TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of football commentator Steve Miller known as the ‘voice of the Harriers’.
Miller commentated on more than 1,000 matches for BBC Hereford and Worcester and most notably covered Kidderminster Harriers up until Christmas last year.
He also covered both Worcester City and Bromsgrove Rovers during a radio career which spanned more than two decades.
Miller, who lived in Worcester, was diagnosed with cancer in December and died on Saturday (February 22).
Kidderminster’s current head of media, Matty Paddock, partnered Miller for more than 800 of those games.
Paddock wrote the following tribute in Steve’s memory: “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 afternoons 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’.”
Harriers striker Amari Morgan-Smith posted on X: “Steve Miller what a gentleman, hope you received the message and can rest easy.
“Your voice alone will live long in so many iconic moments for the football club.
“Thoughts with your family and loved ones. Legend! Kiddy’s finest!”
