ROBINS HELPED MICKEL FLY HIGH
Miller is preparing to step into the Championship high-life, but he’ll never forget the role Carshalton Athletic played in helping him get there.
The 24-year-old forward came through the Robins’ youth ranks before going on to make more than 150 appearances for the first team.
His sparkling displays earned him a move to Scottish Premiership outfit Hamilton Academical two and a half years ago.
Having caught the eye north of the border, he was snapped up by newly promoted Championship club Rotherham in July and is now eager to make his mark in the second tier.
But whatever happens, the Croydon-born attacker, who can play up front or out wide, will always be grateful to Isthmian
Premier Carshalton for setting him on his journey to the big time.
“Carshalton always have young players in the team and give you a chance,” he told The NLP. “It was so useful to have that opportunity to play men’s football early. It gets you ready physically and mentally, and is a huge advantage.
Buzzing
“The manager (Peter Adeniyi) gives you licence to express yourself in the right areas. You have to do the groundwork and work hard, but in the final third it’s like you are playing with your friends – you’re so relaxed.
“Carshalton is where I started and
I give it all to them. They know how grateful I am. When I’m down, I go to watch them and they will always be part of me.”
They’re certainly doing something right at Carshalton – forward Ricky Korboa, 23, stepped up to League One outfit Northampton Town this week.
“Ricky’s a close friend and I’m absolutely buzzing for him,” said Miller. “It was always a matter of time. In the last season or two he’s really shown clubs and people he deserves to be a professional. I think he will shine there.”
For his own part, Miller is determined to work his socks off to show he can cut it in the second tier. “When I found out that Rotherham had gone up to the Championship (on points per game), I was a bit gobsmacked,” he explained.
“I was in Non-League three years ago and if you’d told me then that I would be in the Championship so soon, I wouldn’t have believed it, but I’ve got to keep striving for more.
Pedigree
“From the day I got to Rotherham and was doing my medical and starting with the boys, I thought ‘yes, now it’s time to get my spot in this team’. It’s not going to be easy, but they wouldn’t have asked me to come if they didn’t think I was good enough.
“If I have the same hunger and keep working hard, hopefully I will do well.
“In Scotland, there were teams like Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen, but now I’m one step from the Premier League, which has always been my dream.
“We’re going to be playing at crazy-big stadiums against big clubs and I’m just looking forward to that experience.”
Perhaps it’s not so surprising the Millers have been willing to take a punt on a player with a Non-League pedigree. After all, manager Paul Warne played for Great Yarmouth Town, Diss Town – winning the FA Vase in 1994 – and Wroxham before moving into professional football.
“He’s a nice guy and he’s so ambitious for everyone in the team,” added Miller.
“He will be on your back, but it’s only to get the best out of you. He drives you in the right direction.”