Round trips were taking their toll on Calvin, and now he’s back to kick on
Calvin Miller lived the dream with the brilliant Brendan Rodgers side that landed a double Treble for his beloved Celtic.
As a Rodgers’ protege, nurtured through the ranks with Anthony Ralston and Mikey Johnston, Miller played a handful of games when youth was given its chance.
As the wing-back follows Ange Postecoglou’s progress, he admits playing in the current team might give him an even greater thrill.
Now 24, Miller has been enthralled by the Australian’s work in the last 18 months.
His only fear is Postecoglou’s style proving so alluring for the English Premier League that, like Rodgers, he’s poached before the natural end of his Celtic tenure.
Miller said: “Working under Brendan, the stamp of authority and relentless, winning mentality he brought to the club was amazing.
“I was ecstatic to play a few games under him. It was such a good time to come through, to learn from such a talented manager.
“It’s a different type of game, but
I think Ange has strengthened that relentless approach.
“Every Celtic fan, player and coach is relishing the moment, and enjoying the football. It’s such an exhilarating, fast, free-flowing team.
“I find them incredible to watch. They’re constantly attacking, no matter the score, and going out to win every game by as many goals as possible.
“My best attribute, I feel, is as an attacking player – taking people on, getting crosses and shots in. I’d love to play in this team.
“Ange said he’s already recruiting in January, so that shows he wants to go to the next level.
“I’m sure he’ll take Celtic to the Champions League again, with higherquality players to get past the group stages.
“The key thing is keeping him. His name is now mentioned in English Premier League circles. That’s because of the type of football that’s turned Celtic around.”
Miller starred on loan for Dundee then
Ayr United before missing almost a full campaign with a knee injury.
He moved to Harrogate in 2020, then on to Notts County and Chesterfield, where he played against Chelsea in last season’s FA Cup. However, time apart from his young daughters and fiancee, Shannon, became hard to bear.
Last month, he arranged with the Spireites to depart midway through the final year of his contract. Now, after a short training stint with Hamilton Accies, he’s on the lookout for a club.
Miller explained: “I wanted to get closer to home. I’ve two wee girls – Olivia is seven, Mia is one. Missing birthdays and so on was too hard. I tried to get home as much as I could, but the roundtrip by car was difficult.
“There were times I’d wake up and my back would be a bit sore from sitting in the car. It took a lot out of me.
“When football went well, I was OK. But if we lost and I was there myself, it made me miss the girls more.
“So myself and Chesterfield worked a situation that worked for both of us.
“I’m back in Scotland a better, and probably more physical player.
“I’ve benefited from the experience, so I hope to use that and bring something different to a new club.
“I hope there are offers and I get back playing with a smile on my face in January.
“I’d be doing what I love and come home after games to my family. I’d have no cares in the world.”