James Collins recently disclosed the details of his conversations with Paul Warne before committing to a new contract with Derby County.

Tuesday emerged as a significant day for Derby in the summer transfer window, witnessing a flurry of announcements. The club finalized the signings of Kayden Jackson from Ipswich Town on a free transfer and secured the loan acquisition of Jerry Yates from Swansea City.

Alongside these transfers, Derby revealed the contract outcomes of two key players. Louie Sibley opted to depart after spending 14 years at Pride Park, while top goal-scorer James Collins inked a fresh one-year extension with the club.

Despite mixed reactions from fans regarding Collins’ contract extension due to his age and perceived decline as a Championship-level striker, the player himself was resolute about staying put after engaging in discussions with Warne. Expressing his fondness for the club, teammates, the training facilities, and supporters, Collins emphasized his eagerness for the upcoming season.

Collins spearheaded Derby’s attack in League One, contributing significantly to their promotion. With the recent additions of Jackson and Yates alongside Conor Washington, Warne now has a diverse range of striking options. While Yates and Jackson are likely to compete for the starting role, Collins and Washington may find themselves vying for the third-choice spot.

The new signings bring pace, pressure, athleticism, and physical presence to Derby’s forward line, aligning with Warne’s strategic focus on stretching opposition defenses and exploiting counterattacks. Collins’ contract extension acknowledges his pivotal role in the promotion campaign but signals a potential shift to a supporting role in the Championship.