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James Milner

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James Milner
Personal information
Full name James Philip Milner
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in)
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Newcastle United
Number 16
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20:40, 11 September 2007 (UTC)

James Philip Milner (born January 4 1986, Wortley, West Yorkshire) is an English footballer who plays for the English club Newcastle United, as a winger and left-sided midfielder.

As a child Milner was recognised as a talent in football, cricket and long distance running representing his school in each. He also played football for teams from Rawdon and Westbrook. He supported Leeds United from a young age and was a season ticket holder at the club before becoming a ball boy.

Milner began his career at Leeds by joining the Leeds United academy and was later taken on as a trainee. He first appeared for the first team in 2002 at the age of 16. He came to prominence when he became the youngest player ever to score in the Premier League. He has had loan spells with Swindon Town and Aston Villa before establishing himself in the Newcastle first team and has now made over a hundred appearances for them. Outside of football he is an easygoing person who rarely speaks to the media. At international level, he has made a record 31 appearances for the England Under-21 side. He remains part of the Newcastle starting eleven, featuring regularly in domestic and European games.

Early life

Born in Wortley, and raised in Horsforth, Leeds, Milner played most of his football as a child for Horsforth School. While playing there, Graeme Coulson, a coach from Rawdon recognised his talent and asked who he was. Coulson persuaded Milner to play for his Rawdon side in various tournaments. The team won a "prestigious" tournament in Rawdon Meadows with Milner scoring four goals in the final.[1]

I noted his name and it was one not to be forgotten. He was an outstanding talent scoring lots of goal but he was also very strong.

–Graeme Coulson[1]

Milner was a "first class" student at Horsforth School, leaving with 11 GCSEs,[2] and winning an award for his performance in physical education.[1] Milner supported Leeds United from a very young age. His earliest memory of Leeds is watching them win the FA Youth Cup in 1993.[3] He and his parents Peter and Lesley were all Leeds United season ticket holders, and Milner even became a ball boy because he wanted to get closer to the action. He also showed talent in cricket and played for the Yorkshire Schools team, and was an impressive sprinter and long distance runner. He was the cross-country champion at his school for three consecutive years and the district champion over 100 metres for two years in row.[1]

When Milner was ten he joined the Leeds United Academy after, while playing for Westbrook Juniors in Horsforth, a scout spotted him.[1] However, his father insisted that he attend college once a week to keep up with his education.[4] He played against contemporaries from other clubs in the north, including Wayne Rooney. His role model was Leeds-born striker Alan Smith and he believed the chance to play with him worked as a learning curve because he had done what Milner was aspiring to do, come through the Academy and play for first team.[3] After making progress at the academy, he was taken on as a trainee after leaving school. He said that he "had to pinch yourself" playing alongside first team players such as David Batty and Olivier Dacourt. But he also said did not want to get excited and think that he had already made it.[2] He continued to improve his skills with the youth team and played for Ireland at Under-14 level England at Under-15 and Under-17 levels.[5][1] He helped England win the 2002 Under-17 Nationwide summer tournament against Italy, Czech Republic and Brazil, with a goal against Brazil.[6]

Career

Leeds United

Milner's début for Leeds United came on 10 November 2002 when he replaced Jason Wilcox for the final six minutes in a game against West Ham United. The appearance made him the second youngest player ever to play in the Premier League, at the age of 16 years and 309 days.[7] On Boxing Day he became the youngest scorer in the history of the Premier League with a goal in a 2–1 win against Sunderland.[8] Two days later he scored a goal against Chelsea that impressed many reporters. He avoided a tackle from Mario Stanic, the midfielder scored with a powerful 18 yard shot. His desire, ability with both feet and confidence in the game impressed several reporters.[9] Milner's performance prompted comparisons to England internationals Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, who also came to prominence as teenagers.[10] Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri said after the game that he had performed like a much more experienced player.[11] On 10 February 2003, Milner signed a new five-year contract with Leeds after more promising displays.[12]

At the start of the 2003–04 season, Milner was sent on a month-long loan to Second Division side Swindon Town to gain experience as a first team player, which he saw as a "valuable experience".[3] He spent a month with Swindon, scoring two goals in six games. On the international scene, Milner continued to develop, representing the England Under-20 team at the 2003 World Youth Championship. Not long after, Peter Taylor called him up to the England under-21 side. His début for the side came against Sweden.[13]

However, Milner's club's fortunes differed somewhat as Leeds began to struggle in the league. Milner believed the experience made him stronger emotionally and it taught him how to deal with team problems.[3] Their relegation to the Championship led to speculation over Milner's future at the club, although he had signed a five-year deal with Leeds a year before. Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Everton all expressed an interest in him,[7] but Leeds rejected Tottenham's offer.[14] Leeds also insisted that he would not be sold. The chairman of the team at the time even referred to him as "the future of Leeds". Milner was not informed that the team had any plans sell him.[3] However, financial problems eventually forced them to sell him to Newcastle United after accepting an offer of £3,600,000. This deal rose to £5,000,000 after a certain amount of appearances. He was not happy to be leaving the club he had supported as a child but wished to do what was in the club's interest.[3] In July 2004, Milner agreed a five-year deal with Newcastle.[7]

Newcastle United

Milner made his first appearance for Newcastle United during their pre-season tour of Asia, and he scored his first goal for the club against Kitchee in Hong Kong in a 1–1 draw.[15] He took the opportunity, during this tour, to watch Alan Shearer dealing with being mobbed by fans and press. He said that being associated with people like Shearer taught him how to deal with the media.[2] His first Premier League game for Newcastle was a 2–2 draw against Middlesbrough, where he played on the right wing despite having regularly featured on the left for Leeds. After the game he stated that it did not bother him where he played.[16] In September he made his début in European competition, when Newcastle played Israel's Bnei Sakhnin in the UEFA Cup. Then, after coming on as a substitute for Patrick Kluivert in a game against West Bromwich Albion, he scored his first competitive goal for the club in a 3–1 win.[17]

Following the sacking of manager Bobby Robson, new manager Graeme Souness allowed Milner to start 13 league games. The midfielder played his first full Premier League game for Newcastle on 24 April 2005, and made 41 appearances in all competitions by the end of the season, scoring once. However, he was frustrated at not being used as a starter for most of the season.[18] The 2004–05 season was also where Milner scored his first goal for the England Under-21 side against Wales in a qualification game for the 2007 European Under-21 Championship which England won 2–0.[19]

At the start of the 2005–06 season Milner scored his first European goal in a 3–1 win away against FK ZTS Dubnica in the Intertoto Cup,[20] while also setting up the third goal for Shearer. Milner's vein of form continued when he scored again in the next round against Deportivo la Coruña, but a clause in Newcastle's purchase of Nolberto Solano from Aston Villa resulted in Milner being loaned to Villa for the rest of the season. Villa manager David O'Leary, who had managed Milner at Leeds, said he believed Villa got the better of the deal,[21] and that he hoped to improve Milner as a player.[22]

Milner made his Villa début on 12 September against West Ham. He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on 17 September. He then helped his side recover from being 3–1 down at half-time against Wycombe Wanderers in the League Cup with two goals in an 8–3 win. Although his side made a poor start to the season, Milner remained confident that they would recover after a break for international duty, praising the quality of the squad and the team's spirit.[23]

O'Leary confirmed many times during the season that he would like to sign Milner permanently but doubted he would be given the opportunity.[24] He even pulled out of signing Robert Huth so that he would have the funds to sign Milner permanently.[25] Milner himself said he would like to join Villa because of the probability of being a regular starter, but admitted that his future was beyond his control.[26] Milner was generally seen as a positive signing in what was a disappointing season for Villa.[27]

Negotiations between Villa and Newcastle regarding the possibility of Villa signing Milner permanently began in May 2006. Newly appointed Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder appeared to have more appreciation for Milner's ability than Souness had shown, and expressed his desire to keep him at Newcastle. With a lack of transfer funds at Villa, in addition to a change of management at the club, a deal appeared unlikely. In June Villa rejected an offer for him to be part of a trade for Gareth Barry.[28] It was rumoured in July that West Ham had agreed to sign him for £3,500,000.[29] However, when Villa were taken over by American billionaire Randy Lerner and he appointed Martin O'Neill as the new manager, the deal was resurrected. Villa made an improved offer to Newcastle on 30 August, after deliberations it was accepted by Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd. Media sources quoted the transfer fee as being £4,000,000. However at the last moment, Newcastle recalled Milner and the talks broke down.[30]

File:James Milner 17.JPG
Milner takes a free kick during the 2006-07 season

The club's players and manager Glenn Roeder received the recall of Milner to Newcastle at the start of the 2006–07 season positively.[31] Roeder was criticised for the way he had handled the negotiations with Villa, but refused to apologise. He also highly praised Milner's ability, the way he had handled the Villa transfer fiasco, and confirmed he would play him in "plenty of games".[30] This proved to be the case, as Milner started the season playing regularly in the first team and remained a starter for the entire season. He also continued to impress at international level, as he helped the England Under-21 side reach the play-offs of qualifying for the Under-21 European Championship by scoring the winning goal of a 3–2 win over Switzerland. Newcastle made a poor start to the season in the Premier League but Milner played a key role in helping them advance through the group stage of the UEFA Cup. Rumours began to spread in December 2006 that he would be sold during the transfer window, although Milner and Roeder both dismissed them.[32]

His first goal of the season, in Newcastle's 2–2 draw with Manchester United on 1 January 2007, described as "stunning", was scored from 25 yards away.[33] He scored two more goals in the next three weeks, against Birmingham City and then against West Ham United. Both of these were also scored from at least 20 yards away from goal. Milner signed a new contract at Newcastle on January 20, which secured his future at the club until 2011.[34] He scored another goal from 20 yards away on 31 January against Aston Villa in a 3–1 win in which he also provided an assist for team-mate Kieron Dyer.[35] Roeder praised his progress during the season and stated that he believed Milner to be the hardest trainer at the club. During the 2006–07 season Milner displayed his ability to play comfortably on either wing, after scoring and setting up goals with both feet on either flank.[36] In June, Milner competed for England at the European Under-21 Football Championship where he played in all four of England's matches. He was booked in the semi-final against the Netherlands, which meant he would have missed the final, he did however score twice in the penalty shootout, which England lost 13–12.[37]

Milner warming up prior to a pre-season friendly match

Template:Current sport section In May 2007 Sam Allardyce took over as manager of Newcastle and signed Milner to a four-year contract.[38] Milner confirmed that he was happy about his future at the club and its new manager.[39] He started the first game of the season against Bolton Wanderers and although it was rumoured that he would make his full England début in a friendly against Germany, he was left out of the squad.[40] He was however included in the Under-21 squad for a friendly against Romania which was drawn 1–1.[41] A month later he set an under-21 record by making his 30th appearance for the side in a 3–0 against Montenegro in which he set up the first goal with a corner.[42] Historically, players with several England Under-21 appearances have not progressed to become regulars in the senior side, therefore some doubted he would be able to successfully make the transition.[43]

Style of play

Milner has a positive and unselfish attitude towards his teammates.[23] As a result he is not a prolific goal scorer, but does produce several assists. He has also expressed willingness to play as much as possible, saying that he is "bored" when not playing.[44] He has the ability to pass and shoot with both feet.[citation needed] However he describes defending as one of his weaknesses and therefore usually goes forward for set pieces and is often a candidate to take corners or free kicks.[45] This is supported by the fact he can produce accurate crosses[citation needed] and is able to play on either side of the field.[citation needed] He has been described as being "a good reader of the game".[46]

All my life I've wanted to do what I'm doing now. Now I'm here, and enjoying every minute of it. You've got to make a few sacrifices, but I don't mind that.

–James Milner[4]

File:Milnercross.JPG
Milner, playing for England under 21s, delivers a cross

He is regarded as a player with a fair amount of pace[citation needed] and for this reason his main role on the team is as a wide midfielder, creating scoring opportunities as well as taking the ball past defenders. His awareness of players around him and his willingness to pass has been described as mature for a player of his age,[9] which allows him to pick out a forward run being made by a teammate from a range of positions on the field. His awareness has also given him the confidence to take on defenders. Milner has a good discipline record; he has been booked just 15 times in his career and has never been sent off.[47][48] His former teammate Nolberto Solano said that his emergence would be important to the team because of his pace.[49] His good work ethic in training has been compared to that of Frank Lampard's.[36] Sky Sports.com gave him an overall player rating of 6.5 out of 10.[50]

Career statistics

Club Performance[47]
Club Season Premier League FA Cup League Cup Europe Others Total
App Goals Assists App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals
Newcastle United 2007–08 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
2006–07 35 3 8 2 1 3 0 11 0 2 0 53 4
Aston Villa 2005–06 27 1 9 3 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 39 3
Newcastle United 2005–06 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 6 2
2004–05 25 1 2 4 0 1 0 11 0 0 0 41 1
Leeds United 2003–04 29 3 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 31 3
Club Season Second Division FA Cup League Cup League Trophy Others Total
App Goals Assists App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals
Swindon Town 2003–04 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2
Club Season Premier League FA Cup League Cup Europe Others Total
Leeds United 2002–03 18 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 2
Subtotal 141 12 20 14 1 8 2 22 0 11 2 192 17

(Statistics correct as of August 26, 2007)

Off the pitch

Milner has often expressed praise for his teammates and managers such as defending the scoring ability of his teammate Michael Owen September 2007.[51] He has never been reported to have said anything controversial or been involved in any controversial incidents and rarely speaks to the media about anything outside of football. He takes an easy-going and optimistic approach to football. He enjoys watching most other sports particularly cricket and golf, he has a handicap of 9. He rarely drinks or goes out at night; for example, he celebrated both his début at 16 and becoming the youngest scorer in the Premier League with quiet nights in.[2]

His nickname at Newcastle is "Machine Gun", after his teammates were impressed by his darts ability.[52] He also owns a PlayStation, a BMW X5 and two Canaan hounds. He sees himself as a funny person who is a hard-worker, confidant and relaxed.[45]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "James is the latest teenage soccer hero". Guardian Unlimited Football. 2002-12-31. Retrieved 2007-07-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d Collins, Roy (2007-09-09). "James Milner keeps feet on the ground". Sunday telegraph. Retrieved 2007-09-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ a b c d e f Shaw, Phil (2005-12-31). "FOOTBALL THE PREMIERSHIP INTERVIEW: One to watch in 2006: 'Players". findarticles. Retrieved 2007-07-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ a b Townsend, Nick (2004-01-04). "Football: The Interview James Milner: The birthday boy in a very". findarticles. Retrieved 2007-08-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Wrigglesworth, Dave. "PROFILE OF JAMES MILNER: AGED 14 YEARS". Horsforth School website. Retrieved 2007-09-09.
  6. ^ "Milner magic seals Nationwide Glory". The FA. 2002-07-14. Retrieved 2007-07-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b c "16 James Milner". ESPN. Retrieved 2007-07-28. {{cite web}}: Text "Midfielder" ignored (help)
  8. ^ "The Premiership's youngest guns". BBC. Retrieved 2007-08-11.
  9. ^ a b Lawrence, Amy (2002-12-28). "Magical Milner". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-07-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ "'Roonaldo', Milner threaten to outdo Owen". Super Soccer. 2003-01-03. Retrieved 2007-08-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Taylor, Daniel (2002-12-30). "Milner fills Leeds with teen spirit". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-07-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ "Milner signs Leeds deal". BBC. 2003-02-10. Retrieved 2007-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ Gerry Cox. "Chopra earns U21s draw". Retrieved June 20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ "Milner plots Leeds deal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
  15. ^ Pearson, James (2004-07-19). "Robson delight at Milner impact". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ ORourke, Peter (2004-08-18). "Milner makes Magpies vow". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-08-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ "Newcastle 3-1 West Brom". BBC. 2004-09-25. Retrieved 2007-08-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Buckingham, Mark (2005-03-29). "Milner's Magpies hope". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-09-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ Bradbury, Jamie (2006-09-06). "Milner fires U21s through". The FA. Retrieved 2007-07-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ "ZTS Dubnica 1–3 Newcastle". BBC. 2005-06-17. Retrieved 2007-07-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ Pearson, James (2005-09-01). "O'Leary happy with Nobby deal". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Buckingham, Mark (2005-09-01). "O'Leary to improve Milner". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ a b Buckingham, Mark (2005-10-04). "Milner upbeat for Villa". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ Livie, Alex (2005-11-24). "O'Leary expects to lose Milner". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ Buckingham, Mark (2005-12-23). "Villa out of Huth chase". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ Buckingham, Mark (2005-12-24). "Milner waits on future". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ Rutledge, Lewis (2006-04-14). "O'Leary joy at Milner return". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ Jackson, Phil (2006-06-14). "Villa no to Barry-Milner swap". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ "Saturday's gossip column". BBC. 2006-07-22. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ a b Buckingham, Mark (2006-08-31). "Roeder backs Milner stance". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ "Sol hails return of young gun Milner". officialplayersites. 2006-07-14. Retrieved 2007-08-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ ORourke, Peter (2006-12-04). "Milner expects Toon stay". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ Chowdhury, Saj (2007-01-01). "Newcastle 2-2 Man Utd". BBC. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ Scurr, Andrew (2006-12-30). "Roeder Rejects Milner Exit Talk". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ Higham, Paul (2007-01-31). "Toon see-off Villa challenge". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ a b Hackett, Robin (2007-04-24). "Roeder hails dynamic Milner". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  37. ^ Wilson, Jeremy (2007-06-21). "England go out after 32-penalty shoot-out drama". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-08-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  38. ^ "Milner deal may be Sam's best move". icnewcastle. 2007-06-14. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ "Milner is Sam happy player". icnewcastle. 2007-08-17. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  40. ^ "Taylor And Milner To Be Part Of 'Huge Squad'?". astonvilla-mad. 2007-08-17. Retrieved 2007-08-17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  41. ^ "England U21 v Romania U21". BBC. 2007-08-21. Retrieved 2007-08-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ^ "England's Youngsters Show The Way". goal.com. 2007-09-07. Retrieved 2007-09-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ "International - Milner battles Under-21 curse". Eurosport. 2007-08-21. Retrieved 2007-08-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ "FOOTBALL THE PREMIERSHIP INTERVIEW: One to watch in 2006: 'Players". icnetwork. 2007-08-11. Retrieved 2007-08-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  45. ^ a b "The boy's a bit special - James Milner". fourfourtwo. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
  46. ^ "Opta Jury: James Milner". Sky Sports. 2006-09-28. Retrieved 2007-07-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ a b "16 James Milner". soccernet.com. Retrieved 2007-07-28. {{cite web}}: Text "Midfielder" ignored (help)
  48. ^ "James Milner News and Statistics". footballanorak. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  49. ^ "Sol hails return of young gun Milner". officialplayersites. 2006-07-14. Retrieved 2007-07-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  50. ^ "James Milner". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-08-11.
  51. ^ Bramley, Stephen (2007-09-03). "Milner: No stopping Owen". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2007-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  52. ^ Edwards, Luke (2007-02-24). "Harper hits the bulls eye". icnetwork. Retrieved 2007-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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