Aston Villa defender James Collins admits he feared missing out on his move from West Ham United.

He said: "I had a few whispers over the weeks leading up to it. The longer it went on I wasn't sure if it was going to happen or what was going on and then deadline day came and I was on the way up and signed about four o'clock on the deadline day.

"As soon as I found out that West Ham had accepted a bid, you always think in the back of your mind that maybe you're not wanted at your previous club if they accept a bid. I was obviously disappointed to leave, I did enjoy my time at West Ham and didn't really ask to leave or anything but if joined a fantastic club now and that's in my past and I'm just looking forward to my career at Villa."