Peterborough United boss explains decision to deny Archie Collins a farewell appearance
Peterborough United boss Luke Williams has explained his decision to deny Archie Collins a farewell appearance.
Collins was left out of the squad entirely as Posh were beaten 3-1 by Doncaster on the final day on Saturday.
It was widely expected that fans would have a chance to say goodbye to the 26-year-old who will leave the club on a free transfer in the summer after three years.
Williams, however, left him out of the squad, along with departing loanees Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Peter Kioso.
Collins appeared on the pitch pre-match to a loud reception as he was presented with the club’s April Player of the Month Award as well as the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Player of the Season award. He also joined teammates on the lap of appreciation at the end of the match.
Williams insisted that his decision came down to wanting to try different combination of players ahead of next season.
He said: “I would always like to play Archie Collins because I want to win every single game but we have massive decisions to make.
“Looking at a partnership of Ben Woods and Brandon Khela would be something I would have never done if Archie was available and we needed the points to secure safety. I just wouldn't take the risk as Archie is an elite player for the level.
“With us having secured League One football, it felt like I could look at a combination of players I had never seen before.
“In a team desperately needing that type of player, maybe it is selfish of me to take him out but, given his situation, I wanted to get the maximum out of this fixture to look at players.
“He’s carried the burden more than anybody else this season. I saw him at half-time against Mansfield. He looked absolutely shattered like I’ve not seen before. I was concerned he might not be able to go out for the second half but of course he did.
“After the game, he looked completely spent. He has given us absolutely everything. He was disappointed and relieved at the same time.
“When I asked him in my office, he looked like he lost a tenner and found a fiver. Fair play to him, he’s been incredible.”