Source: PA
Collins focused on football
Port Vale defender Lee Collins has thanked caretaker boss Mark Grew for putting his faith in him at Torquay on Saturday despite a troubled week off the field.
Collins, along with midfielder Gary Roberts and former loanee Tom Pope, was arrested in the early hours of last Wednesday morning over an alleged incident at a Stafford nightclub.
All three were later bailed by police while Vale also released a statement at the time insisting they will hold an internal investigation into the allegations. But despite the unwanted off-field distractions, Grew opted to keep Collins in his starting XI at Plainmoor, something the left-back acknowledged.
"It was really important I got out there and played," Collins told the Sentinel. "It was a long week, but hopefully I've done myself some good because I felt I did okay and gave everything. Grewy has been spot on with me and I'm really grateful he selected me.
"As soon as I hit the training ground or pitch the issue goes out of my mind. In fact it's like a release because I enjoy playing football. We did everything but score on Saturday, and I'm happy when we play like that because it also helps take my mind off things."
Collins added: "It was a horrible week, especially as my friends and family were disappointed about it. I have only got myself to blame because I put myself in that situation, but that's not saying I've done anything wrong. I'm in good spirits and hopeful it will be sorted out quite soon."
