by Michael Baggaley
michael.baggaley@thesentinel.co.uk

STOKE defender Danny Collins says he must prove himself to the City fans, regardless of his achievements at Sunderland.

The 29-year-old defender has been named the North East Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year after starring for the Black Cats in the 2008/2009 season.

He beat former Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong into second place, while Stoke forward Tuncay came third after shining for Middlesbrough before his £5m switch to the Britannia Stadium in August.

Collins was also Sunderland’s player of the year for the last two seasons before joining Stoke for £2.75m in August.

But he says he is determined to prove himself all over again now he is a City player.

He said: “I don’t think Stoke fans will take any notice of this award. They will judge me on how I do for them – and rightly so.

“What’s gone on at Sunderland is in the past. This is a new chapter for me and I am a new player for the fans to see.

“Hopefully, I can prove myself down here.”

Tuncay has yet to start a Premier League game for Stoke, but Collins has played in City’s last seven league games. After conceding a late penalty away at Bolton in only his second game, he has looked a solid performer and developed a promising partnership with left-winger Matthew Etherington. But Collins says he can’t take his place for granted after replacing former captain Danny Higginbotham in the side.

“I feel as though I am starting afresh, but I have settled in pretty well,” said Collins. “I have just moved into my house which helps, after spending seven weeks in a hotel.

“I played with Danny at Sunderland, so I know he’s a good defender.
“He’s been unlucky and I know he will be hurting that he’s not playing. But he’s a good lad and he’s not sulked about it.”

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been criticised by some Black Cats supporters for selling the popular Collins.

However, the defender doesn’t feel he has a point to prove to his former manager.

He added: “I know what I can do and I am sure the fans were pretty pleased with how I did for them.

“Steve Bruce’s opinion of me is entirely up to him, but I have no grudges against him and wish the club all the best.”

Former winners of the north-east award include Kevin Keegan, Peter Beardsley, Juninho, Shay Given and Kevin Phillips.

STOKE’S home game with Fulham, scheduled for Tuesday, December 15, has been moved to Tuesday, January 5 (7.45pm), because of the London side’s involvement in the Europa League.