More Championship clubs linked with Archie Collins, confusion over Tom Lees' appearance tally
Archie Collins has become one of football’s 'most wanted’ following his departure from Peterborough United.
The 26 year-old midfielder has already been linked with Championship side Lincoln City and League One outfit Leicester City, although the initial source for both doesn’t have a great track record for accuracy.
Collins is a low-risk signing as he won’t cost a fee so a move to the second tier should be possible for a player who showed consistent form for Posh in his three seasons at the club. The former Exeter City man won three Posh ‘player-of-the-year’ awards last season.
The PT has learnt Championship clubs Swansea City and Watford have shown interest in Collins. He would link up again at Watford with his former Posh central midfield partner Hector Kyprianou. The pair were stars of the Posh run to the League One play-off semi-final in the 2023-24 season. Kyprianou started 22 Championship games for ‘The Hornets’, but none after January 24 when he picked up a serious ankle injury.
Defenders Jacob Mendy and Tom Lees have also left Posh after their contracts expired. Lees is believed to want to continue playing, but for a club nearer his Northern base. Posh staged a celebration for Lees’ 700th career appearance after the 0-0 draw with Mansfield which secured League One survival at London Road, although football industry website Soccerbase has him on 696 career appearances. He has also played six times for England Under 21s.
Lees celebrated his 600th career appearance on October 21, 2023 by helping Huddersfield beat QPR 2-1 in a Championship fixture. He has played 96 times since, according to Soccerbase at least, including 36 for Posh.
Mendy posted a ‘thank you’ to Posh on social media following his departure.