MILLER’S TALE
Ishmael Miller on why his Yeovil career came to a sudden end
ISHMAEL MILLER admits his bust-up with Gary Johnson was born out of a personality clash. But despite leaving Yeovil under a cloud the striker still hopes the Glovers stay up.
Miller had been a leading light in Yeovil’s quest to avoid the drop from the Championship, netting ten times in 19 league games this season.
But his second loan spell at the club ended abruptly last week when the 27-year-old walked out of a team meeting, prematurely severing all ties. Yeovil boss Johnson, left, said at the time: “I don’t think his personality and football personality are conducive to our environment.”
But that is not the impression Miller – now back in training with parent club Nottingham Forest – got during his Huish Park spell.
“It bothers me a little,” he said. “I didn’t think we had any problems prior to the situation – but obviously we must have.
“We had a personality clash, that’s what Gary Johnson thought. It was best to go our separate ways.
“There was just a disagreement. Gary Johnson said it was best for us to cut ties so Yeovil can go on. He needed people he thought he could trust 100 per cent. He has got what he asked for and hopefully he can get them out of trouble.
“I would have loved to have kept Yeovil in the Championship and hopefully they can get themselves out of the relegation.
“There are still games and unless it is mathematically impossible you have got to give your all and fight for the cause.
“I couldn’t say goodbye to the fans but I will always hold them in a special place.”
Miller is now stuck in limbo, unable to turn out for Forest until next season having agreed a loan deal at Yeovil to run until the end of the campaign. With his contract set to expire at the end of the current season, that prevents him from one final flourish to impress would-be employers – but he hopes his Yeovil haul is evidence enough.
“I am just keeping myself right and ready,” said Miller. “Of course it will be a frustrating few weeks but I have just got to try and keep my head in the right place.
Upset
“My contract is up with Nottingham Forest at the end of the season. I feel I have done myself justice at Yeovil and I gave the best possible account of myself.
“I gave my all for the team and the best performances I could do.
“I hadn’t been playing as much as I would have liked in the previous year or so.
“I went to Yeovil and I had been playing and was really happy with myself and with the football.
“I was upset and disappointed with the way it ended. Things could have been handled differently by both parties. It is gone, it is in the past and I want to move on with my career.”
One man worth impressing is incoming Forest manager – and City Ground legend – Stuart Pearce, who will take the reins for the start of next season.
Miller crossed paths with the former England U21 manager when the pair were at Manchester City six years ago and he hopes to have left a lasting impression on Pearce.
“Obviously he is a massive name,” he added. “He has had a great career and he has done well in his managerial career. I was with him at Manchester City as well.
“It is a long time ago – it seems like a lifetime ago. Strange things can always happen in football so you never know.
“Towards the end of the season I will see what situations arise and take it forward from there.”