Collins ‘buzzing’ after signing new Cobblers contract

The versatile defender, who left Barnsley during the January transfer window, played a key role in helping Town make the league two play-off final.

But they were unable to get over the line, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Bradford City at Wembley.

And, having committed his future to the club, Collins is now hoping to help Cobblers go one step further next season.

“The gaffer (Aidy Boothroyd) has shown a lot of faith in me and that means a lot,” he said.

“After the disappointment of Wembley there is some unfinished business here. We want to use what happened at Wembley as a big motivational factor for the next two seasons.

“I am determined to repay the gaffer for standing by me and supporting me.

“I am buzzing to have signed this new contract and can’t wait to get going again next season.”

Collins becomes the second defender to commit his future to Cobblers for next season, following in the footsteps of captain Kelvin Langmead.

And boss Boothroyd is delighted to have kept the duo as he looks to build a promotion-winning squad for the next campaign.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to retain Lee’s services,” said Boothroyd.

“There has been a lot of interest in Lee and we had to fight off other clubs from a higher level for his signature.

“I am not surprised other clubs were keen on him, he did very well for us and was a big factor in our run to the play offs towards the end of the season.

“He is only 24 but he has a fair amount of experience already and he is just the sort of player who can help take this club in to the next phase of our progression and development.

“He is one you can rely on to help take us on to the next level and he is a player who could be playing higher than league two.

“I am really pleased to have both Kelvin and Lee signed up already. We want players who want to be part of what we are building and to have Kelvin and Lee commit to us at this stage gives everyone a massive boost.”