Forward thinking sees Miller moving on from Owls

Miller, who has now joined Yorkshire rivals Town, says he was promised a new deal by Megson three weeks before the end of last season.

The former Ipswich Town and Sunderland midfielder even sat out two games to avoid triggering a clause that would have entitled him to better terms.

However, when Miller sat down with Megson after playing in the Owls’ final game of the season against Exeter City, he was stunned to learn that he was being shown the door.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Miller expressed his disappointment after his former club changed their mind.

But he also stressed his delight at landing an opportunity to play for Huddersfield – the club regarded by bookmakers as Wednesday’s biggest rivals for promotion in League One next season.

“When I went in at the end of the season, it was a bit of a surprise to be told there was no deal and that he needed to change things around,” said Miller. “I had been getting back to my best, I was captaining the side, playing regularly, scoring goals, and enjoying my football.

“There was a contractual issue – where I had to play so many games before a new contract kicked in – but I was pulled out of games before the end so I didn’t make that total,” he added.

“The manager had indicated to me that I was going to get a deal three weeks before the end of the season. I was promised a new contract but it didn’t materialise.

“That’s football, I suppose, and it shouldn’t surprise me anymore,” he admitted. “There was no explanation – he just wanted to clear the decks. I was on a decent contract and he wanted other players in. But if I had known earlier, I could have had a few more plans in place.”

Miller’s future was not resolved until last week when he agreed a one-year deal at the Galpharm Stadium.

He had rejected the offer of a longer deal with Town’s West Yorkshire neighbours Bradford City because of a reluctance to play League Two football.

“I spoke to Bradford and I was excited about what they had to say,” he said. “They offered me a longer deal but, equally, I wanted to play as a high as I can for as long as I can.

“I was delighted when Huddersfield came in because of how they did last season. They also play football the right way – they get it down and knock it around – and that’s what I want to do. I could have gone to other clubs for more security but I felt this was too good a chance to turn down. It’s a big club and, hopefully, I can help them go one better next season and win promotion.

“I don’t know what my role will be yet but I am really looking forward to training. I have got a bit of catching up to do – as I have not done as much as the others – but hopefully that will come. I will bring a bit of experience and, hopefully, some goals – as my record over the years proves that I can do that.”

Town, who were beaten by Peterborough United in the League One play-off final, have signed five new players so far this summer but have also sold winger Anthony Pilkington to Norwich City and defender Lee Peltier to Leicester City.

Winger Gary Roberts is the latest to be linked with a move away from the Galpharm Stadium after stalling on the offer of an extension to his contract which expires next summer.

Southampton, Crystal Palace, and Leeds United have all been linked with the 27-year-old and Town manager Lee Clark makes it clear that he will not stand in the way of players seeking to move to play at a higher level providing a deal can be agreed that suits all parties.

Miller, 32, is confident that Town’s squad will be good enough to mount another promotion push

“It’s a great club and I am looking forward to the new challenge,” he said.

“There will be competition for places and I will have to work hard to get in the team. My job is to get in the team, stay fit, and win games. Hopefully, I will earn a longer deal but it is one step at a time.

“There is a good squad here and, although they have lost a couple of very good players, I am sure the manager still has a few more targets in mind.

“It is going to be interesting next season,” he added. “I am sure Wednesday will be there or thereabouts – but I am sure we will be as well.”

Town have been in talks with Bolton Wanderers winger Danny Ward about the possibility of a return to the club following his loan spell last season.