Wigan pay tribute to Goalkeeping Coach Miller after ‘horrific week’

At St James Park, Exeter held a minute’s applause before their League Two game against Tranmere Rovers, with Miller’s image shown on the big screen. Captain Jack Fitzwater laid a goalkeeper’s shirt bearing Miller’s name on the pitch.

Miller had worked with manager Gary Caldwell at Exeter for three and-a-half years before moving with him to Wigan this summer. The Scot was visibly upset during his post-match press conference and proceedings had to be halted while he composed himself. 

“It’s been tough all week,” he said. “Coming in on Wednesday morning, and seeing staff getting out of their cars, and the kind of scene, it’s one I’ll never forget. I spoke to Fiona, Kev’s wife, and obviously all our thoughts go to her and Esme, Kev’s daughter. We’re suffering, but they’re obviously suffering a lot more.

“We’ve all lost a brilliant person, and I think you’ve seen that with the response to the news of his passing. His legacy at all of the football clubs he represented with distinction will live on, but our thoughts remain with Fiona and Esme, because God only knows what they are going through at the moment.

“That’s what we’ll remember more than anything, not as a goalkeeper, not as a coach, but as a person. I think that’s his legacy, and that’s why it’s so difficult for me and everyone else who knew him.”

On the game, which Wigan lost 1-0, he added: “I’m disappointed to lose, but we’ve had bigger things to think about this week. It has been a really tough week for everyone, but I know we will be stronger for it in the long run.”

Goalkeeper Joe Whitworth worked with Miller for three seasons on loan at Exeter before moving with him to Wigan this summer. He described him as “an incredible person who had time for anyone and everyone, put smiles on people’s faces every single day”.

Wigan’s statement on Thursday read: “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.

“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.”

Exeter manager Matt Taylor said: “It’s a tragedy what’s happened this week, and some of the ones who’ve been here for a longer period of time, staff included, have known Kevin an awful long time.”

Miller made 252 appearances for Exeter across two spells as a player, having joined the club in 1989, and returned as Goalkeeping Coach before stepping down in June. The club said he had “a commanding presence and a fierce competitive spirit” as a player and that it would be “commemorating Kevin’s time with us and his memory in an appropriate way”.

In a 20-year playing career he made 738 appearances for Exeter, Birmingham City, Watford, Crystal Palace, Barnsley, Bristol Rovers, Southampton and Torquay United. He played every minute of Palace’s 1997/98 Premier League season after a £1.5m move from Watford.

Former team-mates paid tribute, including ex-Watford defender Nigel Gibbs, ex-Barnsley midfielder Darren Barnard and former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who wrote: “A top keeper and a great lad. 57 far too young.”