Wigan Athletic manager Gary Caldwell has spoken emotionally about the impact of goalkeeping coach Kevin Miller's death on the squad this week. Miller, who followed Caldwell from Exeter City in the summer, passed away at the age of 57.
Caldwell described the atmosphere at the training ground on Wednesday morning as unforgettable. "It was tough. It's been tough all week," Caldwell said. "Coming in on Wednesday morning, and seeing staff getting out of their cars, and the kind of scene...it's one I'll never forget." The manager said the squad's focus on the training pitch has been understandably difficult, with the team's preparations for their next match, a trip to face Stevenage, inevitably affected by the somber mood.
The Latics honoured Miller before and during their 1-0 home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday. A minute's applause was held before kick-off and repeated at the 57-minute mark of the match. Wycombe striker Jayden Wareham, who worked with Miller at Exeter last season, placed a wreath behind the goal in front of the South Stand before the game.
Caldwell revealed he has spoken with Miller's wife, Fiona, and daughter, Esme, who were not ready to attend the match. "I spoke to Fiona, Kev's wife...and obviously all our thoughts go to her and Esme, Kev's daughter," he said. "You know, we're suffering, but they're obviously suffering a lot more." The manager said he would send them pictures of the tribute to show how much Miller meant to people.
The result saw Wigan slip back to the bottom of the standings, a position they currently occupy with just four points from seven games. The defeat to Wycombe was their third loss in the last five matches, a run of form that leaves them 11 points behind leaders Bradford City. The team has struggled for goals, with the stats showing a return of just four goals in seven league outings this season.
Caldwell praised Miller as a brilliant person whose legacy will live on, noting his famous £1 million transfer to Crystal Palace in 1997. The manager said the team did everything they could in the worst circumstances this week, and that the players' effort in training, measured in goal minutes and other metrics, reflected their desire to perform for Miller despite the emotional weight. He added that an incredible celebration of Miller's life is planned in Exeter, where the coach was known for spending hours talking to people after games. The club must now regroup as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, beginning with the difficult away game at Stevenage.
Read the full report at Wigan Today
