Steve Miller

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HARRIERS are saddened to share the news of the passing of iconic local BBC radio commentator and ‘the voice of the Harriers’, Steve Miller.

Despite not being officially connected to the club, it’s a sign of Steve’s stature that he – and his voice – are known to every Harriers fan thanks to his time covering matches over the last 20 years or so.

Steve commentated on almost 1,100 matches during his commentary career dating back to 1994, covering the likes of Rushden & Diamonds, Bromsgrove Rovers, Worcester City and, most notably of all, Harriers, who he followed passionately and with dedication right up until Christmas last year.

For over 800 of those games, he was partnered on air by Harriers Head of Media, Matty Paddock, who has written the following in tribute to Steve.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with Steve’s family and loved ones at this difficult time:

The fact I have, sadly, had a short time to prepare myself for the fact this news was coming hasn’t made it easier to digest and, first and foremost I can only think of Steve’s family and what they must be feeling at such a sad time.

I had the total and utter privilege to be, in his own words, Steve’s ‘Radio Wife’ for BBC Hereford and Worcester commentaries of Harriers games since 2008. Since then, we have enjoyed and endured two relegations, numerous FA Cup runs, winning streaks, losing runs, floods, abandonments, near misses with administration, commentating in front of many thousands yet also empty stadiums during the pandemic and so, so much more following the fortunes of Kidderminster Harriers. Without a doubt, my highlight with Steve was finally seeing Harriers achieve promotion at Brackley a few seasons ago. His voice at the final whistle as he threw his arm around me while telling the world Harriers had done it will live with me forever.

It was far from dull, of course. It never is with Steve. I was sat alongside him at Forest Green on arguably his most infamous night (those who remember, still remember, and goodness we’ve laughed about it since!!) and he was at my side during one of my most infamous afternoon at Stourbridge (the same applies..!). Though I am totally heartbroken to lose him, I am so heartened by the many, many hilarious stories I have to share of memories made working with him. From nearly drowning at Woking, arguing at Fylde (never with each other), commentating from on top of a wheelie bin, to Steve unfathomably breaking his foot during a commentary and needing me to take over, we really have been through a few scrapes… That’s all without touching on his rants at referees and the many times I’d have to give him an on-air hosing down!

Apart from all we enjoyed at football stadiums, he was – he is – my very dear friend. We spent so many hours discussing the beautiful game and its ugly side. He was so proud of his family. Of his work (he could sell bottled water to fish, he was that charming a salesman!) And of his truck racing in recent years which took him around the world and gave him so much fun. He is adored by my family and, at my wedding, he played such an unforgettable role as Master of Ceremonies. Who else could ever have been considered?! He is simply one-of-a-kind, a colossus, an epic human and a triumph of a character.

When I first sat next to ‘The Millerman’ for a commentary at Cambridge in 2008, he coached me in my role as summariser in a way I’ve never forgotten. He told me: “It’s my job to tell people what has happened, and your job to tell them why it has happened.”

Well, partner, 17 years later, I can just about understand what has happened. But it feels as though you’ve been taken so quickly and it’s not at all fair, so just why it has happened, I’m afraid I’ll never be able to say. I just know I’ll miss you, and that without ‘the Voice of The Harriers’, Aggborough will never be the same.

As I’d tell you as we left grounds each and every week: ‘So long, Miller. See you for the next one’

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