A Falmouth man who realised the dream of every soccer-loving youngster by becoming a full-time professional playing in the English Premier League has had his life story published in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Kevin Miller was with Falmouth Town in his mid-teens when he made the switch from outfield player to goalkeeper.

It was while he was playing in this position for South Western League side Newquay that he attracted the attention of Football League scouts.

His big chance came when former England World Cup star Terry Cooper signed him for Exeter City, the team he was managing, in 1989.

It launched him on an 18-year career that peaked with two seasons at Crystal Palace and saw him collect numerous awards and accolades along the way, including seven "Player Of The Year" triumphs.

During his first of two spells at Exeter, he was a member of the Devon side that achieved an historic promotion as Fourth Division champions. His other clubs included Birmingham City, Watford, Barnsley, Bristol Rovers, and Southampton.

Cooper likened him to one of the game's all-time greats, Gordon Banks.

"He reminded me of Gordon, who I played with for England," said Cooper. "He made it look so easy."

Kevin recalls the glory of promotion, the glamour of the top flight, and the devastation of relegation, with a host of revealing insights and richly entertaining anecdotes.

"Above all, I wanted to demonstrate with this book that any starry-eyed youngster – even 'out in the sticks - can make it," he says. "It is possible, with dedication and belief, to live that dream."

His book – Living The Dream – The Kevin Miller Story – includes a special chapter from guest contributor Keith Rashleigh.

Keith, of Budock Water, played a key role in Kevin's early development as a goalkeeper and in helping him secure his all-important breakthrough as a full-time professional in the Football League.

The book has been edited and published by retired Cornish journalist Mike Truscott. The first 200 copies of the strictly limited edition have been signed by Kevin and Keith.

They are now on sale for £4.95, only at the Falmouth Cancer Research shop, over the counter, or by mail order: tel 01326 212905, email [email protected]. All proceeds will go to the charity.

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