Born in Brentford, Collins, who was nicknamed "Lottie" after a music hall artiste of the era, played for East Ham Boys, with whom he made his first appearance at Upton Park as captain in 1917.

[3] Playing as a forward, Collins featured for Chelmsford, Clapton and Leyton before signing amateur forms with West Ham United in 1921.

[1] After retiring from football in 1936, Collins made a return with newly formed Southern League club Colchester United in 1937.

His next appearance proved to be coincidental, as he travelled to Bath to cheer his teammates on, only to be called upon when Syd Fieldus missed his train.

His brother, Ted, was an amateur international footballer who played for West Ham, Leyton and Walthamstow Avenue.