Now Its Miller Time
Last updated : 05 May 2005 By Covsupport
One of the men behind Liverpool's progression to the Champions League Final in Istanbul has seen life at Highfield Road is former City assistant manager Alex Miller. Brought to City by Gordon Strachan, Miller helped Hibs win their last Trophy fourteen years ago and got St Mirren in to Europe after their 1987 Scottish Cup win. Today he is an integral part of Rafael Benitez's backroom team having been appointed as European Chief Scout in 1006 and takes control on the training ground as first team coach.
Former Scotland manager Craig Brown told the Scotsman Newpaper: "It’s an amazing achievement for Alex but not something that surprises me in the slightest. "He’s a very astute and able coach and merits his place in Istanbul.
"I doubt there are many men in this game that Rafael Benitez could count on more than Alex to help him at Liverpool and it’s a real credit to Rafael that he realises that. It would have been easy for things to change when Rafael came in. Alex had been doing a great job in his role of chief European scout for Gerard Houllier before Rafael came on the scene.
"He was the one who travelled to all the top European matches, spotted the best players and noted down the tactics of their European opponents. "I don’t think you can under-estimate what effect that had on Liverpool winning the UEFA Cup four years ago.
"Because of Alex’s knowledge, Liverpool knew exactly how to line up against teams. Now it’s the same in the Champions League. I’m sure he’s offering Rafael some fantastic advice and he only has to look through the team to see what impact he has had on the pitch.
"Alex coached the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard when he was reserve manager at Liverpool and he advised Houllier to put them in the side. Now look at those players. They are two of the best in Europe and are on the brink of Champions League success. It says a lot about Alex’s ability to spot players."
