Experienced defender joins
Experienced defender Ian Miller has become Cambridge United’s latest new recruit.Centre-back Miller, who captained Grimsby Town to a fourth place finish in the Blue Square Bet Premier league last season, has put pen to paper on a two year-contract at the R Costings Abbey Stadium.
The 29-year-old said: "I am very excited about being part of a team and a football club which has the ambition and ethics which are instilled and applied here at Cambridge United.
"I can't speak highly enough of how professional the approach was by Jez (George, Director of Football) and Richard (Money, Head Coach). Everything we discussed within our meetings clarified just how much I wanted to play a part in that. I have known Jez since I was a 17-year-old playing at West Suffolk College and have always stayed in contact."
Miller started his career at Ryman League outfit Bury Town, where he played under ex-United midfielder Richard Wilkins, now in charge at Ram Meadow.
A series of eye-catching performances alerted bigger clubs, and in September 2006 he signed for Championship side Ipswich Town for a nominal fee. He went out on loan to Boston United and Darlington, but returned to Portman Road in April 2007, making his only first team appearance as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle.
Despite agreeing a one-year contract extension with the Tractor Boys that summer, Miller was back at Darlington on loan during the first half of the 2007/08 season, and made a permanent move north in January 2008, signing an 18-month contract with the Quakers.
His three-year stay at The Darlington Arena was a period of highs and lows. The club reached the League Two play-offs in 2008, losing on penalties to Rochdale, but the following year were plunged into administration, and in 2009/10 were relegated from the Football League.
Miller stood by the club during its first administration, and went on to captain the team that lifted the FA Trophy in 2011 thanks to a 1-0 win over Mansfield Town in the final. However, Darlington's financial problems returned later that year, and January 2012 saw him move on to Grimsby Town.
Last season The Mariners had the Conference’s meanest defence, conceding just 38 goals in 46 matches. Miller was a key part of their back four, making 28 appearances, but left the club at the end of last season.
Miller added: "Relocating back to the south east from my home in the north east wasn't an easy decision to come to. However, the whole setup at Cambridge United from the training facilities through to the coaching opportunities really appealed to me.
"Being originally from the area, my wife and nine-month-old son, along with the rest of my family, look forward to supporting me in my new challenge.
"I believe Jez and Richard have made very good additions to some excellent young players already in the squad. Coupled together with some experience I think the team and Cambridge United [as a club] have exciting times ahead."