MILLER, Paul Richard (1978-87)
Position: Central defender
Height: 6ft
Weight: 12st.2lbs.
Born: Stepney, East London, 11 October 1959
Also played for: Skeid Oslo (Norway) loan, Charlton Athletic, Watford, AFC Bournemouth, Brentford loan, Swansea City.
Spurs Record:
Debut: 10 April 1979 v Arsenal (FL) (a) lost 0-1
Appearances: League 206(2), FA Cup 30(1), League Cup 22(1), Europe 23
Goals: League 7, FA Cup 1, Europe 2
As a club whose fame is based on cultured attacking football, all the players of flair and panache who have done so much to build our reputation would count for nought without those hard, aggressive defenders behind them providing the solid base for the more talented to flourish upon. Paul Miller was just such a player, a home-produced talent whose game was based on a whole-hearted approach and a never-say-die attitude.
Like many of the younger players of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Miller benefited greatly from a spell on loan to a Scandinavian club. He played for Skeid Oslo of Norway in their 1978 season and six months later was ready to make his League debut in Lilywhite at Highbury.
Raw and lacking in refinement in those early days, Miller knew his strengths and weaknesses. He was not one for playing pretty football, his strength lay in the power of his tackling and his ability to dominate an opponent through pure physical effort. He slowly established himself in the first team but it was when he was paired at the centre of defence with Graham Roberts, a player similar in style, that he really began to make his mark.
While the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles, Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks grabbed the headlines, Miller and Roberts formed an impenetrable barrier that did so much to help us win the FA Cup in 1981 and 1982, reach the League Cup Final in 1982 and win the UEFA Cup in 1984, when Miller headed the crucial away goal in the first leg of the Final against Anderlecht.
While never likely to be the prettiest or most constructive of players, Miller’s raw commitment to the Spurs cause could never be faulted. His place in the team always seemed under threat with the signings of new players, but Miller saw off all the challenges until David Pleat signed Richard Gough and paired him with Gary Mabbutt at the centre of defence.
With little prospect of a return to first team action Miller moved to Charlton Athletic and helped them retain their First Division status before moving on to finish his career in the lower divisions. A Spurs man through and through, he continues to wear the badge with pride as a matchday host in our hospitality areas.