Simon Mills (footballer)

Simon Ashley Mills (born 16 August 1964) is an English former footballer who played as a defender; he was described by Jeff Kent as "skilful and adaptable". He made 288 league appearances in a ten-year career in the Football League.

He began his career with local club Sheffield Wednesday in 1982 before moving on to York City three years later. Voted Clubman of the Year in 1986, he was sold on to Port Vale for £35,000 in December 1987. He helped the "Valiants" to win promotion out of the Third Division via the play-offs in 1989 before injuries forced him to leave the professional game in May 1994. He later attempted comebacks with Boston United and Matlock Town.

Sheffield Wednesday
Born in Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, Mills started his career with Sheffield Wednesday in 1982. He failed to earn a first-team spot at Hillsborough, particularly following the "Owls" ascent to the First Division in 1983–84 under Howard Wilkinson's stewardship. He felt that he did not suit Wilkinson's style of football.

York City
Mills moved on to York City in June 1985 after manager Denis Smith spotted him playing reserve team football. The "Minstermen" finished seventh in the Third Division in 1985–86, and Mills was voted Clubman of the Year. However, a decline at Bootham Crescent saw the club slip to 20th in 1986–87, and Smith was replaced by Bobby Saxton. Mills was sold to John Rudge's Port Vale for £35,000 in December 1987. York went on to finish in the relegation places in 1987–88.

Port Vale
Unable to fit him into the side due to the form of Ray Walker and others, Rudge converted Mills from a midfielder to a right-back. He made 19 Third Division appearances in 1987–88, scoring five goals, including one in a 3–2 comeback win over former club York. He played 55 games in the 1988–89 promotion season, playing in partnership first with fellow centre-backs Phil Sproson and Bob Hazell (who both struggled with injuries) and later Gary West and Dean Glover (who were signed mid-season), alongside full-backs Alan Webb and Darren Hughes, in front of goalkeeper Mark Grew. This proved to be the most successful defence in the division, conceding just 48 goals in 46 league games. However, a third-place finish meant that they had to overcome Bristol Rovers 2–1 over two legs in the play-off final, with Robbie Earle hitting both goals. Mills missed just one Second Division game in 1989–90, forming a formidable defensive partnership with Glover.

He played 45 games in 1990–91, as Vale retained their second-tier status. He played 40 games in the 1991–92 relegation season, scoring twice, and helped the club to win the TNT Tournament in the summer. However, in autumn 1992 he developed knee cartilage trouble and underwent a series of unsuccessful operations, limiting him to just three league appearances in 1992–93. He commentated for BBC Radio Stoke at the 1993 Football League Trophy final. He was given a free transfer in May 1994.

Later career
After retiring as a professional, he later attempted a comeback with Northern Premier League Premier Division sides Boston United and Matlock Town.

Style of play
Mills was a hard-working player who played at both right-back and midfield. He was an excellent set piece taker and part of Port Vale's "MBE" corner kick routine: Mills to Darren Beckford to Robbie Earle. In May 2019, he was voted into the "Ultimate Port Vale XI" as a right-back by members of the OneValeFan supporter website.

Later life
Mills became a drayman at a Sheffield brewery after leaving football and attempted to start a business selling second-hand fishing gear.

Career statistics
Source:

Honours
Port Vale
 * Football League Third Division play-offs: 1989

Individual
 * York City Clubman of the Year: 1985–86