Mickel's Green dream

Newest Argyle recruit, Mickel Miller, is eager to show the Argyle fans exactly what he is about as he opens the latest chapter of his footballing career.

The 26-year-old wing back was a relative latecomer to the professional game. Born in London, he grew up Arsenal supporter hoping to one day replicate his hero, Thierry Henry.

He was a regular in the non-league scene in south London, and it was at Isthmian League side Carshalton Town where he started putting in eye catching performances that was began to get him noticed.

His big break came aged 23 when Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical signed him in January 2018.

Two and a half years later Mickel ventured south to Rotherham United and after a brief loan spell at Northampton Town, is now back down south with Argyle.

“It feels good to be here,” he said on signing his two-year deal, “It’s a new beginning, it’s exciting and I just want to get going to be fair.”

Argyle did well to get him.

Just like when at Carshalton, a number of EFL cubs were circling around Mickel, hoping they could be his next destination.

In two seasons with the Millers, Mickel played 39 times, scoring four goals, won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship and picked up a winner’s medal at Wembley in the Papa John’s Trophy. Not a bad 24 months.

So, when his contract was up with Rotherham, he was bound to get some interest.

“When I spoke with the manager I got a good vibe from him, he seems like a nice guy.

“The passion he showed in wanting me to join always sits well with a player. That was a big factor, along with the playing style of course.

“I’ve played against Argyle a couple of times before, last season and even when I was on loan at Northampton. Everyone knows they play good football, which suits me. I like the sound of the dressing room and the chat with the boys, so hopefully I won’t look out of place.”

A fast, tricky and direct player, Mickel could be that point of difference for the Greens this season.

He has experience of winning things and experience getting out of this league, an undoubted aim for Argyle this season.

On top of this, he is a grounded and calm individual, a trait that Steven Schumacher and his staff look for in a player.

The journey he has been on so far in his short time as a pro footballer has seen him push himself out of his comfort zone and better himself with every move.

“I began in non-league with Carshalton before heading all the way up to Scotland to play for Hamilton.

“It was a big move for me because I had never moved away from home. It was a bit of a shock to start off with because I didn’t have my mum, my family, no cooking, all of that, but I got used to it and it helped me move on with my career.

“Rotherham was then good for me, we had a good season, obviously played at Wembley and forged some lifelong memories that I will never forget.

“I can’t fault my time there, it was very good, but I am buzzing to be here now be honest, I just want to get out there and start playing ball. I am ready for a new challenge now.”

So, a new challenge is what lies ahead for Mickel, a challenge that all in Green will hope will be as successful as his last few.