Collin's arrival creates a buzz for Poppies

Adam Collin, pictured during his time at Notts County, has joined Kettering Town as one of their hallmark signings of the summer

Two goalkeepers at different stages of their careers will be battling it out for the number one jersey at Kettering Town next season.

When Adam Collin was confirmed as one of the Poppies’ summer signings at the weekend, it caused something of a buzz.

And why wouldn’t it? After all, the 35-year-old comes to Kettering having played for Carlisle United in Sky Bet League Two last season and with hundreds of Football League appearances under his belt.

If his name sounded familiar to Poppies fans, that will be because of his spell with Workington at the start of his career when he came up against Kettering in the Conference North between 2004 and 2008.

For Collin, the only way was up after that as he went on to play for Carlisle, Rotherham United and Notts County before returning to Brunton Park.

So how did the Cumbrian end up at Latimer Park?

“I am based in Nottingham now and I got speaking to the manager (Paul Cox),” the 35-year-old stopper said.

“He outlined his plans and ambitions and I bought into it and have jumped on board.

“I haven’t worked with him before but I have come across him when he was at places like Mansfield and Barrow. I have had a few chats with him, he’s very positive and I am looking forward to working with him.

“I have come full circle if you like because I started in the Conference North with Workington before going into league football.

“I played for Workington against Kettering so I know about the club, they have a big history in non-League and I am just looking forward to it.

“I was always planning on coming back into non-League football and the timing just seemed right for me and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“I can’t wait to get started. There are quite a lot of new boys in there as well as some of the lads from last season.

“I think we’re going to form a good squad and we are looking forward to getting the hard work started with pre-season and getting back to football after such a long lay-off.”

While Collin, with that background, will probably start the season as the Poppies’ number one, he hopefully won’t be short of competition.

Shaun Rowley was also unveiled as a new signing for Kettering on Saturday and he is a goalkeeper who is looking to prove himself.

Most recently at Solihull Moors, the young stopper also counts FC Halifax Town and Shrewsbury Town as his former clubs.

For him, this is an opportunity he is keen to take.

“I saw an opportunity to come here and I am excited to get started,” Rowley said.

“There will be competition and that’s always good. I believe in my ability.

“I have had spells of games but I have got to try to prove myself and push on with my career.”