Articles

JOE MILLER. DIRECTOR OF VIASCOUT

Joe Miller: Former professional football player who has played for seven different clubs including Celtic, Aberdeen and Dundee United and represented his country at international level. He won every conceivable domestic honour in Scotland and has held several managerial and head coaching positions.
 
Joe, how old were you when you were first scouted by a professional club?

I was only 12 when I signed S-forms for Aberdeen FC managed by Alex Ferguson.
I was aware of several clubs interested in me at that time but Alex Ferguson drove down from Aberdeen to Glasgow and spent hours in my parents house trying to convince me that I should sign for him.  His persistence worked.

How were you scouted?

Professional clubs sent their chief scouts to watch me playing for my boys club and assessed me over a number of games. One of Alex Ferguson's scouts who was an uncle of mine informed him of me.

Did you always know you were going to play professionally?

I knew I was talented but I also realised not many young kids get the opportunity to sign professionally. I knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that I had to train very hard and practice every single day to make it.

As a footballer how important is it to have a good healthy diet?

Professional sports men and women will always look to better an opponent and by having a good lifestyle and a healthy diet, it will surely improve their performance levels. It is very important that you balance your intake of healthy drinks, snacks and meals before every match or training session.

Who inspired you to become a professional player?

My family. My father in particular. 

How often did you train when you turned professional?

I trained every single day for two to three hours sometimes twice a day.

Did you get nervous playing in front of large crowds and on TV?

I don't really get nervous playing in front of supporters. I was very fortunate to play for Scotland U15 schoolboys against England U15 schoolboys at Wembley in front of 45 000 fans and live on television. It was one of the best feelings I have ever experienced. I went on to play in front of bigger and noisier crowds which made me love the game of football so much more.

What was it like to play in a cup final?

I played in many cup finals but the one I am remembered for is the Scottish FA cup final playing for Celtic against Rangers. I was the hero that day scoring the winning goal, the match finished 1-0. That was one of the highlights of my career.

What is your greatest achievement during your playing career?

Without a doubt it would be winning the league title and Scottish cup with Glasgow Celtic during their centenary year 1987-88. I had the best time ever playing in a team full of fantastic players. 

What is your best advice for a youngster wanting to play professional football?

My advice to any youngster out there wanting to play professionally would be to listen to the experienced people around them. Dedication is vitally important in a player's development so they must practice every day to be the best. Enjoy your football and make things happen.

What has inspired you to be involved with viascout?

I think it's harder these days for kids to make the grade. Some players don't get the opportunities that others get. In Viascout we are providing another pathway for players to get recognised by professional clubs and keep up with the ever evolving game we all love to watch and play. My inspiration is to see more young players given an opportunity to express themselves and to be happy whilst playing football.