Lewis Collins: Torquay perfect fit after leaving Newport County

The 22-year-old forward left the Exiles on loan in February to help Gary Johnson’s side battle against the drop from the National League.

They failed to do that and will play in the Conference South next season but Collins has still opted to stay in Devon on a permanent deal.

The former Wales Under-21s international made 15 appearances and scored three goals for Torquay after being a fringe figure at Rodney Parade.

Collins featured regularly for County but, apart from a run alongside Padraig Amond up front in the 2020/21 promotion bid, was predominantly used as a substitute.

After 87 appearances and five goals, the striker took the chance to leave his hometown club in search of more minutes.

Lewis Collins on he run for County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“At Newport I never realistically had what I needed,” he said. “I don't think the club got out of me what they needed and it was a mutual thing [to leave] really.

“This is a first time away from the club and coming to Torquay was, probably other than playing at Wembley, was the best thing in my career.

“I've loved every single minute of it, although I was a bit unlucky with a few injuries and I wish that I'd played a few more games.

“Me, the gaffer and the club all got what we wanted [out of the loan] except for leaving that one game too late and getting relegated. One game more and we probably would have stayed up.

“Coming Torquay was a massive thing for me after being a regular first team player but not a regular starter. It was nice to have game after game to get the confidence going and get into it.”

The Gulls have dropped down to Conference South where they will be going up against the likes of Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Yeovil and Chippenham but Collins believes it will be a short stay in the division.

“I don't think I would have come back if I didn't have the belief that we'd go straight back up. We've got everything to do that,” he said.

Collins was released by the Exiles this summer but manager Graham Coughlan had praised the hunger of the forward for more action.

County manager Graham Coughlan (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“He wanted to play more and I think he is 100 per cent right. To kick his career on he needs that 10, 15-game run,” said the boss after the loan was announced.

“It’s a brave decision by Lewis and a very good decision. I love young lads who are hungry to play and have that desire.

“Because I couldn’t guarantee him football he decided to take things into his own hands and that shows maturity.

“There is no doubt that Lewis is a talented player and I hope moving away from home helps him in his career, because I have no doubt he will be a success once he gets that regular run.”