New Blackburn Rovers signing, Lewis Miller.
Lewis Miller says Blackburn Rovers’ ambition to become a Premier League club again convinced him to make the switch from Hibernian.
The 24-year-old has penned a deal until 2028 at Ewood Park with the option of a further year. He replaces Callum Brittain at right-back and will be competing alongside Ryan Alebiosu and Kristi Montgomery on the flank.
Miller’s ambition is to play at the highest level and with interest building in his services, a move to England always seemed likely. He chose Blackburn as he felt their vision aligned with his to become a top-flight club again.
“You drive through that entrance, looking at the buildings and I could kind of just soak in,” Miller told RoversTV.
“It was just a realisation moment for me and my dad because we both came that way during the Championship. It's a massive club with great history and I'm just buzzing to be here.
“I rocked up and there you all were, staring cameras at me. I was like, oh right, here we go. I've been speaking with Rudy and he's just emphasised that this is the right place to be and I really like where this club is planning on going.
“I got in contact with a few clubs from England and once Blackburn and Rudy got me on the phone, it was kind of a done deal.
“With their plans and where they want this club to go and with the quality that they have in this squad, the depth they have in this squad, it just fills me with confidence to just think that we can get tinto the play-offs and hopefully get promoted.
“At the end of the day, that's what we're all playing football for, to win and to get to the next level. I'm 24 and I feel like every kid's fantasy is obviously to play in the Premier League.
“Getting to the Championship was definitely on my list. It's one of the things I have to tick off if I want to get to where I want to get to and knowing how big of a club Blackburn is and their goals and where I know they can be and where they have been in the past, they have that experience and that knowledge of playing at the top flight.”
The Australian international will be hoping for an impressive year to ensure he remains in their squad for the upcoming World Cup. He feels the transition from Scottish football to the Championship will be easier given the similarities in intensity.
“Scotland's a very intense league, so it's very chaotic and you get barely any time on the ball and I think that kind of correlates to the Championship because I've watched a few games and obviously, there's a lot of quality, but it's the intent and the passion,” he explained.
“Each game is kind of unmatched, so it's definitely a place where I can see myself growing the most and I'm glad I can grow at this club. It’s going to be a challenge, but I've also had a vast amount of experience with international games, playing qualifiers with thousands and thousands of people watching against higher positions, so I'm not out of my depth. I know exactly what I've been brought in to do and what I can do for this club and you'd best believe that I will do it.
“Everyone's goal in the Championship is to get to the play-offs and get promoted at the end of the day. I know that obviously last year you guys just missed out, but I've watched some previous games before.
“I was keeping up to date with everything and I just think that the way that you played and the intensity at which you played at, you were unfortunate at times.
“I think a different season, different times, different consequences, you could be right there. So, like I said, I'm just hoping to help you guys just push you just over the edge.”
Miller has been described as a ‘personality’ during his time in Scotland and it’s clear Rovers have recruited a bit of a character, one the fans might instantly click with. He insists that he has confidence in his own ability and won’t be daunted by the switch south of the border.
“I’m super energetic, passionate, maybe a little bit aggressive, and I will give absolutely everything to get three points.
“At the end of the day, if you go out there, you've got to break a few things, do whatever you can to win the game and I will have a tendency of getting forward at every single opportunity, so I'm going to be up and down that line and just been doing everything I possibly can for this club.
“I'll just say what's on my mind. There's a bit of a lack of filter in my head, which is probably the problem, but like I said, I'm just me and I'll continue to stay myself.”
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