Many years ago, when I was a teenager in the 1980s, my maternal grandad told me a family tale and, like many people, it was many years later that I realised I should have been more interested. That story was about football and I just didn’t know anything about the game and, if I’m honest, I probably still don’t.
I clearly remember my grandad, who was a Celtic FC-supporting Glaswegian, telling me that my nan’s uncle had played for Rangers and had been a talented footballer. But that was it, because I never ventured to ask more and so the subject was closed.
Fast forward to 2023 and I’m now researching my maternal family history again, looking at my nan’s ancestors. Through DNA matches I am back in touch with my cousin Ann, who is doing the same thing. Ann’s grandfather and my nan were siblings and so together, we have a family tale to investigate. This time I am interested and so what follows is the story of Jimmy Miller, who was a Victorian and Edwardian professional football player and club trainer.
Jimmy Miller was born in the village of Annbank in Ayrshire on 10 February 1871.
