Whitecaps Add Kenny Miller as Third DP

Scottish National side Captain Kenny Miller has signed with Vancouver

Big news in MLS this morning as the Vancouver Whitecaps announced that they have added Scottish National Team captain Kenny Miller as their third designated player.  This is the second half of the deal that sent Sebastian Le Toux to NY last week and left many MLS watchers scratching their heads a little bit.

Miller is 32 years old, and has scored 16 goals while winning 60 caps for Scotland.  He also has a distinguished club career in Scotland and England.  He's one of only 5 players in the post World War II era to play for both Celtic and Rangers in the Old Firm Derby.  While playing in Scotland he won the Scottish Premier League, the Scottish FA Cup, and the Scottish League Cup.  He's scored 187 goals in 547 matches during his club career.

Last season Miller played for Cardiff City in the English second division.  He scored 11 goals in 50 matches.  Cardiff lost to Liverpool in the Carling Cup final, and barely missed out on promotion to the Barclay's Premier League, losing to West Ham United in a playoff at Wembley.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, per MLS policy.  The deal is still pending the completion of Miller's International Transfer certificate.  However, Miller arrived in Vancouver yesterday and has begun training with the Whitecaps.

Miller is quoted as saying:

“I’m delighted to be making this move to Major League Soccer and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. I have heard many great things about the club and the city of Vancouver, and have been impressed by the standard of MLS. To have the chance to continue my career in North America with Whitecaps FC is a fantastic opportunity for me and my family."

 

This is one European signing that I really do think could end up making a splash in MLS.  While Miller may not still have his best years in front of him at 32, he's still a proven goal scorer in top European divisions.  This could really be a big deal.