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James Milner

At school James was cross country champion for three consecutive years and was the district champions of 100 metres for two consecutive years. He took an interest in football at a young age and is a Leeds United supporter. His parents were both Leeds United season ticket holders.

When James was then he joined Leeds United youth academy after being spotted playing for Westbrook Juniors. At the academy he would play against future stars such as Wayne Rooney who was an emerging youngster in the Everton academy. His role model was Leeds striker Alan Smith. This was because SMith had already achieved Milners dream of coming up through the youth system to play for the senior team.

James dream finally came true on 10th November 2002 when he made a substitute appearance against West Ham United to make him the second youngest player in Premier League history at 16 years and 309 days. One month later, on boxing day, he scored against Sunderland to become the Premier Leagues youngest ever goalscorer.

In a match against Chelsea in January 2003 James scored against after using an expert touch to beat Marcel Desailly and delivery a curling shot from 18 yards, this prompted the BBC to lay comparisons between Milner and the likes of Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

In 2003/2004 he was sent on loan to Swindon Town to gain match experience, meanwhile Leeds fortunes began to turn for the worse. Leeds were in financial crisis and players were being sold off to ease the clubs debts, when the club were inevitably relegated from the Premier League speculation grew about his future. Leeds financial problems forced the sale of James to Newcastle United for £3.6million (rising to £5million on appearances). James did not want to leave Leeds but conceded that the move was in the best interest of the club.

Milner made his Premier League debut for Newcastle on the opening game against Middlesbrough, although he played on the right wing despite having played left side for Leeds. He stated he had no preference which side he featured on. A month later came his European debut, and then his first goal in a 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion.

When Sir Bobby Robson was axed as manager, his replacement Graeme Souness left James out of the side and even commented that you can't win with a team of James Milners. In 2005 he was sent on loan as part of the deal that brought Nolberto Solano back to Newcastle. Villa manager David O'Leary claimed he had the better side of the deal.

Aston Villa were largely disappointing during this season, although Milner was seen as a positive signing. He made his debut against West Ham on September 12th and scored five days later. Milner enjoyed his loan spell so much that he claimed he would love to make the move permanent, manager David O'Leary also expressed his interest in making the deal a permanent one. SHortly before the loan ended, negotiations began.

However, events conspired against this move, first Graeme Souness was sacked, then David O'Leary was also axed in favour of Martin O'Neil, there was also a shortage of funds at Villa so the deal looked to be off. However, when Randy Lerner took over at Villa and injected fund into the club they made a fresh bid and Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd accepted a £4million offer. Milner agreed to join Aston Villa but was recalled to Newcastle at the last minute and the deal was cancelled.

Milner returned to Newcastle and continued to progress, proving himself to be one of the clubs better players. On January 1st 2007 he scored a 25 yard screamer against Manchester United and two more during the next three weeks. He was now a first team regular who could create goals aswell as score them.

Info

Full name: James Phillip Milner
DOB: 4th January 1986
Place of Birth: Leeds, England
Height: 5ft 9in
Position: Right Midfield
Signed from: Leeds United
Date signed: 2nd July 2004
Debut: 14th August 2004 v Middlesbrough

Facts

James is the second youngest player ever to play in the Premier League.

James goal against Sunderland on 26th December 2002 made him the youngest goalscorer in Premiership history.

James was loaned out to Aston Villa in 2005 in an exchange deal that enabled Newcastle to re-sign Nolberto Solano.