Nathan Collins Premier League captain opens up about his life on and off the pitch as he steps into his new leadership role at Brentford. From the perks of wearing shorts in hot weather to leading the dressing room, Collins offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of top-flight football.
Collins highlights one of the simple joys of playing in the Premier League: wearing shorts when the weather heats up. “It is a positive,” he says, though he adds that the heat can still be challenging during matches and training. Beyond the obvious, he enjoys the camaraderie in the dressing room. “Going into the dressing room with your mates every day and just having a bit of crack with them all. That’s something everyone wishes they could do,” Collins says.
Despite the high-profile nature of his job, Collins tries to maintain a normal life. He even occasionally takes a line bike to training. “I think I’d get to training quicker if I took a line bike every day,” he admits. Fans rarely notice him while riding, thanks to his speed.
This season brings a major change for Collins: being named captain of Brentford. He succeeds a Danish captain under a Danish manager and now works with an Irish manager. Collins is optimistic about the transition, emphasizing continuity and team cohesion. “I’m not trying to be something different or change the game. It’s fairly similar to last year. Everyone’s settled in and knows Keith really well,” he explains.
The role of captain comes with its responsibilities, including motivational duties. Collins describes the atmosphere in the dressing room before matches. “It’s more the manager and a lot of leaders in the group just getting everyone going. It’s hard to be a standout person trying to motivate everyone. More voices make it easier for the job to be done well,” he says. He intends to share leadership duties with experienced teammates to maintain a healthy team dynamic.
Reflecting on last season, Collins played every minute of every Premier League match. Asked about his favorite and least favorite moments, he keeps it simple. “Least favorite was probably the last five minutes of a full away game—they weren’t fun. Favorite? Maybe the last minute when I stopped playing because I was knackered,” he says. Collins emphasizes enjoying every moment on the pitch, which has been his dream since childhood.
One standout memory includes scoring early in a game, at just a minute and 16 seconds. While some might have imagined a hat-trick, Collins stays grounded. “No, that’s never crossed my mind. If I do that someday, I might retire,” he jokes. He recalls receiving playful criticism from teammates for scoring later than usual, highlighting the camaraderie within the squad.
Collins also shares insights about disciplinary moments in matches. When receiving a red card, he insists it is mandatory to make his case to the referee, even if he doubts the officials are listening. “You have to sell it, but I don’t think they listen to me,” he admits. Now, as captain, he hopes his voice will carry a bit more weight.
Overall, Nathan Collins Premier League captain role combines leadership, experience, and a passion for football. From everyday perks to high-pressure moments, Collins remains focused on teamwork and enjoying every minute on the pitch.
