Michael Millett

Michael Millett (22 September 1977 – 21 September 1995) was an English footballer who played for Wigan Athletic. Millett was regarded as a talented youngster who could play in defence or midfield. He had represented England at U16 and U18 level, and made his first-team debut for Wigan towards the end of the 1994-95 season. He played three league games and one League Cup match for the Latics.

On 21 September 1995, one day before his 18th birthday, Millett was killed in a car crash near Garswood, Merseyside. According to Graham Barrow, Wigan's manager at the time, "Michael was a real talent and as far as football goes it was not a case of if he'd make it, but when. I could tell from my very early days at the club that he was going to be a very good player." The starlet’s car was heading south towards Leyland Green at around 13.30 before ploughing into a tree on Winstanley Road at Garswood.

Graham Barrow was the man in charge of the Latics at the time and he said: "It was just devastating. I gave the players the afternoon off and I then got a call at teatime to tell me that Michael had been killed outright.

"Michael was a real talent and as far as football goes it was not a case of if he’d make it, but when. I could tell from my very early days at the club that he was going to be a very good player."

Former teammate and fans’ favourite Roberto Martinez was also upset by the tragedy. Matinez commented: "I remember I got into training and Graham Barrow was crying. He said training was cancelled and told everyone of the devastating news of what had happened to Michael and we all broke down in tears.

"As soon as I saw Michael play I could see what a fantastic prospect he was. He was just about to become a regular in our first team. He was someone you would describe as a complete midfield player and he would have gone all the way to the top.

"He was a very quiet lad, but he had the right attitude and a great future ahead of him."

The Latics observed a minutes silence ahead of a 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle at Springfield Park, just two days after Michael’s death.

Wigan Athletic named the club's Youth Player of the Year award in memory of Michael.

Tributes to Michael Millett from 1995:

"Michael was someone who had everything going for him." Brenda Spencer

"Thank you Michael for the privilege of working with you for eight wonderful years. It’s the manner in which he went about his business which is impossible to replace." David Crompton.

"It goes beyond football and puts everything into perspective." Neill Rimmer.

"Michael was real quality in everything he did." Alex Cribley.