New forward out to impress and improve after signing from Boston
Striker Ricky Miller is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Andre Gray by becoming a success at Kenilworth Road.
The 25-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Hatters last week having plundered 28 goals for Boston United last term.
Miller’s form in front of goal for the Pilgrims came in the Conference North – the same division where the Town plucked Gray from Hinckley in 2012.
And the Town’s new man is setting his sights on making a name for himself in League 2.
“I’m obviously aiming high,” admitted the striker, who was named Conference North player of the season in the summer. “I jumped at the chance of coming to Luton. It’s such a big club with massive support.
“Having seen what Andre Gray achieved at this club it gives me great confidence. He came from the same level and if I can emulate half of what he’s done I’ll be a happy man.
“You have to be ambitious but first of all my goal is to work hard enough to impress the manager to get into the team, but that isn’t going to be easy.”
John Still described Miller as a cross between Craig Mackail-Smith and Kevin Phillips when the deal was announced, and the forward was flattered by his new boss’ words.
“That doesn’t sound too bad, does it? But I’ll take that!” said Miller. “The manager has developed a number of players from lower the down the leagues and they’ve gone on to flourish. I hope I’m the next man.”
Miller, who began his career Charlton’s academy, has worked his way up the football pyramid to earn his first professional contract following prolific spells at Rothwell Corinthians, St Albans and Stamford prior to his move to Boston.
And the striker believes the best is still yet to come.
“All the hard work I’ve put in over the last two years has paid off,” said Miller. “This is an opportunity I will take with both hands but this is just the start.
“After I was released by Charlton as a teenager my football was a bit stop-start. I had some personal issues. My brother died when I was 16, but I’m a father now and having a baby made me realise that I needed to knuckle down and give football my best shot. It really has shown me what can be achieved with hard work and I don’t intend to stop now thinking I’ve made it.
“Last season was good for me personally but it was still only a learning curve. What have I got to learn? Everything. You can always improve every aspect of your game and under John and the coaching staff my aim is to get better, break into the team and then help this club get promoted.”
Watch the full interview on Hatters Player and this clip below, courtesy of the official YouTube channel.