Following the announcement of Vurlon Mills’ retirement from national men’s football programme, Golden Jaguars captain Sam Cox, has hailed the contribution of the midfield dynamo, citing him as perfect example for the next generation of locally based players.
In an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday, Cox said, “Everyone is grateful for the service that Vurlon has done for the programme. He deserves huge congratulations for the career he had domestically and internationally.”
Cox added: “Vurlon Mills obviously has not featured prominently in the last couple of years for the national team. He was in the most recent squad when we played in Jamaica back in October (2019) which he did play a part in the last part of that game. But Mills, who is coming to the end of his career, is at an age where he is focused on coaching and outside ventures.
For the local players and any young player looking for an example in someone that has had dedication, personality and skill to be part of the team and impact the people around him, then Mills is a great example and he has been brilliant.”
Fruta Conquerors talisman Mills, officially retired from the national senior programme on April 24, this year with the sole purpose of beginning a new chapter of his life within the coaching realm.
Mills, 32, made his senior debut against the Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 and has represented Guyana in several FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, as well as Caribbean and Gold Cup Qualifiers during his playing career which spanned 33 caps. The former San Juan Jabloteh player recorded 14 goals in Guyanese colours. His final match occurred in 2019 against the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica.
Asked about impact Mills had on the national team, Cox revealed, “He was the glue between the local and overseas based players. He was that connect. He was brilliant in galvanizing the younger players and supporting them. Mills has been a great friend of mine and we will always stay in touch and I know he will play a big part in the program in years to come.”
He added, “He has an infectious personality, great to be around and always a positive influence and is a huge influence to those young players looking to break through and I am sure he is going to giving back to the community and the youths and grassroots. Help to give them the best opportunity to maximize their potential. Congratulations to Mills for what has been a brilliant career. He served the programme fantastically.”
Queried if the talents and skills of individuals such as Mills should be utilized and harnessed by the GFF to develop the next wave of Jaguars, Cox said, “He is doing exactly that with his coaching.
He is giving back which is brilliant, and then maybe a role within the national programme. Somebody like him can be utilized with the younger age groups, I know previously he has had a coaching role in that regard. He is someone that I am sure will play a big part within that programme in some kind of aspect. He is someone who will always be successful because he is a people person.
“Mills has come to the end of his career. He will be giving back to the community in that regards and has played his part in the programme, and helping it to reach a level.
If he continues to do so by helping the next generation break through into the national team, he would definitely have played his part.”
