Bristol Rovers striker Aaron Collins has signed a new contract that will keep him at the Mem until 2025, the club announced on Friday.
The top scorer of Rovers' promotion-winning campaign in 2021/22 had entered into the final 12 months of his deal, but his excellent form has been rewarded with fresh terms, delivering a huge boost to manager Joey Barton on the eve of the new season.
Collins joined from Forest Green Rovers last summer and after a slow start, he emerged as a star player for the Gas. He scored 18 goals in all competitions, including five in the final two games of the season to fire Barton's Blues to third place in League Two, winning promotion to the third tier.
His status as a fan favourite was secured in the run-in and he only enhanced his hero status with his part in iconic scenes of celebration atop traffic lights in Gloucester Road after the heroics against Scunthorpe United on May 7.
"I am absolutely delighted to sign a new deal," Collins told the club's website. "I love it here and last year was special in so many ways. I'm looking forward to even more good times and, if the next three years are anything like the last one, then I can't wait.
"There are lots more goals in my locker and it's an honour to represent the blue and white quarters."
Portsmouth were interested in a move for the 25-year-old, but Rovers had no intention of parting ways with such a key player as they step up into League One.
After joining from FGR, who Rovers play on Saturday, the former Newport County and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward struggled to get going in the blue and white quarters. But once his first goal arrived in the FA Cip against Oxford United, he soon hit his stride and was an invaluable player for his manager, solving the tactical conundrum up front that underpinned Rovers' poor form at the start of the season.
Collins – who spent time in the Gas academy setup as a child – is the latest of Rovers' promotion heroes to commit their long-term future to the club. James Belshaw and Luca Hoole penned long-term deals towards the end of last season, James Connolly has signed a three-year contract after making his move from Cardiff City permanent and Antony Evans has also agreed to terms until 2025.
Barton is delighted his top scorer has chosen to stay in BS7 for the long haul.
"Aaron was superb last season and was a huge contributing factor to our success," the manager said. "He was asked to play in a position that was unfamiliar to him and he led the line tirelessly. As a club, we need to make sure we tie our assets down to long-term deals and it is great for everyone that we've got this deal done before the season starts."
Owner Wael Al-Qadi added: "I am over the moon that Aaron has signed an extension. He provided many memorable moments for Gasheads last season and I'm looking forward to watching many more."
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