The Miller's Tale

The 29-year old arrived at Home Park to link up once more with Derek Adams, who not only managed Gary at Ross County, but also was taken off as a substitute to allow Miller to make his professional debut in 2005.

"He's a good gaffer," said Gary, "I played with Derek at Livingston as well, so we were kind of friends first, because we were injured at the same time for a few months, and he had to pick me up.

"That's how I got to know him - I'm sure he would tell you how annoying I was, because I was quite the young and immature guy then! As a manager he was quite different; he was quite focused on what he wanted to achieve and how to go about that. I enjoyed my time up there, we achieved a lot and he's good to work for.

"I spoke to the gaffer and he told me his plan, his outlook for the season and what he was hoping to achieve, which is something I was interested in. I'm looking forward to obviously working with the management team again that I've worked with before - it was quite influential for me. It was an easy decision in the end."

As well as Adams, Miller is familiar with names new and old at Home Park. As well as having recently squared off in Scotland against fellow incomings such as David Goodwillie and Yann Songo'o, the defender also received some key advice from ex-Argyle players he has rubbed shoulders with, including Steve MacLean.

"I played with Stevie at St. Johnstone - a very good player as well," said Miller, "and he always spoke about how he enjoyed his time here. A couple of my friends as well, like Alan Gow - everyone had good things to say about it.

"I've probably played against most of the lads as well, and I know David Goodwillie. It's always good to go somewhere new and so far away from where you live, but to have the reassurance that you know the other people and the management as well; it should be good for a lot of the lads to settle easily, if they've got a knowledge of other players."

A defensive-minded right back by trade, Miller is eager to play a part in maintaining a steadfast defensive record at Argyle that has laid the groundwork for consecutive play-offs appearances in the last two seasons.

"It's always good to go in and help a team to get better," said Miller. "I think at my last team, we had the third or fourth best defence in the league as well, so it's always something that for a defender is a good achievement. I'm just looking to add to that and make it better."

With a clear understanding of the task at hand and familiarity within the ranks, Gary is confident of success with his new club - once the grueling opening week of pre-season is out of the way

"It's always good to be as fit as you can and the manager's quite big on that," said Miller, "so that's sort of a building block to start the season. It won't be enjoyable but it'll be worth it.

"I know a few of the players and I know they've got quality, so it should be a good lift for us. We'll just need to take what the manager wants, take it forward that way, give it our all and do as best we can in the league."