After being appointed Assistant Manager, mkdons.com takes a closer look at the playing and coaching career of Keith Millen.
Keith Millen was born in Croydon, London and in the formative years of his career spent time at both Southampton and Crystal Palace as an apprentice.
Millen would then play professionally with Brentford in 1983, where he’d stay for 11 years. During his time with the Bees, Millen played 305 times for the London outfit and scored 17 goals.
With Millen a mainstay in the side, Brentford reached the final of the Football League Trophy during the 1984-85 season - unfortunately, they were defeated 3-1 by Wigan Athletic.
It was with Brentford where the defender enjoyed his first taste of silverware during the 1991-1992 season when Brentford pipped Birmingham City to the Third Division title.
In March 1994, he moved to Watford and during his first season with the club, helped them escape relegation from the First Division.
Although Watford were unable to fend off relegation in 1996, Millen played a key role in helping the Hornets achieve promotion from the Second Division as Champions in 1998.
The 51-year-old enjoyed yet more success with the Hertfordshire club the following year as Watford were promoted via the playoffs defeating Bolton 2-0 in the final.
In the same year, Millen would leave Vicarage Road for Bristol City, as captain of the Robins he was suffered yet more cup final heartbreak losing to Stoke 2-1 in the 2000 Auto Windscreens Shield final.
Millen would eventually retire from football in 2003 having chalked up over 500 appearances during his playing days.
Having retired at Bristol City, Millen became the Under-17s manager at Ashton Gate and in 2004 was named Assistant Manager to Brian Tinnion. After Tinnion departed the Club, Millen was named caretaker manager for the first time.
He would later adopt the same role in 2010 following the sacking of Gary Johnson and was named manager on a full-time basis in August that year. He left his position in October 2011.
Millen would then move to the North West to take on the position of Head of Coaching and Development at Blackpool in July 2012.
It was with the Seasiders where he met Ian Holloway who, after making the move to manage Crystal Palace, appointed Millen as his Assistant Manager in November 2012. After Holloway left the Eagles by mutual consent, Millen was named as caretaker manager.
He would become caretaker manager of the club two more times during his spell at Selhurst Park, and to date, has taken charge of nine Premier League games. When not in caretaker charge, Millen was Assistant Manager to Tony Pulis, Neil Warnock and Alan Pardew.
Since leaving Palace in January 2017, Millen has been working with Tottenham Hotspur and Sky Bet League One side Portsmouth.
Having been involved in the professional game since 1983, Millen brings a wealth of experience that will prove valuable alongside Dan Micciche.
