Chris Millar: Port Glasgow return is full circle moment

Millar has reunited with childhood pal Tam Jamieson in a quest to fire the Undertakers back to where they belong.

The former Morton and St Johnstone hero came back to the club where it pretty much all began for him more than 20 years ago as they looked to avoid the drop to the West of Scotland Football League's bottom tier at the end of last season.

But he's determined to make amends this time around as the Parklea outfit look to return to the Third Division.

Millar has rolled back the years at his home town team (Image: alex craig)

Millar, who sits in Morton's top ten appearance holders, tied with hall of famer Roy Baines, says that still being able to do the business on the pitch at the age of 41 isn't something that he's taking for granted as he looks to lead the Parklea side with distinction, using all of his experience gained during a stellar senior career.

"It's a bit of a full circle moment," he told the Tele. "I'm living the dream back at the Port.

"I did a year here at Under 14s, when the club were still playing at Woodhall. So it shows you what sort of standing the club have. And they should be at a higher level. 

"I'm really enjoying it and being involved. I might not be as quick as I used to be, but I'm still feeling really fit.

"It's funny - I've known the manager Tam for years. We actually played together at Under 11s for Unity 'B', a youth team in Port Glasgow, and we've been pals since.

"He did a bit of work in my gym at the end of last season and had asked me to come in. I've enjoyed it since coming in.

"My ambition, even when I was at Morton, was to play until I was 40 - I'm now 41 and still playing for my local team growing up.

"My missus admittedly might not be too happy about it, but at the end of the day I'm able to pass on whatever knowledge I've got to the younger players in the squad.

"If I can still contribute on the pitch, which is ideal, then I'll continue to do that. It's a great group of boys and it's good to just still be playing at the age I am."

Chris Millar wants to get the club back on the right path (Image: alex craig)

Millar says that being back in action with the club isn't just a trip down memory lane.

He reiterated his desire to help the club bounce back from the disappointment of last season's relegation as he revealed why coming back home to the Port was the right thing to do at the right time.

"It's great to give a bit back," He added. "The Port had tried to get me in before, whilst I was at Troon and Kilwinning, but now it scratches that itch for me.

"You miss the banter of the dressing room and being in about it.

"I'm not here for nostalgia, though. I'm here to get the club back up to a level where they deserve to be at. 

"Everyone says 'play football for as long as you can', and I voice that opinion too - and I'll do it for as long as I can."

Millar continues his mission to keep the Port in promotion contention when the Undertakers travel to Carluke Rovers this afternoon.

Kick-off at the John Cumming Stadium is at 2pm.