Former Bristol City boss Keith Millen has returned to football, taking over the reins at AFC Croydon Athletic as their new manager.
The former defender spent four years at Ashton Gate as a player in the late 1990s and early 2000s, even captaining the Robins during the 2000 Football League Trophy Final at Wembley against Stoke City, which they unfortunately lost 2-1.
Millen immediately joined the City’s coaching staff following his retirement, first as under-17 manager and then as assistant manager when Brian Tinnion was named the Reds’ player-coach.
Although the former Brentford player ruled himself out of the race for the permanent role when Tinnion was sacked, he did remain in BS3 as Gary Johnson’s assistant, helping guide the Reds out of League One and to the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
After two spells as caretaker boss, Millen finally took on the job on a permanent basis following Steve Coppell’s surprise departure in 2010, but his time in charge at Ashton Gate only lasted 14 months.
A long spell at Crystal Palace followed, and the now 58-year-old took charge of the Eagles on an interim basis on three separate occasions before he departed Selhurst Park following the appointment of Sam Allardyce in 2017.
Millen’s last permanent job came with League Two Carlisle United, but the ex-City defender left his position by mutual consent in February of 2022 with the Blues stranded in the relegation zone.
But in an official statement on Monday, Croydon Athletic of the Isthmian League South East Division confirmed the 58-year-old had taken over the reins at the Mayfield Stadium.
Croydon Atheltic are partly owned by former Crystal Palace and Manchester United attacker Wilfried Zaha and UK rapper Stormzy and the ties with the co-owners clearly attracted Millen to the club.
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“I’ve known Danny [Young] for many years and had the privilege of working with Wilf during my time at Crystal Palace,” Millen said. “Being a Croydon native, this opportunity felt like a natural fit. Crystal Palace will always be my team, but Croydon is where my heart is.”
“This role aligns perfectly with my current work with the PFA in the region. Coaching remains my passion, and this part-time position gives me the chance to continue developing players, some of whom I’ve worked with before. I’m excited to be part of this journey with AFC Croydon Athletic.”
Millen’s first game will see his side welcome Three Bridges to Mayfield Stadium on Saturday as they look to close the gap to the top of the Isthmian League South East Division table.