West Ham United 'ditched long-serving defender James Collins by email'

Long-serving West Ham United defender James Collins was reportedly informed that he was no longer wanted by the club via email.

The 34-year-old, who has given 11 years of his playing career to the Hammers across two spells, is now a free agent after being let go by United.

According to The Mirror, rather than being informed face to face by a senior official, the ex-Wales international was given the news by email last week.

Collins is said to have been left 'devastated' by the means of his exit, ending his latest six-year stint in East London.

West Ham are currently without a manager after opting against extending David Moyes's short-term deal at the end of the season.