DANNY MILLS

Personal Stats
DOB: 18th May 1977
Birthplace: Norwich
Height: 5'11"


Profile

After weeks of speculation, United finally clinched the £4M signing of Charlton Athletic defender Danny Mills, when he became David O'Leary's third signing midway through June 1999.
The Leeds boss admitted he had be on the trail of Danny for over six months and he was absolutely delighted when the Addicks agreed to let the England U-21 international move to Elland Road.
But after an encouraging start, including a winning goal against Sunderland at Elland Road, Danny lost his place to a resurgent Gary Kelly and his first season ended tinged with disappointment, although he did feature for England in the European U-21 Championship finals in Slovakia.
His move north capped a remarkable 18 months for Mills, who at the start of the 1997/98 season was out in the cold in the Norwich City reserves, before he moved to Charlton from Carrow Road in a £300,000 switch in March 1998 and helped the Addicks gain promotion to the Premiership in that unforgettable play-off final against Sunderland, which Charlton won on penalties.
Mills took to the Premiership like a duck to water and his resolute displays for Charlton won him a call up to the England U-21 squad under Peter Taylor.
Despite Charlton's struggle to stay in the topflight, Mills continued to distinguish himself, chipping in with the odd crucial goal with his shooting power at free kicks and around the penalty area. His other best assets are his speed, tackling and battling qualities, which resulted in Leeds making him the fourth highest signing in their history.
When the Addicks were finally relegated back to Division One in the penultimate Premiership game of the season, the speculation started immediately as to where Danny would be playing his football the following season, with Leeds always the front runners for his signature.
His meteoric rise didn't stop there, when after playing for the England U-21's against Sweden at Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium in early June, under the watchful eye of United boss David O'Leary and Chairman Peter Ridsdale, he was promoted to the full England squad two days later, when injuries depleted the senior squad.
No just 23 years old Leeds have bought a player for the present and the future, who will slot comfortably in to DO's fast emerging exciting young squad.

Career Stats:

Squad No. 18

Position: Full Back

Date Signed: 16th June 1999

Signed from: Charlton Athletic Previous Clubs: Norwich City
Transfer fee: £4M

International Honours: England U-21