Stoke defender Danny Collins is hoping to prove his worth with Stoke after earning recognition with his former club Sunderland.

The centre-half was named as the North-East Football Writers Association Player of the Year for 2009 this week for his performances with the Black Cats last term, but Collins insists all his attention is on making a name for himself with his new club.

"What's gone on at Sunderland is in the past. This is a new chapter for me and I am a new player for the fans to see," he told the Sentinel.

"Hopefully, I can prove myself down here."

"I feel as though I am starting afresh, but I have settled in pretty well," said Collins. "I have just moved into my house which helps, after spending seven weeks in a hotel."