Matt Mills

Southampton

Born in Swindon, Wiltshire, Mills began his youth career at Swindon Town in 1999 before joining Southampton at the age of fourteen. Having progressed through the Southampton Academy and then the reserves, he signed his first professional contract with the club in 2002. In order to gain first-team experience, Mills was loaned to Coventry City for one month on 18 September 2004. On the same day, he made his debut for Coventry City, just hours after completing the necessary paperwork, in a 0–0 draw against Rotherham United. He made three further starts, including scoring an own goal in a 2–1 defeat to Ipswich Town on 3 October 2004, which proved to be his final appearance for the club. Mills then returned to Southampton, making four appearances. Although Coventry City sought to extend his loan for a second month, Southampton declined the request. On 21 February 2005, Mills joined AFC Bournemouth on a one-month loan. He made his Bournemouth debut the following day, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw against Torquay United. He subsequently scored his first goals for the club, against Tranmere Rovers and Swindon Town. His performances led to his loan being extended twice, eventually lasting until the end of the 2004–05 season. In the final game of the season, he scored his third goal for Bournemouth in a 4–2 defeat to Bradford City. He finished the campaign with twelve appearances and three goals in all competitions. Following his loan spell…

Mills was called up to the England under-19 squad and helped the side qualify for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in March 2005. He played an important role in helping the team reach the final, where they were defeated by France. Between 2004 and 2005, Mills made a total of eight appearances at under-19 level for England.

As of match played 7 March 2020

Born in Swindon, England, Mills and his family lived just ten minutes from the town's County Ground until he left at the age of 14. He was educated at Bradon Forest Secondary School in Purton, near Swindon. Mills' youngest brother, Joseph, was also a trainee at Southampton and later played for Forest Green Rovers, where he was joined by Matt in May 2019. His other brothers, Jon-Paul and Jamie, have both played for Hellenic Football League side Witney United. Mills was previously in a relationship with former Hollyoaks and Prisoners' Wives actress Emma Rigby. In 2014, he married Jade Elliott, daughter of former Leicester City and Scotland defender Matt Elliott. The couple have two daughters, Lyla and Aria.