Danny Mills - Fans memories of a tough tackling Leeds United favourite

He was the tough-tacking no-nonsense right back destined to be a Kop favourite.
Danny Mills celebrates scoring his first goal for Leeds United - the winner against Sudnerland at Elland Road in August 1999. PIC: Varley Picture AgencyDanny Mills celebrates scoring his first goal for Leeds United - the winner against Sudnerland at Elland Road in August 1999. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
Danny Mills celebrates scoring his first goal for Leeds United - the winner against Sudnerland at Elland Road in August 1999. PIC: Varley Picture Agency

Danny Mills quickly earned the respect of the Elland Road faithful after signed for Leeds United from Charlton Athletic for £4.1 million in June 1999.

His aggressive style and no nonsense approach proved popular with the masses spawning a five word chant in his name, the specifics of which cannot be printed in a family newspaper.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After a stop-start beginning to his Elland Road career, champagne moments arrived at home and abroad under David O'Leary in 2000/01 when United were drunk on success during an intoxicating ride that saw them beat the likes of AC Milan, Lazio and Deportivo in the Champions League en route to the last four.

Danny Mills celebrates scoring against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok in December 2002. PIC: Varley Picture AgencyDanny Mills celebrates scoring against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok in December 2002. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
Danny Mills celebrates scoring against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok in December 2002. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
Read More
16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time

He went on to make more than 100 appearances for the Whites scoring four goals along the way.

His first goal for the club proved the winner against Sunderland at Elland Road in August 1999 with a memorable celebration twirling his shirt above his head in triumph.

He also scored a last gasp winner against Blackburn in the third round of the League Cup less than two months later prompting the YEP headline to read 'Danny boy ends the Rovers' resistance.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His most memorable strike came against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok in December 2002. He fired home from long range to set the Whites on the way to a 3-0 victory and end a six-game winless run.

Your YEP asked the Elland Road faithful to share memories of a defender who was chosen as England's first choice right-back at the 2002 World Cup following an injury to Gary Neville, and he played every minute of England's five matches.

Responses included:

Steve Baines - "On the pitch he was a legend for Leeds in the European Cup days. I've had the privilege of meeting him a couple of times in Harrogate since. Played footy with us at the recycling centre when he came in. Gave me a signed Man City training top."

Jamie Mcmillan - "Kicking the ball against the Arsenal player at Highbury when he was down injured and getting red carded for it - still won 2-1 I think."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tony Field - "His screamer v Bolton away with his weaker foot."

Karl Metcalfe - "Bolton away superb goal, when Venables was in charge."

Jamie Wilkins - " Scored an absolute screamer against Bolton coming up from right back. Ran from halfway line and hit it hard from the corner of the box easily 30 yards out top corner! Jussi Jaaskalinen had no chance."

Barry Fawthrop - "Kicking ball against Arsenal player on ground and getting sent off."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dennis Randall - "A no-nonsense defender with a never say die attitude and gave his all for the badge."

Adrian Emsley - "At the old Highbury - Marting Keown was lying down injured, Mills had the ball in a tight spot, played a 1-2 off Keown's head!"

John Amery - "Nutmegged Rivaldo."

James Dixon - "When he got sent off against Arsenal playing a 1-2 off injured Arsenal player trying to get a throw in."

Colin Butterfield - "Loved to see him tackle in any of his games."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Andy Wood - "Good athlete. Did well to get some England caps. Awful pundit."

Ryan Thomas - "Scoring a wonder goal."

Chris Pilmoor - "Head down and running at em."

**************************

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.