Collins: Northampton Town’s Wembley pain will stay with me forever

The defender became the second player of those offered new contracts at the Cobblers to commit his future to the club, joining skipper Kelvin Langmead in signing on.

That decision also represents a repayment of the faith shown by manager Aidy Boothroyd in Collins, who was in the midst of an ongoing court case for assault when he arrived at Sixfields.

Despite being found guilty, Collins was not given a custodial sentence and was able to continue the strong form he had showed in the Northampton side, predominantly at left-back.

He will now undergo his first pre-season with the club, but does so with bitter memories of the final game of last season agonisingly fresh in his mind.

“I didn’t see a lot of Northampton at the start of the season but to go from a relegation battle to playing at Wembley is an unbelievable achievement,” he said.

“It was a shame we couldn’t finish it off but we will be back and hopefully we will step up to the plate next time.

“The fans have been fantastic, they are second to none and we basically we owe them for that one performance.

“I’m always going to remember the pain of watching the Bradford fans and players celebrate and that will be with me for the rest of my career.

“It was a horrible feeling and you do anything not to have that feeling again.”

While Collins and Langmead have signed contract extensions, offers remain on the table to five other players with no decisions made at this stage.

Utility player Ben Tozer, defender Nathan Cameron, midfielders Luke Guttridge and Ben Harding and striker Roy O’Donovan are all currently weighing up their options.