The club can today confirm that Aaron Collins has completed a transfer to Bolton Wanderers on a permanent basis, for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old joined the club on a free transfer from Forest Green Rovers in the summer of 2021, and has played a key part in Rovers' successes over the past two-and-a-half years.
Collins’ first goal for Gas came in the FA first-round replay in a 4-3 win over Oxford United back in November 2021 scoring a stunning 25-yard strike deep into extra-time.
From that moment, the goals began to flow. Collins finished the season on 17 goals and three assists in all competitions, in a debut season where he amassed 50 appearances for the club.
Collins was instrumental in Rovers' 2021/22 season, which saw them promoted to League One in dramatic fashion with a 7-0 win over Scunthorpe United on goals scored. The Welshman scored two as the Gas produced a heroic final-day performance to win by more than five goals and secure promotion to the third tier.
Without Collins, the prize of automatic promotion may not have been on offer on that final-day of the season. His hat-trick away at Rochdale in the penultimate game of the season helped Rovers overturn a 2 goal deficit, coming back from 3-1 down to 4-3. That sensational away win at Spotland that left the Gas level on points with third-placed Northampton, as they went into the final day.
The following season, Collins continued his great form scoring a goal on the opening day of the season, and also managing four goals and three assists in the opening seven matches. He ended the 2022/23 season with 16 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, in another influential season in the blue and white quarters.
His impressive contribution in 2022/23 saw him named the League One Player of the Season award whilst also being named in the League One team of the season.
In 2023/24, Collins' third season at the Mem, he started all but four league matches, scoring five and assisting nine in all competitions this season.
His final goal for the club came at home to non-league side Whitby Town in a 7-2 win in the first round of the FA Cup.
In all, Aaron Collins made 139 appearances for the club, netting 38 times and assisting a further 24 goals.
Everyone at the club would like to thank Aaron for all he has achieved during his time at the Mem, and wish him all the best in the future.
Aaron Collins' message to our fans:
"Gasheads, what a two-and-a-half years it has been. From scoring that screamer against Oxford in the FA Cup, to that 4-3 win away at Rochdale, and then making history with the 7-0 win on that final day - being a part of getting this club back to League One will live with me forever and I’ll never forget the feeling of being on top of that lamppost on Gloucester Road, celebrating with all of you Gasheads.
Being named as League One Player of the Season 2022/23 was a special achievement, and I'm so grateful it was part of this incredible club. I couldn't have done it without the support of the Gasheads, and the noise you make, week in and week out.
I will forever cherish the memories of playing in the blue and white quarters and hope one day I can be a part of the Gas family once again. Who knows what the future holds.
I'd like to thank both the players and the staff who have been a part of my journey at Rovers. I've made friends for life, and have loved my time here.
UTG
Goodnight Irene. For now..."