Lee Miller with reaction to his new deal
Striker Lee Miller admitted this morning that he was as pleased as anyone to finally have his new contract – a one-year deal with an option for a further 12-months based on appearances – signed, sealed and delivered so that he can now get on with the job of getting ready for the season ahead.
“It has felt like it’s been a long summer,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of things to weigh up and consider and it was something I needed to take my time with.
“I know that has frustrated a lot of people, but that’s been the same for me. I couldn’t talk about it or answer the questions I was being asked on Twitter and I tried to explain that last night. I apologised to the fans for that bit of it and I’m just delighted that it’s all done.
“I can now concentrate on the fitness and football side of things and get on with doing the job again.”
“The reaction from the fans when I tweeted my messages was really good,” he told us. “I really did have a lot to think about and I’ve made the mistake of jumping into things in the past.
“I’ve ended up with regrets because of things like that, so I took a bit of time to be with my family and to really think things through.
“The gaffer has been great with me – as has everyone else at the club. The job for me now is to repay everybody with performances and goals this season.”
“I’ve really loved my time at Brunton Park so far,” he told us. “Feeling happy with where you are in your personal life and at work go a long way to helping you come to a decision and those factors have played a big part in this process for me.
“I did have a few other options to consider and financially they would have benefitted me. It’s not all about that though. When it comes down to it I have to think about my family and what’s best for them, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.
“I’ve been in the game long enough to know that if you don’t feel right at a club then the football side of it just isn’t going to work. It almost becomes pointless being there and you to start to dread having to go in.
“It’s the exact opposite for me here with Carlisle. I like the people who work at the club and I get on with the fans really well. I hope we can build on that and do something this year.”
“I enjoy scoring goals and that’s something I definitely intend to keep doing,” he said. “It’s what you get judged on as a striker and I’m looking to start the season on another good run.
“I look back at this time last year and things were just starting to come together for me as we went through pre-season. I felt comfortable ... but we all know what happened in the first game of the season.
“That’s just one of those things and all you can do is get on with it. Hopefully this season will be injury free for me and we’ll see what happens.”
The completion of the deal on Thursday morning meant a return to training for a player who comes into his own when he gets onto the grass.
“It was superb to be back with the lads on Thursday,” he told us. “I love the day-to-day banter and everything that goes with this job. I enjoy winding the new lads up and I know which buttons to press with those who have been here a while. It’s all good fun.
“I know what this club is all about now and I am really happy to be here. Hopefully it’ll be for another two years at least. We have to target a much better season than last season and the key to that is getting off to a better start. We want to be fighting up at the right end of things again.
“The senior lads will have a big part to play in that. We can have our laughs and jokes but one of our main jobs is to make sure we help to bring these young lads on. Our younger players are very fit and keen to get going and that’s fantastic for all of us.”
The second half of last season brought the big front man back into the fold complete with a new role to fulfil.
“I did have the captain’s armband last season but it’s not something we’ve talked about yet,” he revealed. “If the gaffer wants me to continue with it then I’m more than happy to do that.
“To be fair, there are a few captain type role models in the squad anyway and I’d understand if it went to one of them. It isn’t something which is playing on my mind but I would feel very proud if he was to ask me to take it.
“There have been a lot of changes over the summer but it feels like a dressing room which is ready to go. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to and I know that’s the same for the rest of the lads as well.”
United Player subscribers can see a video interview with Lee Miller later this weekend. Click HERE to go the Player platform. Follow the same link for more information on United Player, and to subscribe.
