James Milner
Former Leeds United favourite James Milner made history over the weekend as he set a Premier League record. The Brighton midfielder now has the most appearances in the competitions history.
The 40-year old surpassed Gareth Barry’s record of 653 appearances when he started in the Seagulls’ 2-0 win away to Brentford this past weekend. Milner made his debut for Leeds United in 2002 against West Ham United. The midfielder also entered the record books back then as the second-youngest player ever to feature in the competition.
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Milner went on to play over two seasons for the Whites, making over 50 appearances for the club before moving to Newcastle United for a reported £5 million back in the summer of 2004.
Former Leeds United star reveals plans after retirement
James Milner has been active for Brighton this season, playing 16 Premier League games in total. The midfielder has one goal and one assist for the Seagulls, and remains an important part of their dressing room. In an interview with Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent, the veteran was asked about his plans after retirement.
”In terms of myself, I’ve done my badges. And some days I think it’s a really good idea, and other days you see people getting a new contract and managers getting sacked six weeks later. That doesn’t look too appealing, you see the stress those guys have and the amount of media they have to do and the responsibility they take on.” Milner said on talkSPORT.
”It is a very difficult job, it does appeal to me because it is so difficult. Jurgen Klopp always said to me ‘whenever you finish, it is important you have a rest first and foremost’. I think whenever that happens, that will be the first point of call, and we will see where we go from there.”
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Could James Milner end up coaching Leeds?
Becoming Leeds United boss in the future is a possibility, but for now Milner is yet to actually have experience in the field. But much like other former Whites, he could end up as part of the backroom staff. Jonny Howson and Aaron Lennon have found themselves in the club’s youth setup – Howson is player-manager for the U21s and Lennon is with the U18s. Maybe when the 40-year old calls time on his career, the club could bring him in to gain some valuable experience coaching the future of the team at Thorp Arch.