HANGING up the boots wasn't on Kenny Miller's radar.
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The 40-year-old striker started up front front for Partick Thistle against Celtic in a Scottish Cup game just over three weeks ago.
He was focused on completing the Scottish Championship season and "then maybe assess what was on the table in the summer."
Then came a phone call from long-time friend and freshly-appointed Jets coach Carl Robinson with an offer to join him in Australia.
"It was a bit of shock to have to hang the boots up so abruptly," Miller said. "But it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up on. I have known Carl a long time, both as a player and a manager. He is very, very good at what he does.
"Still it was a huge move and a big decision. I have a wife and a young family. But it was important for me that when I made the transition, it was with someone I know, someone I trust and someone I believe in. He ticks all the boxes."
Miller played 670 games, mainly in the top two tiers in England and Scotland as well as three years in Major League Soccer in the US. His career included stints at Rangers, Celtic and Wolverhampton and he scored 18 goals in 69 appearances for Scotland.
Even at age 40, he had netted 10 goals for Partick Thistle this season.
"I tried to convince Carl to register me, but he is not for it," Miller said half joking.
Miller played alongside Robinson at Wolverhampton in 2001 and under him at the Vancouver Whitecaps.
"Carl brings a calmness and has a wealth of experience in English football and the MLS," Miller said.
"He makes players better. Any manager, their first job is to make individuals better. Within that you then make the team better. That is something he is very good at."
Miller worked with the squad for the first time on Tuesday.
"It is a fantastic group of players and there is a lot of potential in the squad," he said. "There are good players in attacking areas in this team.
"We scored four goals at the weekend. It could have been six or seven. Confidence in any football player or any group is key. Hopefully that three points and scoring four goals will be a big boost going into the weekend and for the rest of the season.
"I have played in a lot of leagues and the standard here is good.
"Between the teams there is not a lot. Small details can make a big difference."
As well as learn from Robinson, Miller will draw on his own experiences. He scored 43 goals in 144 Scottish Premier League games for Rangers and is one of the few to have also played for Celtic (seven goals in 33 games).
"It shows I'm not scared of a challenge," he said. "There was a lot of negativity, but a lot of positivity as well. It shows a mental strength, which I feel is very important in football and players.
"I'm more than happy to have a chat with anyone who wants to ask anything about the Old Firm and British football.
"It has been an enjoyable career, but it's done now."
But what if one of the national premier league clubs were in need of an experienced striker?
" I have a big job on my hands," he replied. "I have to focus on that and I don't think the manager would let me, despite me probably wanting to answer a few calls. You never, we could play over 40s now. You can always take part in wee games or charity games.
"There is a big job at hand here and one I'm looking forward to. As much as I say I wasn't ready to hang them up, this is a new role I am really excited about."
