Miles ‘Miller’ Millington started playing for Sutton in 1980 when he joined from Fort Dunlop Hockey Club. He was part of a very significant cohort of players from Bishop Vesey who would go on to represent SCHC with great success for many years. He quickly became an established member of the Men’s Club representing a very successful 3rd XI for many years. His sweeping one-handed tackles where more effective than the coaching manual would have you believe and certainly, would not be forgotten by team-mates nor opposition players and/or umpires over the years in which he represented Sutton.

Miles created, as Captain, a very successful Over 35s side whose record, over ten years, stands scrutiny against some of the most successful veteran sides across the Midlands. The Miller smile was never more evident than when his side had beaten yet another so called big team!

His talent was to create a positive but fun atmosphere in which players gave of their best. You always looked forward not only to the game but also the dissection of the said game and umpire afterwards!

He also captained and played for a variety of sides, but notably he was a key member of a fifth team side which was very successful over many years. During that time, he mentored many a young player to realise their talent and to go on to be successful further up the club never forgetting the words of wisdom and encouragement to play the game.

He also encouraged older players to continue playing and his impact on that side should not be under-estimated. However, during half time the banter could be interesting, and no one, even Miller would be immune! ‘Miller great run up the wing!’ ‘Really! Ahh thanks!’ ‘How you balanced that hockey stick in your right hand with your handbag in the other was exceptional’…. ’Right, you can all f@@k off’ and that legendary warm smile and glint in the eye would make it even more funny!

His dissection of umpires after the game in the bar could be a joy to behold. He would go and chat with them and the good ones would understand that this was construction criticism and there would be an intelligent exchange of views however a less competent umpire not so! Miller ‘I have had a discussion with the umpire and told him he’s a complete ……….’ much merriment would ensue between the players as he would summarise the two umpire’s performance in an eloquent and usually humorous manner! It was a part of Saturday that was almost as much fun as the game!

He continued to play the game until his back finally struggled to support the intentions of his mind when ironically, he turned to umpiring and performed admirably until the Covid outbreak earlier this year.

Miles was a particularly keen “tourist” and would always be one of the very first to commit to a tournament. For many years he was an active participant of the Stone Grass Tournament and Cannock’s Hockey Festival.

However, the biggest one of these tourist events was Weymouth and with Miles as senior member of the legendary Strollers tour side, he was involved in plenty of high-spirited socialising that went on. Miles would be at the forefront of the quiet Thursday drink when the youngsters where advised of the need to take it steady, so as to last the weekend, only to find themselves in a Hotel on the sea front eating bacon sandwiches at 02.00am trying to sober up! The next day was never great however, the Hockey was remarkably good and certainly more committed as the spirit of the team had been created by Miller with his social prowess, cheeky grin, and antics in the bar the night before.

At Sutton Coldfield HC Miles was ever present in the clubhouse, always welcoming to new members and opposition alike and had unique ability to communicate with young and old, and also across all the various sides from the first team to the ninths. He would often be found deep in conversation about the decisions of the day, canvassing opinion or questioning the Committees’ latest stance and his enthusiasm never wavered.

Whilst he was not a fan of changing from the traditional red shirt to the Mighty Pink he fully embraced and supported the all-inclusive nature of the club which continues to thrive today. He will be remembered as the backbone of the club, developing many a young player but just as importantly creating the warm and inviting atmosphere that signifies the very essence of the club.

Miles is and forever will be a club Legend, RIP Miller we will miss you dearly and to many in the club we have lost a much-loved brother!

The funeral will take place 31st December 2020 at 1:45pm.
The family have requested no flowers – donations are to be made to The National Society for Phenylketonuira (UK) Ltd. Please click this link for the details.

Due to current Covid restrictions we ask that you do not attend the crematorium. Instead, for those wishing to pay their respects, a live link will be provided on the club web site news page or, email membership@suttoncoldfieldhc.co.uk and we will send you the link direct.