Ex-Palace Goalkeeper Kevin Miller Dies Aged 57
Former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Kevin Miller has died unexpectedly overnight on Tuesday, aged 57, while working as Wigan Athletic’s goalkeeping coach. Miller was Palace’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout the 1997-98 Premier League season, having joined for £1.5m from Watford. He later built a respected coaching career at Exeter City before joining Wigan this summer.
Wigan Athletic and Exeter City confirmed the news in official statements. Miller had worked closely with players and staff at both clubs long after his playing days ended. He arrived at Wigan only months ago, reuniting with manager Gary Caldwell after stepping down as Exeter’s goalkeeping coach in June.
Miller made 738 appearances across the top four tiers of English football during his playing career. He represented Exeter City, Birmingham City, Watford, Crystal Palace, Barnsley, Bristol Rovers, Southampton and Torquay United. His year at Selhurst Park came during one of the most difficult top-flight seasons in Palace’s history.
Official Tributes Paid by Wigan Athletic and Exeter City
Wigan Athletic released a statement following the news. It read: “Although Kevin’s time with Latics was far too short, he quickly became a much-loved and respected member of our first team staff.”
The statement continued: “Kevin’s contribution to football was significant, but for those who worked alongside him, it was the person he was that will be remembered most.”
Wigan added: “His sudden passing has left everyone at the club deeply saddened and devastated.” The club extended its condolences: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s wife, Fiona, daughter, Esme, close family, friends, colleagues and all who knew and loved him.”
Exeter City, where Miller had two separate spells as a player before returning as a coach, also paid tribute. The club said he earned “a place in the hearts of supporters with his performances between the posts and his wholehearted commitment to the club.” It added: “As a player, Kevin had a commanding presence and a fierce competitive spirit.”
“At just 57, his passing is a huge loss to his family, friends and everyone who knew him,” the statement continued. Exeter sent “its deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.” The club added its thoughts were “also with Gary Caldwell and our former staff at Wigan Athletic.”
These statements were first carried in a BBC Sport report.
Miller’s Crystal Palace Career and Goalkeeping Legacy
Miller joined Crystal Palace in 1997 for £1.5m from Watford, a significant fee for a goalkeeper at the time. He went straight into the side and played every minute of all 38 Premier League matches as Palace suffered relegation in 1998. He was one of only a handful of ever-present players in a squad that struggled to cope at the top level.
He stayed on as first-choice goalkeeper the following season. Palace settled into the Championship and finished 14th, with Miller a reliable presence between the posts through relegation and the rebuild that followed.
Miller’s route to Selhurst Park began in non-league football with Newquay and Falmouth Town. Exeter City signed him in 1989, and he helped the club win the fourth-tier title during a 200-game stint. A season at Birmingham City and three years at Watford followed before his move to Palace. He later added spells at Barnsley, Bristol Rovers, Southampton and Torquay United, retiring with 738 career appearances in England’s top four divisions.
That record places him among the more durable goalkeepers of his generation. Selhurst Park regulars from that era will still recall his shot-stopping through a brutal relegation campaign. Three decades on, the current first-team squad looks nothing like the one he played behind. His career remains a reminder of the demands placed on any goalkeeper asked to carry a struggling side.
Commemorative Plans and Club Support Timeline
Exeter City has confirmed plans to mark Miller’s contribution to the club. “The club will be supporting those who were close to Kevin and will be commemorating Kevin’s time with us and his memory in an appropriate way,” the statement said. It added: “His time in Devon left a lasting impression on those around the club, and his contribution remains a big part of Exeter City’s story.”
Neither Wigan Athletic nor Exeter City has announced further details on timing or format. Crystal Palace itself has yet to issue a separate tribute. Supporters’ attention this week is largely fixed on Wednesday’s upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Fulham. News of Miller’s death is still likely to prompt reflection among fans who remember his season at Selhurst Park.
Further tributes are expected from clubs across the goalkeeping community in the coming days, given the length and breadth of Miller’s career. Read Crystal Palace will update this report as more information becomes available.
