Kevin Miller: Former Crystal Palace Goalkeeper Dies Aged 57

Updated Introduction: September 2026

This update was published on 26 September 2026. Confirmation that Kevin Miller dies at the age of 57 has now been followed by tributes from across football. The former goalkeeper had been working as Wigan Athletic’s goalkeeping coach when he passed away.

For Palace supporters, the news closes the story on a player many remember fondly from the late 1990s. This piece sets out what is confirmed about his career, the tributes paid to him, and the facts around his death.

Career and Move to Crystal Palace

Miller built a long and steady career as a goalkeeper, making 738 appearances across England’s top four divisions. That record reflects a level of consistency few goalkeepers of his era matched.

He joined Crystal Palace in 1997, arriving at Selhurst Park after three years at Watford. The move brought an experienced figure between the posts to the club at that stage of his career.

Tributes From Across English Football

News that Kevin Miller dies has been met with tributes from clubs across his career. Exeter City, one of his former clubs, paid tribute to his playing days there. The club said: “As a player, Kevin had a commanding presence and a fierce competitive spirit.” They added that he earned “a place in the hearts of supporters with his performances between the posts and his wholehearted commitment to the club.”

Wigan Athletic, where Miller worked most recently as goalkeeping coach, also released a statement. The club said: “Although Kevin’s time with Latics was far too short, he quickly became a much-loved and respected member of our first team staff.” It went on to describe how “his experience, professionalism and passion for goalkeeping were clear for all to see,” adding that “his uplifting personality made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.”

How Did Kevin Miller Die?

Kevin Miller died unexpectedly overnight on Tuesday while working as Wigan Athletic’s goalkeeping coach. That much has been confirmed by the club directly.

Beyond that, no cause of death has been disclosed publicly. Neither Wigan Athletic nor Crystal Palace have released further medical details, and nothing further should be assumed or speculated on. What is known is limited to the timing and circumstances already confirmed by the clubs themselves.

What Happens Next

Exeter City have said “the club will be supporting those who were close to Kevin and will be commemorating Kevin’s time with us and his memory in an appropriate way.” No further details of any planned tribute have been made public yet.

Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace have not announced separate arrangements at this stage. Further information, including funeral or memorial details, is expected to follow in the coming days. Readers can find the original reporting on Kevin Miller’s passing for the full background to this story.

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