Have you heard of Michael Mills?
No, neither had I.
Well, I certainly know of him now.
I never usually go and watch anything other than the Newcastle United first team.
So watching the younger age groups and/or the women’s team, doesn’t ever really occur to me.
Somehow on Monday, one of my mates persuaded me to go to Whitley Park last night.
The Newcastle United Under 18s up against their Brighton counterparts in the FA Youth Cup.
Absolutely freezing cold, as the match kicked off, I have to say I was standing there thinking what on earth am I doing here???
All I can say, is that I’m glad I didn’t head off home.
Myself and a couple of hundred other NUFC fans watched a canny match, Newcastle’s kids excellent in the first half, went 2-0 up and it could/should have been four or five. Brighton score a penalty just before the break and then second half the visitors on top, the Toon youth defending well though to see out the 2-1 win.
What I want to talk about though is Michael Mills. Wow!
As I said earlier, I hadn’t heard of him before last night, but what an impression he made on me and I’m sure everybody else there.
He was electric, his pace matched his skill, what a young prospect he looks!
This young striker powered through the Brighton defence and left them for dead, only a stunning save from the keeper preventing a goal.
I asked somebody nearby who he was and that’s when I first heard the name Michael Mills.
Later in that opening half, Michael Mills is played through and the Brighton defence had as much chance as me of catching him. The pace of him, sprinting away and scoring what proved to be the eventual winning goal.
When I got home and thawed out, I searched online for info on this Michael Mills.
I couldn’t believe he is still only 15.
Playing against players far older than himself, some of them two or three years older than him, yet he stood out a mile.
Looking online, I found out his back story.
Port Vale official announcement on Michael Mills – 15 August 2024:
‘Michael Mills joins Newcastle United
We can confirm that a training compensation agreement has been reached and the transfer of Michael Mills’ registration to Newcastle United has been complete.
Michael has been an exciting player for the Valiants and caught the eye of Newcastle United after a period on trial with them.
Head of Academy, Will Ryder said:
“Since arriving in my role at the academy I’ve always reiterated that the club is built on opportunity whether that’s for staff or for players.
“We are delighted to play a part in providing a platform for Michael’s next steps in his footballing journey
“Michael was originally identified by myself and our Head of Recruitment Kevin Scott and following a successful trial, Michael was signed as an under-13 in the youth development phase.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing where Michael’s programme and future pathway take him, I’d like to thank Newcastle for their open dialogue throughout the process, they have acted with honesty and integrity from the start and I look forward to staying in touch with them and following Michael’s progress.
“I wish Michael and Newcastle all the best for the future.”
The club would like to wish Michael and his family all the best and we look forward to watching him grow as a footballer and a person.’
I could find nothing from Newcastle United on his signing but that seems to be what they want to do, keep these numerous young players they are signing, very much low key.
It has been one of the very big positives in seeing the back of Mike Ashley, the time, care, attention AND cash that is now being put into developing and attracting the very best young talent possible.
It is what all of the rival clubs have been doing for so long, trying to get ahead of the curve and signing potential future star quality at a very young age. Newcastle United now trying to do the same.
Michael Mills signing for Newcastle United in August 2023 when he was still only 14, he doesn’t turn 16 until February 2025.
I can’t wait to see what comes to pass in the future with Michael Mills and indeed other exciting young players who are now being developed at the club.
Obviously we are all primarily focused on the first team and what is the situation there. However, the future is equally, if not more, important.
If Newcastle United are going to stand any chance of competing at first team level in the future, they need to be developing and attracting the very best young talent now.
Remember the name, Michael Mills.