Collins John

At just 24 years old, striker Collins John brings a wealth of experience to the Fire in 2010. A quick and powerful attacker, the Dutchman began his professional career in 2002 at age 17 with Eredivisie side F.C. Twente but is perhaps best known for the years he paired with Fire teammate Brian McBride at Fulham F.C. in the English Premiership from 2004-07. John went out on loan from Fulham to English clubs Leceister City and Watford FC, along with a return to Holland with NEC Nijimegen, before signing with K.S.V. Roeselare in Belgium. John joins the Fire in 2010 as a free agent, looking to bolster the club’s attack in reunion with Brian McBride.

EXPERIENCE
2008-09: Signed with KSV Roeselare (BEL), appearing in 11 matches before the player and club terminated the contract by mutual consent. Appeared in 5 matches with NEC Nijimegen in Holland, while on loan from Fulham FC

2007-08: Went out on two loans from Fulham FC, appearing in 11 matches, scoring two goals while with Championship side Leceister City…Joined Watford FC in January 2008, playing in five matches before tearing a thigh muscle which saw him return to Fulham.

2004-07: Appeared in 95 matches, scoring 20 goals for Fulham FC, playing with current Fire teammate Brian McBride and former Fire defender Carlos Bocanegra. Had the best season of his career in 2004-05, appearing in 35 of 38 Premiership matches, John led the club with 11 goals on the season.

2002-04: Began professional career as a 17-year-old with FC Twente of the Dutch Eredivisie…Appeared in 35 matches, tallying 11 goals over an 18 month span before being sold to Fulham FC. 

INTERNATIONAL
Has two caps for the Dutch men’s national team, making his debut in a 2-2 draw with Sweden on August 18, 2004…Was part of the Netherlands squad that won the 2006 U21 UEFA Championship in the Czech Republic.

PERSONAL
Born July 10, 1985 in Zwedru, Liberia