Doncaster Rovers have signed striker James Collins on a short-term deal to bolster their attacking options. The experienced forward, a six-time promotion winner with over 200 career goals, joins on a contract running until January 2027.
Manager Grant McCann moved for the 35-year-old on deadline day as he looks to add firepower to a side currently 20th in League One. Rovers have taken just three points from their opening four games, with a record of zero wins, three draws and one loss. They have scored four goals and conceded five, leaving them seven points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town.
James Collins arrives with a proven track record of success and goal scoring in the Football League. He has been promoted from League One on five or six occasions, winning the title twice. McCann believes Collins will bring vital experience and leadership to the dressing room, qualities he compared directly to those of Billy Sharp, who left the club in the summer after two solid seasons.
"I think he'll be a really great signing for us," McCann said. "Somebody who has been promoted from this league, won the league twice, but also been promoted from it three times." The manager noted that Collins and Sharp are "similar people, both really driven and hungry to score goals." Collins made a strong first impression in his introductory meeting with players and staff, showing the class and quality McCann values.
The striker is currently in the final stages of rehabilitation from a serious ACL injury that kept him out for the entirety of 2026. He suffered the setback while at Lincoln City, where he had scored 16 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions prior to getting hurt. Lincoln's sporting director Jez George has confirmed Collins is progressing well with his rehab.
McCann stated the player is now well past the usual six or seven month recovery period for such an injury. He is expected to return to team training within the originally anticipated timeline. The manager plans to use the November and December period to give Collins the game time he needs to regain full match sharpness. For the latest on player availability, check our injuries page.
Once fully fit, James Collins will provide direct competition for starting spots with current forwards Alfie May and Brandon Hanlan. His arrival adds depth and a different profile to Rovers' frontline. Interestingly, Lincoln City had offered Collins a one-year contract extension earlier this year despite his injury, showing their faith in his recovery. He was ultimately loaned out due to Championship squad registration rules limiting clubs to 25 players.
McCann has always valued strong characters in his squad. "Over the years, we've always had top characters in our changing room," he remarked. Collins' winning mentality and experience of getting out of League One could be invaluable for a team looking to climb the standings.
The addition comes at a critical time for Doncaster Rovers. Their next fixture is a home match against 16th-placed Plymouth Argyle on September 5th. It presents an early opportunity to secure a first win of the campaign and start moving up the table. The club will hope Collins' influence, both on the training ground and eventually on the pitch, can help turn around their slow start. His contract with Doncaster Rovers runs until the middle of the 2026-27 season.
