Kevin Miller dies suddenly aged 57, England football pays tribute to him

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British football has mourned the sudden death of former goalkeeper and coach Kevin Miller at the age of 57.

He was the goalkeeping coach at Wigan Athletic and it was confirmed earlier this week that he died unexpectedly on Tuesday.

Both of his former clubs released a statement expressing how much they respected him, what a joy it was to have him around and how he made everyone smile.

Wigan Athletic said in a statement website:

“Wigan Athletic are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden passing of goalkeeping coach Kevin Miller.

“Everyone at Wigan Athletic is deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of goalkeeping coach Kevin Miller.

“Kevin joined the club earlier this summer and has established links with good friend and colleague Gary Caldwell and the wider first-team staff, following an impressive career spanning more than 18 years as goalkeeping coach at Exeter City for more than three years.

“Although Kevin’s time at Latic was all too short, he quickly became a well-liked and respected member of our first-team staff. His experience, professionalism and passion for goalkeeping were obvious to all, while his inspiring personality left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.

“In a career spanning almost two decades, Kevin made over 700 career appearances, including in the Premier League. He began his career at Exeter City, helping the club win the Fourth Division title, before going on to represent Birmingham City, Watford, Crystal Palace, Barnsley, Bristol Rovers, Derby County, Southampton and Torquay.

“After an impressive career, Kevin moved into coaching and management, eventually returning to St James’ Park in 2022 as goalkeeping coach, where he will be able to pass on the vast amount of knowledge and experience he has gained during his career to the next generation of goalkeepers.

“Kevin’s contribution to football was immense, but for those who worked with him he will be remembered most. Kevin was a husband, father, highly respected colleague, dedicated coach who made a real impact on those around him on and off the pitch.

“His sudden death has left everyone at the club deeply saddened and shocked.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s wife Fiona, daughter Esme, close family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew and loved him.

“The club asks Kevin’s family and friends to have complete privacy during this difficult time.

“Everyone at Wigan Athletic sends our deepest condolences to Kevin’s loved ones.”

Exit City wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of club legend Kevin Miller at the age of 57.

“Kevin was a hugely popular figure during his time at St James’ Park, earning a place in the hearts of the fans with his performances on the pitch and total dedication to the club.

“As a player, Kevin had a commanding presence and a fierce competitive spirit. He joined Exeter City in 1989 under Terry Cooper and made over 250 games for the Grecians as a player. He was a key figure in the team’s victory in the Fourth Division in 1989/90.

“Kevin rejoined Manchester City in December 2022 as goalkeeping coach under Gary Caldwell, where he has used his wealth of experience to play a key role in the development of City’s goalkeepers.

“He was only 57 and his death is a huge loss to his family, friends and everyone who knew him. Exeter City Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. Our thoughts are also with Gary Caldwell and the former staff of Wigan Athletic.”

“His time at Devon left a lasting impression on those around the club and his contribution remains an important part of Exeter City’s story

“The club will support those close to Kevin and will commemorate Kevin’s time with us and his memory in an appropriate manner.

“Once a Greek, always a Greek.

“RIP Kevin”

Longer statement can be read here.

Watford tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of double player of the season Kevin Miller.

“The goalkeeper spent three memorable seasons at Wasps before joining Crystal Palace in 1997 for £1.5 million.

“We send our love and thoughts to his family and friends at this difficult time.

“RIP Kevin💛”

Barnsley said in a statement website:

“Barnsley Football Club is saddened by the news of the passing of former goalkeeper Kevin Miller.

“Kevin arrived at Oakwell in 1999 and during a three-year spell at South Yorkshire he made 115 league appearances. Kevin was named Player of the Year in the 2000/01 season and was part of a team that reached the A-League play-off final under Dave Bassett in their final game at the old Wembley Stadium in 1999/2000.

“Kevin has also represented Exeter City, Birmingham City, Watford, Crystal Palace, Bristol Rovers, Derby County, Southampton, Torquay United and Bodmin Town.

“After his playing career ended, Kevin worked as a coach at Exeter City under Gary Caldwell and followed the Scot to Wigan Athletic this summer, where he has been the goalkeeping coach.

“Our condolences go out to Kevin’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Once red, always red.”

Miller’s career:

youth
1985–1986 – Falmouth Town
1988–1989 – Newquay

Advanced
1989–1993 – Exeter City – 200 games
1993–1994 – Birmingham City – 30 games
1994–1997 – Watford – 151 games
1997–1999 – Crystal Palace – 76 games
1999–2002 – Barnsley – 133 games
2002–2003 – Exeter City – 52 games
2003–2005 – Bristol Rovers – 83 games
2005 → Derby County (loan)
2006–2007 – Southampton – 7 games
2007 → Torquay United (loan) – 7 games
2007–2016 – Bodmin Town



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