New Rotherham United recruit Mickel Miller insists he is relishing the challenge of trying to earn a place in Paul Warne’s Sky Bet Championship side when football returns for the 2020/21 season, having put pen-to-paper on a deal until June 2022 at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Miller, who spent the early part of his footballing journey in non-league with Carshalton Athletic before being handed an opportunity in the Scottish Premiership with Hamilton Academicals, will now be looking to seize his chance in England’s second tier following confirmation of his signing on Sunday afternoon.
The 24-year-old winger is the first signing through the door ahead of the new campaign and with Paul Warne’s side back in training, he accepts the need to literally hit the ground running with his new employers.
"I'm delighted that I've been given the opportunity to come and play here,” he beamed after completing the paperwork to confirm his Millers switch.
"It is a big step. It is going to be a challenge for me but I like challenges and it will be a good experience.
"I want to thank the Gaffer - I just can't wait to get started."
As has been the case for his new Rotherham United teammates, Miller hasn’t been involved in a competitive fixture since March, meaning he has been pounding the streets and finding a number of other innovative ways to maintain his fitness in the absence of training.
Speaking ahead of his first training session with Warne’s side, the winger admitted he has done everything in his power to maintain his fitness levels but is looking forward to returning to a training environment, despite the hard work that awaits.
"It's been a difficult time but I've been out jogging when I can and doing loads of other work at home, probably annoying my mum by using her gym equipment,” Miller joked.
"I've met two of the boys in person already and they've warned me about how intense it can be but everyone knows it is going to be hard. As long as you're ready to work hard then I'm sure it will be good.
"I couldn't tell you the last time I had a 'proper' training session, so it will be good.
"It will be nice just to have the whole routine of being back to football is going to be nice."
A new signing normally undergoes a full personality examination in person with Paul Warne, but Miller explains that he had to pass the manager’s ‘good human being’ test in a virtual environment as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
"We've had several Zoom calls, I met him and the rest of the team on there, so I'm just delighted that he chose me and I'm ready to get going,” he revealed.
Having played for non-league Carshalton the last time he was playing in England, Miller admits the lure of the second tier was a big factor in his decision to sign at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
"It was massive. I'm delighted to be able to be given the opportunity to come and play here in the Championship,” Miller continued.
"I'm a winger and I can play either side, or down the middle sometimes. I'm pretty flexible in that respect.”