Collins was an integral part of the Reds side that won the Irish League title in 1998 – the first time the club had been champions in 88 years.
Unfortunately, Reds boss Ronnie McFall began to see his services as an unaffordable luxury, such was the regularity of his run-ins with officials.
He famously pushed IFA referee Alan Black in the chest after being sent off for elbowing Newry City's Stephen Ferguson and was given a lengthy suspension.
He was also sent off at VMFD Žalgiris Vilnius in the 2004–05 UEFA Cup[5] In December 2007 Newry City ironically stepped in to avail of his assets.
He did play in several pre-season friendlies, including the annual Jim Malone Cup match against Drogheda, where he was sent off early in the first half after clashing with Gavin Whelan.
He also started the following week in the 4–2 win against Drogheda United and Dundalk's good form at the present is largely thanks to Collins' contribution.