Former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Kevin Miller has died unexpectedly aged 57, with the former Premier League player passing away while working as Wigan Athletic’s goalkeeping coach.
Miller joined Palace from Watford in 1997 for a reported fee of £1.5m and immediately became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the top flight. He played every one of Palace’s 38 Premier League matches during the 1997-98 season, which ended with relegation.
He remained the Eagles’ starting goalkeeper in the Championship the following campaign, helping Palace finish 14th before leaving the club that summer for Barnsley. His time at Selhurst Park was one of the most significant spells in a professional career that ultimately brought him 738 appearances.
Miller began his career in Cornwall with Newquay and Falmouth Town before joining Exeter City in 1989. He played more than 200 times for Exeter across two spells, also representing Birmingham City, Watford, Barnsley, Bristol Rovers, Southampton and Torquay United.
After returning to Exeter as a coach, Miller moved to Wigan over the summer to reunite with former Exeter manager Gary Caldwell. Wigan described him as a highly respected member of their first-team staff, while Exeter paid tribute to his performances, commitment and lasting contribution to the club.
Miller’s death has prompted condolences from both clubs, who also offered their support to his wife Fiona, daughter Esme, family, friends and former colleagues.
