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Liam Miller
Miller with Sunderland in 2007
Personal information
Full name Liam William Peter Miller[1]
Date of birth (1981-02-13) 13 February 1981 (age 43)[1]
Place of birth Cork, Ireland
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[1]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Wilmington Hammerheads
Number 6
Youth career
1997–2000 Celtic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2004 Celtic 26 (2)
2001 → AGF (loan) 18 (0)
2004–2006 Manchester United 9 (0)
2005–2006 → Leeds United (loan) 28 (1)
2006–2009 Sunderland 57 (3)
2009 Queens Park Rangers 13 (0)
2009–2011 Hibernian 66 (7)
2011–2013 Perth Glory 49 (2)
2013–2014 Brisbane Roar 24 (3)
2014 Melbourne City 2 (0)
2015 Cork City 29 (0)
2016– Wilmington Hammerheads 0 (0)
International career
1998 Republic of Ireland U16 9 (0)
1998–1999 Republic of Ireland U18 7 (0)
2002 Republic of Ireland U20 4 (0)
2001–2003 Republic of Ireland U21 11 (0)
2004–2009 Republic of Ireland 21 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18 February 2016

Liam William Peter Miller (born 13 February 1981) is an Irish footballer who plays for Wilmington Hammerheads in the United Soccer League. Miller began his career with Celtic and was later loaned to Aarhus in 2001. He returned to Celtic Park and broke into the first-team squad during the 2003–04 season. Rejecting the offer of a new contract from Celtic, he joined Manchester United in 2004 on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling.[2] Loaned to Leeds United during the 2005–06 season, Miller made 22 first-team appearances for Manchester United.[3]

In 2006, he joined Sunderland, but was linked with a move away from the club because of alleged timekeeping issues. He joined Queens Park Rangers in January 2009 and was released at the end of the 2008–09 season. Miller joined Hibernian at the start of the 2009–10 Scottish Premier League season on a free transfer. He moved to Australian A-League club Perth Glory in 2011 after his contract with Hibernian expired. Miller represents the Republic of Ireland team internationally, making his debut in 2004 against the Czech Republic.

Background

Miller was born in Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland.[4] He attended Coachford College.[5] In a web chat, Miller revealed that family has been his largest influence in football, and that Martin O'Neill and Sir Alex Ferguson were also influential to his career.[6] Miller is married and has one son.[7]

Club career

Celtic

Miller then joined Celtic in 1997 as a youth player, and made his professional league debut against Dundee United on 21 May 2000.[8] His UEFA Cup debut came against Luxembourg-based club Jeunesse Esch on 24 August 2000 in a 7–0 win, and came close to scoring in the 64th minute.[9] During his time at Celtic Park, he had been on a six-month loan spell with Danish football club AGF Aarhus during the 2001–02 season, making 18 appearances without scoring a goal.[10] They considered signing him permanently for £300,000.[11]

His first Scottish Premier League goals came in a 5–0 win over Hearts on 18 October 2003; his first goal came after nine minutes when Stilian Petrov drilled the ball in low and Miller finished it off, and completed the scoring in the 50th minute with five-yard finish.[12] Miller scored a goal in a 2–0 Champions League win against Lyon; Martin O'Neill then offered him a long-term contract, attempting to keep Miller at the club.[2][13] Despite this, Miller signed a pre-contract agreement in January 2004 with Manchester United.[2][14] This move greatly disappointed Martin O'Neill, who had intended to build a new Celtic team around Miller.[15] According to Irish Abroad, "His departure from the Glasgow giants, after only 26 appearances for the Bhoys, led to outrage among the club's supporters who perceived Miller to be showing a distinct lack of loyalty considering the Celts' support of him through long-term injury."[16]

Manchester United

Miller joined Manchester United for free on 1 July 2004, and scored his first goal for the club on 26 October 2004 against Crewe Alexandra in the League Cup.[17] After the start of his career for the Red Devils, he found first-team opportunities rare towards the end of the 2004–05 season. He was given a rare first-team start in January 2005 in an FA Cup tie against non-league Exeter City, but turned in a poor performance and was substituted in the second half.[18][19] In his entire time at the club he made only 22 first-team appearances.[4] Miller later commented that "Man Utd didn't work out but I have no regrets about giving it a go."[2]

In July 2006, The Telegraph reported that Miller would be allowed to leave Manchester United, should the Red Devils receive a suitable offer.[20] It was made clear that Miller was not part of Alex Ferguson's plans when, despite the huge number of senior players missing, he was still only a substitute in the opening game of the Red Devils' tour of South Africa against Orlando Pirates on 16 July 2006.[21] On 31 August 2006, he moved to Sunderland for free on a three-year deal,[22] joining up with new Sunderland manager and former team-mate Roy Keane. He left Manchester United after playing just nine league games in two seasons.[4]

Leeds United loan

On 4 November 2005, Miller joined Leeds United on loan for three months,[23] though this was later extended to the end of the 2005–06 season.[24] He scored one goal during his time at Leeds, the winning goal in the 4–3 away win against Southampton on 19 November 2005[25] and helped Leeds to reach the Championship play-off final with a 3–1 on aggregate over Preston North End. Miller featured in the play off final. However, Leeds failed to overcome Watford; they were beaten 3–0 and so missed out on promotion to the Premier League.[26] During his time at Elland Road, he had scored one goal in 28 games.[4]

Sunderland

Miller playing against Cork City in Sunderland's pre-season tour of Ireland.

Miller made his debut for Sunderland in a 2–1 win over Derby County on 9 September 2006 at the Stadium of Light,[27] and scored his first goal in the following game against Leeds United on 13 September 2006 in a 3–0 win shooting across the goalkeeper from 14 yards.[28]

On 6 January 2007, he was sent off by referee Iain Williamson in the 37th minute of an FA Cup match against Preston North End, after receiving his second yellow card for a foul on David Nugent; Sunderland went on to lose the match 1–0.[29] He scored his first Premier League goal for Sunderland on 22 September 2007 against North-East rivals Middlesbrough in the 89th minute with a 20 yard left-footed shot.[30] He was sent off for the second time in his Sunderland career by Peter Walton; against Chelsea on 8 December 2007 for a push on Claudio Pizarro. Sunderland went on to lose the game 2–0.[31]

Manager Roy Keane placed him on the transfer list on 27 February 2008 due to a 'lack of discipline' and 'poor timekeeping', evidenced by his frequent lateness arriving to training sessions.[32] He was linked with a move to Toronto FC, a Canadian club with ties to former Sunderland players Danny Dichio, Carl Robinson and Andy Welsh.[33]

Queens Park Rangers

Miller received interest in January 2009 as Queens Park Rangers expressed their wishes to secure a loan deal. Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia said "There's been some interest in Liam from QPR, so something might happen there".[34] The following day, Miller signed a permanent contract until the end of the season for an undisclosed fee.[35] However, on 19 May 2009, just six months after joining, QPR released Miller along with five other players.[36]

Hibernian

Miller was left without a club after the summer transfer window closed on 31 August 2009, and he was training with clubs in Ireland to maintain his fitness.[2] He called Hibs manager John Hughes to offer his services. Hughes, who was surprised that Miller was available to him on a free transfer,[2] quickly offered a two-year deal, which Miller signed in September 2009.[37] Miller quickly established himself in the Hibs first team, with Graham Spiers describing him as the "king of Hibs" after a 1–1 draw against Rangers at Ibrox.[15] His early performances for Hibs were rewarded with the Scottish Premier League player of the month award for October 2009.[2][38]

Miller's form mirrored the rest of the Hibs team as it went into a slump in 2010, leading to the departure of Hughes.[39] New manager Colin Calderwood signed three new midfielders in January 2011 and left Miller out of the starting lineup for two games soon afterwards.[40] Calderwood expressed hope that improved results would bring better form out of Miller, who he described as a top-level player.[40] Miller expressed a desire to stay at Hibs in March 2011, but the two parties did not agree a new contact, which allowed him to leave the club.[41]

Perth Glory

Australian A-League club Perth Glory signed Miller on a two-year contract on 3 June 2011.[42] He scored his first goal against Adelaide United as Perth Glory won the game 3–0. On 17 April 2013, it was announced he would not be signing a new deal with Perth Glory, despite an offer being on the table.

Brisbane Roar

On 22 May 2013, it was announced that Miller had joined Brisbane Roar on a free transfer, following his release from Perth Glory. He was given a two-year contract, while wearing the number 11 shirt.

On 20 July 2013, Miller started for the A-League All Stars in the inaugural A-League All Stars Game against Manchester United, a match in which the A-League All Stars were thrashed 5–1, courtesy of goals from Danny Welbeck, Jesse Lingard and Robin van Persie. Miller was substituted off in the 45th minute of the match, and was replaced by Melbourne Victory midfielder Billy Celeski.

On 30 October 2014, Miller was released by Brisbane Roar after asking to have his contract terminated following being dropped from the squad for two games with no explanation, which he found unprofessional and disrespectful.[43][44]

Melbourne City

On 11 November 2014, 11 days after leaving the Roar, Miller signed for another A-League club, Melbourne City, on a short-term contract as a National Replacement Player in place of Aaron Mooy, joining fellow Irish international Damien Duff.[45] After playing a good game for on his short-term contract, Miller signed another contract with Melbourne City as an Injury Replacement Player in place of Jonatan Germano until the end of December.[46]

Cork City

Miller joined League of Ireland outfit Cork City on 15 January 2015.[47] Miller made his debut for local team in the 1–1 away draw with Sligo Rovers.[48]

Wilmington Hammerheads

Miller signed with American third-tier United Soccer League side Wilmington Hammerheads on 18 February 2016.[49]

International career

Miller in action against Brazil

Miller was part of the Irish squad that won the UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship in 1998.[50] He made nine appearances for the Republic of Ireland at under-16 level.[51] He then progressed to the Ireland under-21 team.[14] He was fielded in a game against Albania despite having been suspended after receiving two yellow cards in UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship games against Switzerland and Albania.[52] The Football Association of Ireland admitted the mistake and apologised to UEFA.[52]

Miller's debut for the first team came on 31 March 2004 against Czech Republic in a 2–1 win; he came on as a substitute for Matt Holland.[53] His first goal for Ireland came in a 3–0 win over Sweden on 1 March 2006 where he had made a run and a 25 yard shot rifled into the top of the net.[54] Despite Miller being without a club during the summer of 2009, manager Giovanni Trapattoni continued to select him for the Ireland squad.[2] Miller later commented that "I am very grateful to the manager. He didn't need to pick me in the squad but he showed faith in me and I'm delighted with that".[2]

Career statistics

Club

As of 16 March 2014[55][56][57]
Club Season League1 Cup League Cup Continental2 Other3 Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Celtic 1999–2000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2000–01 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
2002–03 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
2003–04 25 2 1 0 1 0 13 3 0 0 40 5
Total 26 2 1 0 2 0 15 3 0 0 44 5
AGF Aarhus (loan) 2001–02 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0
Total 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0
Manchester United 2004–05 8 0 4 0 2 1 5 0 0 0 19 1
2005–06 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 1
Total 9 0 4 0 3 2 6 0 0 0 22 2
Leeds United (loan) 2005–06 28 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 33 1
Total 28 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 33 1
Sunderland 2006–07 30 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 2
2007–08 24 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 25 1
2008–09 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Total 57 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 60 3
Queens Park Rangers 2008–09 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0
Total 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0
Hibernian 2009–10 33 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 38 2
2010–11 33 5 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 38 5
Total 66 7 6 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 76 7
Template:ALeague PG 2011–12 25 2 - - - - - - - - 25 2
2012–13 24 0 - - - - - - - - 24 0
Total 49 2 - - - - 0 0 0 0 49 2
Template:ALeague BR 2013–14 16 2 - - - - - - - - 16 2
Total 16 2 - - - - 0 0 0 0 16 2
Career total 282 17 14 0 9 2 23 3 3 0 331 22

1 - includes A-League final series statistics
 2 - AFC Champions League statistics are included in season commencing during group stages (i.e. ACL 2010 and A-League season 2009–2010 etc.)
 3 - Includes other competitive competitions, including the FA Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Football League playoff matches.

International goals

Score and results list Republic of Ireland's goal tally first.
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 1 March 2006 Lansdowne Road, Dublin  Sweden 3–0 3–0 Friendly

Honours

Republic of Ireland
Celtic
Sunderland
Brisbane Roar

References

  1. ^ a b c Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream Publishing. p. 286. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "The world's a stage for Miller – Scotsman.com Sport". Sport.scotsman.com. Retrieved 28 January 2010.
  3. ^ "Liam Miller". Stretford End. Retrieved 4 October 2008.
  4. ^ a b c d "Liam Miller". Soccerbase. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  5. ^ "Life after Coachford College - Past Pupils". Coachford College. Archived from the original on 18 November 2007. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  6. ^ "Webchat with John O'Shea & Liam Miller". Eircom. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  7. ^ Dunphy, Eamon (3 March 2008). "Dunphy slams "disgraceful" Sunderland chief". Eleven a side. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  8. ^ "Liam Miller". Manutd zone. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  9. ^ "Celtic hit a magnificent seven". BBC Sport. 24 August 2000. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  10. ^ Alexander, Nick (31 August 2006). "Miller makes it five". Sunderland A.F.C. Retrieved 15 April 2008.
  11. ^ Fisher, Stewart (9 November 2003). "Time is right for Miller's tale to unfold; Celtic may have unearthed". Sunday Herald. Retrieved 10 April 2008. [dead link]
  12. ^ "Five-star Celtic crush Hearts". BBC Sport. 18 October 2003. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  13. ^ "Miller to win new deal". BBC Sport. 1 October 2003. Retrieved 17 April 2008.
  14. ^ a b "Man Utd clinch Miller deal". BBC Sport. 9 January 2004. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  15. ^ a b Spiers, Graham (26 October 2009). "Liam Miller's tale the highlight of a classic encounter". London: The Times. Retrieved 1 November 2009.
  16. ^ Brennan, Robert. "Miller time is nearly up". Irish Abroad. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  17. ^ "Crewe 0–3 Man Utd". Soccernet. 26 October 2004. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  18. ^ "Man Utd 0-0 Exeter". BBC Sport. 8 January 2005. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  19. ^ "Man Utd 0 Exeter 0". The Sun. 8 January 2005. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  20. ^ Ogden, Mark (18 July 2006). "Solskjaer back on target as Ferguson chases Torres". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  21. ^ "Orlando Pirates 0–4 Man Utd". BBC Sport. 16 July 2006. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  22. ^ "Irish trio make Sunderland switch". BBC Sport. 31 August 2006. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  23. ^ "Miller makes Elland Road switch". BBC Sport. 4 November 2005. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  24. ^ "Miller extends loan deal at Leeds". BBC Sport. 6 January 2005. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  25. ^ "Southampton 3–4 Leeds". BBC Sport. 19 November 2005. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  26. ^ "Leeds 0–3 Watford". BBC Sport. 21 May 2006. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  27. ^ "Derby 1–2 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 9 September 2006. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  28. ^ Walker, Michael (14 September 2006). "Calls for Blackwell's head as Keane's men stride on". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  29. ^ "Preston 1–0 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 6 January 2007. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  30. ^ McKenzie, Andrew (22 September 2007). "Middlesbrough 2–2 Sunderland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  31. ^ Mercer, Nathan (8 December 2007). "Chelsea 2–0 Sunderland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  32. ^ "Championship — Miller alerts Championship sides". Eurosport. 27 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2 March 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  33. ^ "Toronto eye Miller swoop". Eleven a side. 5 March 2008. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  34. ^ "Sbragia confirms interest in Miller". Sunderland A.F.C. 14 January 2009. Retrieved 14 January 2009.
  35. ^ Alexander, Nick (15 January 2009). "Miller signs for QPR". Sunderland A.F.C. Retrieved 15 January 2009.
  36. ^ "Miller among five released by QPR". BBC Sport. 19 May 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2009.
  37. ^ "Hibs complete signing of ex-Celtic midfielder Liam Miller". scotsman.com. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 20 September 2009.
  38. ^ "Hibs' Miller gets monthly award". BBC Sport. 8 November 2009.
  39. ^ Bathgate, Stuart (15 January 2011). "Hibs v Celtic: Colin Calderwood urges Hibs to stand ground – just like Neil Lennon". The Scotsman. Retrieved 22 February 2011. John Hughes, Calderwood's predecessor, also recognised the need for greater grit, above all in central midfield, Lennon's position. But he failed to come up with a satisfactory answer to the problem. Edwin de Graaf was signed in the summer and has not been impressive. Liam Miller, who is suspended today, has underperformed for much of the season. And Kevin McBride, signed by Hughes after the two had worked together at Falkirk, has faded from the picture.
  40. ^ a b Marshall, Alan (22 February 2011). "Liam Miller will bounce back and prove his quality, says Hibs boss Colin Calderwood". Daily Record. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  41. ^ "Liam Miller leaves Hibs for Perth Glory in Australia". BBC Sport. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  42. ^ "Massive coup for Perth Glory". Perth Glory. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  43. ^ "Liam Miller released by Brisbane Roar FC". Football Federation Australia. 30 October 2014.
  44. ^ "Liam Miller clears air after shock exit from Brisbane Roar and denies ever having a calf injury". The Courier-Mail. 7 November 2014.
  45. ^ "Melbourne City FC Sign Liam Miller On Short-Term Contract". Melbourne City. Football Federation Australia. 11 November 2014.
  46. ^ "Miller Signs as Injury Replacement". Melbourne City. Football Federation Australia. 21 November 2014.
  47. ^ "LIAM MACKEY: Liam Miller: Homecoming 'easy decision'". Irish Examiner. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  48. ^ "Cork City struggle at Sligo Rovers". Irish Examiner. 9 March 2015.
  49. ^ http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210724807
  50. ^ "Italy 1 – 2 Ireland Under 16". Soccer Scene. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  51. ^ "Liam Miller". Soccer Scene. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  52. ^ a b "Irish admit U21 blunder". BBC Sport. 10 June 2003. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  53. ^ "Rep of Ire 2–1 Czech Rep". BBC Sport. 31 March 2004. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  54. ^ "Rep of Ireland 3–0 Sweden". BBC Sport. 1 March 2006. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  55. ^ "Liam Miller". ESPNsoccernet. Retrieved 4 October 2008.
  56. ^ "Liam Miller". World Soccer. Retrieved 4 October 2008.
  57. ^ Liam Miller at Soccerbase

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