Former Fulham Striker Collins John Relaunching Career at Barnet as Agent Insists He Could Have Earned More Elsewhere

Sunday, 23rd September, 2012

Former Fulham striker Collins John has signed a deal with English fourth tier side Barnet as he bids to relaunch a career which has so far disappointed given his potential.

Emerging through the FC Twente youth academy, John was tipped for big things and it was little surprise when a bigger club, in the shape of Fulham, swooped in to sign him at the tender age of 18.

relatedNewsStory John managed four senior appearances for the Holland national team in 2004, the year he moved to Fulham, and hopes were high that the striker, born in Liberia, could develop into a world-class hitman.

But John’s career disappointed and he was loaned to Leicester City, Watford and NEC, before eventually signing a permanent deal with Belgian outfit Roeselare.

From there it was on to MLS side Chicago Fire in 2010 and then a club in Azerbaijan in the form of Gabala FC, before ending up in Iran with Mes Sarcheshmeh. Finally John represented Northern Cypriot side Genclik Gucu earlier this year.

Now he will try to get his career back on track in England and his agent Joris Coppes explained that the striker could have earned more elsewhere if he had so wished.

"Collins was offered the opportunity to play for Ujpest Dosza and the A-League side Wellington Phoenix. These clubs offered him more money, but he wants to really get fit and get back to playing football.

"The manager of Barnet has great confidence in him and Collins has qualities so we believe he will have a good time."