Neill Collins joins the Blades Tim Hodge January 31, 2011 Leeds United 77 Comments Collins has joined Sheffield United Neill Collins has joined Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee. Collins joined from Preston last March and despite playing a number of games never really convinced fans. Inconsistent performances led to the Scottish defender dropping down the pecking order behind recent signings Alex Bruce and Andy O’Brien. The 27 year old defender is seen as a central figure to the defensive rebuilding of Sheffield United by new boss Micky Adams. Collins leaves with our best wishes. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alan Martin and striker Tom Elliott have both been released. Their contracts have been cancelled by mutual consent, allowing them to find other clubs. It has since been reported that Elliott has joined SPL club Hamilton until the end of the season and Jason Crowe, released earlier in the day, has joined Leyton Orient.