Shaun Miller: I just wanted to play games, the goals were a bonus

Top goalscorer Shaun Miller says the main thing was simply playing regularly after a fine comeback season with Morecambe.
Shaun Miller celebrates his first Morecambe goal against Bristol Rovers.Shaun Miller celebrates his first Morecambe goal against Bristol Rovers.
Shaun Miller celebrates his first Morecambe goal against Bristol Rovers.

A string of injuries meant the former Crewe front man hadn’t strung any games together in the three years before arriving at the Globe Arena as a free agent in August.

A 16-goal season later, the out of contract striker looks set to be in demand over the summer after The Shrimps stuttered to 21st in League 2.

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Miller said: “I’ve said before that I’ve played more games this season than I have done in the last three.

“That was the most pleasing thing, being out there regularly again.

“And I’ve never been top scorer at a club before so that’s just an added bonus.

“From a personal point of view it’s been a pretty good year.”

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The 28-year-old thanked Shrimps boss Jim Bentley for giving him an opportunity, the striker’s career having been in limbo after being released by Coventry.

Miller, who spent time on trial with Stevenage before signing for Morecambe, said: “It’s always hard when you’re out of contract.

“I’m extremely thankful that Jim took a chance on me.

“I’d like to think I’ve repaid his faith throughout the season.

“It’s never nice to be in that situation.

“It’s been a very stop-start few years and I’m glad to get back up and running with the games that I’ve played this season.”

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Miller admits he would have been nice to reach a round 20 goals with his stunner from distance in the 5-2 win at AFC Wimbledon the pick of the 16 he did score.

He said: “I could have got a few more, I obviously missed a few penalties!

“It would have been great to get to 20 but I’ll take 16.

“It’s probably my best ever season really in terms of the goals that I’ve scored.

“There’s been a few I’ve liked but certainly the one at Wimbledon is my favourite.

“I can’t see me beating that one any time soon.

“I also enjoyed the one away at Accy.

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“There’s been quite a few outside the box. It’s been really pleasing.”

One reason for his success was his link-up with Jamie Devitt, Morecambe’s playmaker the main architect of Miller’s goals as The Shrimps had a good season going forwards.

Miller said: “Playing with Devs is a pleasure.

“He’s always looking for your runs and as a striker who’s looking to make those runs in behind it’s vital really that you’ve got someone looking for you.

“I don’t know how many goals he’s assisted me but it’ll be quite a few.

“When you’ve got that quality behind you it fills you with confidence that you’re going to get found and you keep on making those runs.”