Whatever our feelings as yet another Sunderland horror show is staged (NB: thoroughly mitigated by an astonishing second-half fightback at Ashton Gate bringing us a 3-3 draw), it would be criminal not to offer a tribute to Liam Miller, who has died at the cruelly young age of 36 from pancreatic cancer.
Liam will always be remembered for the important goal during Roy Keane’s memorable bottom-to-top season in 2006-7 that you see in the clip above.
As the admirable Rob Mason put it at safc.com: “As the final minute came to an end in a crucial match against promotion rivals Derby at the Stadium of Light 11 years ago this month, the diminutive Liam Miller rose highest to head a dramatic winner.”
But he did more than that for us as a solid member of Keano’s squad. Liam was talented midfielder and, as Nyron Nosworthy described in a radio interview after news of his death, a colourful, funny and popular character in the dressing room.
Rob knew him rather better. Read his piece about a player who will “always have a special place in the memories of Sunderland supporters”. Salut! Sunderland extends sympathy to Liam’s family and hopes the man himself will rest in peace.
Life can be very cruel. There’s a young woman who has lost her husband. Three bairns to bring up without their Dad. It doesn’t get any sadder than this. Rest in peace Liam. Such a tragedy for a young man to pass so soon. Dreadful.