out for Wales |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gareth-bale-returns-midfield-trio-2073893 |newspaper=Wales Online |date=2 October 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}}

With Collison back to full fitness, Toshack named him in the 23-man squad for the 14 November friendly against Scotland.{{cite news |title=Wales call-up teenage Swansea goalkeeper David Cornell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/nov/06/wales-call-up-david-cornell |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=6 November 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} Collison later withdrew from the squad after picking up a knock during the weekend match against Everton.{{cite web |title=Blake backs Wales fringe players |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8351607.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 November 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}} In November, Collison was in the final nomination for the Welsh Young Player of the Year award along with Simon Church and Aaron Ramsey.{{cite news |title=Giggs hat-trick would create Welsh football history |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/giggs-hat-trick-would-create-welsh-2069612 |newspaper=Wales Online |date=11 November 2009 |access-date=6 November 2016}}

On 6 September 2011, Collison made his competitive debut in the Euro 2012 qualifier against England and put to rest further speculation about his future at the international level.{{cite web |title=Jack impresses at Wembley |url=http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2011/september/06-september/jack-impresses-wembley |publisher=West Ham United F.C. |date=6 September 2011 |access-date=10 April 2017}}{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Mail |title=West Ham midfielder makes competitive debut for Wales in England defeat |url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/9236948.Hammers_midfielder_impresses_on_competitive_debut/ |newspaper=Guardian Series |location=Walthamstow |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=6 November 2016}}

Whilst still only 26 and a player at Peterborough United, Collison was confirmed as manager of their under-21 team whilst completing his coaching badges. Collison began managing the under-18 team in November 2015, and continued in the role after announcing his retirement from his playing career.{{cite web |first=Jack |last=Collison |title=Statement From Jack Collison |url=http://www.theposh.com/news/article/collison-2952429.aspx |publisher=Peterborough United F.C. |date=13 February 2016 |access-date=6 November 2016}}

On 20 July 2017, it was announced that Collison had returned to West Ham United as under-16 manager.{{Cite web | title = Jack Collison returns to West Ham United as U16s manager | publisher = West Ham United F.C. | date = 20 July 2017 | access-date = 23 December 2017 | url = https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2017/july/20-july/jack-collison-returns-west-ham-united-u16s-manager}} He left the role in June 2019 to coach at MLS team, Atlanta United.{{cite web|url=https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2019/june/13-june/collison-its-one-toughest-decisions-ive-ever-had-make|title=Collison: It's one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make – West Ham United|website=www.whufc.com|access-date=14 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48631328|title=Jack Collison: Former West Ham & Wales midfielder set for coaching job in US|date=13 June 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2019}} He was named head coach of Atlanta United's Reserve team, Atlanta United 2 on June 3, 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.atlutd.com/post/2021/06/03/jack-collison-named-atlanta-united-2-head-coach|title=Jack Collison named Atlanta United 2 head coach|date=3 June 2021|publisher=Atlanta United Communications|access-date=3 June 2021}}

On 18 January 2023, Collison was announced as the first-ever head coach for MLS Next Pro expansion club Huntsville City, which is the reserve side for Nashville SC.{{cite web |title=Huntsville City FC Names Former Premier League Midfielder Jack Collison as the First Head Coach in Team History |url=https://www.mlsnextpro.com/huntsvillecityfc/news/huntsville-city-fc-names-jack-collison-head-coach |website=MLSNextPro.com |publisher=MLS Next Pro |access-date=18 January 2023}}

On 9 April 2024, Huntsville City announced that Collison had parted ways with the club with immediate effect.{{cite web |title=Huntsville City Football Club Announces Coaching Staff Changes |url=https://www.mlsnextpro.com/huntsvillecityfc/news/huntsville-city-football-club-announces-coaching-staff-changes |website=MLSNextPro.com |publisher=MLS Next Pro |access-date=10 April 2024}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 24 August 2023}}

West Ham United

• Football League Championship play-offs: 2012

Individual

• West Ham United Young Player of the Year: 2008–09
• BBC London Young Footballer of the Year: 2009{{cite news |title=BBC London Sports Awards 2009 winners |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/hi/tv_and_radio/newsid_8400000/8400217.stm |publisher=BBC London |date=16 December 2009 |access-date=22 September 2016}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Soccerbase}}

{{Huntsville City FC squad}}

{{MLS Next Pro head coaches}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Collison, Jack}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Watford

Category:People educated at Sharnbrook Academy

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:English men's footballers

Category:English people of Welsh descent

Category:Wales men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Wales men's international footballers

Category:West Ham United F.C. players

Category:AFC Bournemouth players

Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. players

Category:Ipswich Town F.C. players

Category:Peterborough United F.C. players

Category:Premier League players

Category:English Football League players

Category:Peterborough United F.C. non-playing staff

Category:West Ham United F.C. non-playing staff

Category:People from Shefford, Bedfordshire

Category:Welsh men's footballers

Category:Association football coaches

Category:English football managers

Category:Nashville SC non-playing staff

Category:21st-century English sportsmen