Billy Miller leaves Harrogate Railway to take Tadcaster Albion hotseat

Miller will meet with Tad’s supporters for the first time tonight after walking away from Railway, who he guided to a record points haul in the Evo-Stik First Division North last season.

Tadcaster defender Denny Ingram had also been interviewed for the position, but owners i2i Sports chose headhunted Miller over the experienced player.

The 45-year-old replaces former Albion boss Paul Marshall, who was relieved of his duties two weeks ago.

It remains undecided whether Marshall will return to the i2i Stadium as a director – a position he was offered when he was removed from office.

However, former Leeds United defender Matt Heath will be part of Miller’s backroom staff after following the gaffer from Harrogate.

Further Railway players are expected to make the transition to Tadcaster, including former Bradford City winger Adam Baker and right-back Jordan Armstrong.

Despite dropping down a level to manage the Brewers, Miller said the move was progressive with his aspirations in management.

“The club’s ambitions match my ambitions. It’s a great opportunity,” he said.

“The football club is certainly a sleeping giant. It has phenomenal backing and tremendous support, why wouldn’t you want to go there?”

Albion opted against renewing Marshall’s contract following an end of season dip of form that dropped them out of the NCEL promotion hunt.

And Miller admitted there was pressure to succeed, but it would not faze him or new assistant Heath.

“The owners are extremely ambitious. I fully understand they want to be promoted but they also understand there are some competitive teams in the league,” he said.

“We will have a good go at it and we’ll put a team together that can build on the strengths of last year. My ultimate aim will be to get Tadcaster promoted, there’s no point in running away from that next year.

“That was one of the attractions of taking the job.”

Miller, who is currently undertaking his UEFA A Licence, guided Railway to eighth-place in the Evo-Stik First Division North during the 2014/15 campaign, their highest finish ever.

That performance capped a glittering three years at the club, which transformed the club’s futile form into a true giant-killing force.

A statement from Tad’s owners, i2i Sports, said: “Billy’s credentials stood out to us.

“He is renowned for his man-management skills and getting the best out of his players.

“He has an extensive knowledge of the leagues, and we were very impressed with his attitude towards the game, as well as his ambition and vision for Tadcaster.”