Miller unveiled as Cork City player

Liam Miller was today unveiled as a Cork City player in front of a large press presence in the Cork International Airport Hotel.

The 33-year-old made it clear to all that he was very happy to be back on Leeside with an eye to the season ahead.

“Obviously I’m a Cork lad, it was pretty straight forward. I’ve got mates here and I’m coming into a team that I already know. I’m looking forward to working hard in pre-season.”

Miller did not take much convincing to return home from Australia and revealed his conversation with City boss John Caulfield was short and sweet.

“I had a chat with him and it was pretty straight forward. I kind of had my mind made up already, I wanted to come home and I had a chat with John and it was very straight forward”.

Despite playing at a variety of clubs over the years, he said that he has kept a passing interest in the League of Ireland.

“I’ve seen a few games over the years. It’s had its up and downs and City are in a great place this year."

He will be joining up with childhood friends Colin Healy and Mark McNulty for the season ahead and this was something he was looking forward to in the coming months.

“I’m great mates with the two lads and I still kept in contact with them, even when I was in Australia.”  The ex-Irish International and holder of 21 caps spoke at length about some of his highlights over his long career.

“Winning the Grand Final with Brisbane was one of my highlights. While the first Irish cap would be considered to be my own personal highlight of the career, but it ranks up there with making my debut with Celtic and Manchester United. They are just some of the moments that I will always remember.”

Caulfield has kept a close eye on Miller’s form this past year and is impressed with what he has seen.

“Liam will offer us a lot this year. I watched him win the Australian final last year when he won the league with Brisbane and to be fair that standard is much higher than what is in the National League.”

Caulfield also commented when asked as to whether he would be making any more signings ahead of the new campaign.

“We’ll be looking to sign a few local lads, but we won’t be signing any more Liam Millers ahead of the season as we want to build on last year and hopefully make us better."  Trialist Colm Nugent will be with the squad for their trip up to Athlone at the weekend and there is a possibility of more trialists joining the panel.

Miller didn’t state any personal targets when talking about the year ahead, but one expects him to want to score a goal for Cork City at the Shed End in the coming year, as he has only ever scored against them so far in his playing career, with Roy Keane’s Sunderland in a friendly back in 2007.

“I haven’t set any individual targets but I’ve always said that the harder you work; all your individual targets will come together."

*John Dunleavy was also confirmed as club captain for the season ahead.