James Collins says he’s excited to be back at West Ham and looking to help the club re-establish themselves as a mid-table Premier League side.

The Welshman previously spent four years at Upton Park before leaving for Aston Villa in 2009, a decision many Hammers fans believed contributed to the club’s eventual relegation to the Championship a year later, after the board refused to sign a similar replacement.

However, after Villa agreed a deal for Dutch defender Ron Vlaar, Collins was allowed to speak to other clubs and immediately headed to London to hold talks with West Ham boss Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce has been looking to bolster his defence throughout the summer and alongside the more skilful James Tomkins and Winston Reid, Collins will certainly add some much needed steel to Hammers rearguard. The London club are among the favourites in the sport betting to go down, though someone of Collins’ experience will undoubtedly help their cause.

The Welshman’s all action displays during his previous spell at the club, mean he is certain to be welcomed back by the famously passionate Irons fans.

The 28-year-old believes he is now a better player since moving to Villa Park and is excited about getting onto the pitch and showing the fans what he can do.

"It's great to be back," he told sport news reporters.

"As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign.

"I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much.

"I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch,” he added.

Last Updated 16 April 2016