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English football pays tribute after sudden passing of Kevin Miller at the age of 57

By AsiaEurope


English football pay tribute after the sudden passing of former goalkeeper and coach Kevin Miller at the age of 57.

He had been the goalkeeping coach at Wigan Athletic, who confirmed he had died unexpectedly on Tuesday earlier this week.

His former clubs have all issued a statement, speaking of their respect for him, how much of a joy he was to have around and how he made everyone smile.

Wigan Athletic said in a statement on their website:

“Wigan Athletic is deeply saddened and devastated to learn about the sudden passing of Goalkeeping Coach Kevin Miller

“Everyone at Wigan Athletic is deeply saddened and devastated to learn about the sudden passing of Goalkeeping Coach Kevin Miller.

“Kevin joined the Club earlier this summer, linking up with Gary Caldwell, a close friend and colleague, and the wider First-Team staff after more than three years as Goalkeeping Coach at Exeter City and an impressive playing career that spanned over 18 years.

“Although Kevin’s time with Latics was far too short, he quickly became a much-loved and respected member of our First-Team staff. His experience, professionalism and passion for goalkeeping were clear for all to see, while his uplifting personality made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“In a playing career of almost two decades, Kevin made more than 700 career appearances, including in the Premier League. He began his professional career with Exeter City, helping the Club to the Fourth Division title, before going on to represent Birmingham City, Watford, Crystal Palace, Barnsley, Bristol Rovers, Derby, Southampton and Torquay.

“Following an impressive career, Kevin moved into coaching and management, eventually returning to St James Park as Goalkeeping Coach in 2022, where he was able to pass on the considerable knowledge and experience he had gained throughout his career to the next generation of goalkeepers.

“Kevin’s contribution to football was significant, but for those who worked alongside him, it was the person he was that will be remembered most. Kevin was a husband, father, hugely respected colleague, dedicated coach and someone who made a genuine impact on those around him, both on and off the pitch.

“His sudden passing has left everyone at the Club deeply saddened and devastated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s wife, Fiona, daughter, Esme, close family, friends, colleagues and all who knew and loved him.

“The Club asks for total privacy for Kevin’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Everyone at Wigan Athletic sends its deepest condolences to Kevin’s loved ones.”

Exeter City wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of club legend Kevin Miller at the age of 57.

“Kevin was an incredibly popular figure during his time at St James Park, earning a place in the hearts of supporters with his performances between the posts and his wholehearted commitment to the club.

“As a player, Kevin had a commanding presence and a fierce competitive spirit. He joined Exeter City in 1989 under Terry Cooper and went on to make over 250 appearances for the Grecians over two spells as a player. He was a key part of the team that won the fourth division championship in 1989/90.

“Kevin rejoined City as Goalkeeper coach in December 2022 under Gary Caldwell where he used his wealth of experience to play a key role in the development of City’s goalkeepers.

“At just 57, his passing is a huge loss to his family, friends and everyone who knew him. Exeter City Football Club sends its deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are also with Gary Caldwell and our former staff at Wigan Athletic.

“His time in Devon left a lasting impression on those around the club, and his contribution remains a big part of Exeter City’s story

“The club will be supporting those who were close to Kevin and will be commemorating Kevin’s time with us and his memory in an appropriate way.

“Once a Grecian, always a Grecian.

“Rest in peace, Kevin”

A longer statement can be read HERE.

Watford said in a tweet: “We are immensely saddened to learn of the passing of double Player of the Season winner Kevin Miller.

“The goalkeeper spent three memorable seasons as a Hornet before joining Crystal Palace for £1.5m in 1997.

“We send our love and thoughts to his family and friends during this difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Kevin 💛”

Barnsley said in a statement on their website:

“Barnsley Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Kevin Miller.

“Kevin arrived at Oakwell in 1999, going on to make 115 league appearances in a three-year stint in South Yorkshire between the sticks. Kevin was named our Player of the Year for the 2000/01 campaign and was a key part of the team that reached the First Division Play-Off final under Dave Bassett in the final competitive game at the old Wembley Stadium in 1999/2000.

“Kevin also represented Exeter City, Birmingham City, Watford, Crsytal Palace, Bristol Rovers, Derby County, Southampton, Torquay United and Bodmin Town.

“Following his playing career, Kevin went into coaching with Exeter City under Gary Caldwell and followed the Scot this summer to Wigan Athletic where he had been working as goalkeeping coach.

“Our thoughts go to Kevin’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Once a Red, Always a Red.”

MILLER’S CAREER:

Youth
1985–1986 – Falmouth Town
1988–1989 – Newquay

Senior
1989–1993 – Exeter City – 200 games
1993–1994 – Birmingham City – 30 games
1994–1997 – Watford – 151 games
1997–1999 – Crystal Palace – 76 games
1999–2002 – Barnsley – 133 games
2002–2003 – Exeter City – 52 games
2003–2005 – Bristol Rovers – 83 games
2005 → Derby County (loan)
2006–2007 – Southampton – 7 games
2007 → Torquay United (loan) – 7 games
2007–2016 – Bodmin Town







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