Johnny Miller

[Bluemike]

Former Blue Johnny Miller died on Thursday, aged 65.

His family announced the news in a message on his Facebook page yesterday afternoon.

Born in Ipswich, Miller came through the Town youth system and made his senior debut in a 0-0 home draw with Coventry City in March 1969, becoming the second black player to represent the club, Steve Stacey having been the first earlier that season.

Right winger Miller went on to make 43 senior starts and 17 sub appearances, scoring four goals - in addition to 150 games and 31 goals for the reserves - before moving on to Norwich City in October 1974 for a fee of around £50,000.

Less than two months later, Miller famously scored twice for the Canaries as they beat the Blues 2-1 at Portman Road in a League Cup fifth round replay to progress to the semi-finals.

They went on to finish third in the Second Division during that campaign and were promoted to the top flight.

In 1976 his former Town team-mate Peter Morris took him to Mansfield and he helped the Stags to the Third Division title in 1976/77.

MIller later played for Port Vale, Oakham United and Selston and was assistant manager at Blidworth Welfare. Latterly he had been working as a taxi driver in Mansfield.

Sad news as another former Blue passes away. I am sure it was Miller who scored the 2 goals against Birmingham City in my first ever live game back in 1972. Condolences to his Friends & Family.

RIP Johnny Miller.

[hallamblue]

Good player for us, and Ill even forgive him for going to "them", AND scoring 2 goals against us for "them".

But it never ceases to amaze me that some many ex professional footballers seem die so relatively young, given their professional sports background. Not quite sure why this occurs.

[Charnwood]

Shocking news. made worse by the fact that he was only 3 months older than I am.

We were friends when he moved home from Ipswich to Norwich in 1975 just a year after me and my missus had made the same move. Both girls went to school together and had been long term friends and with the locals in Norfolk not the easiest to get on with the friendships were renewed and we had some good times together.

Unfortunately we soon went separate ways and lost contact however it's so easy to remember his bubbly and friendly manner.

RIP Johnny and condolences to your family and close friends to whom you'll be a massive loss.

[bluepeter]

Johnny Miller RIP.
I got his autograph when he played for an Ipswich X1 against Bury Town in the early 70's.
He gave plenty of time/smiles/chat to us lads who surrounded him.
We all went home happy.