Cav Miley’s Journey to Wembley
Cav Miley, a 30-year-old footballer, stands on the brink of a remarkable achievement as he prepares for Southend United’s crucial match at Wembley—the National League Promotion Final. Reflecting on his journey, Miley confides to the BBC,
“I never imagined this would be a reality in my life.”
From Amateur to Professional
Eight years ago, he was playing amateur football in Jersey for St Paul’s while working as an electrician. On this momentous Sunday, he will become the first Jerseyman to step onto the Wembley pitch since Brett Pitman represented Portsmouth in their 2019 EFL Trophy victory against Sunderland.
“There aren’t many who transition from Jersey to professional football,” Miley admits. “I didn’t envision myself in this position when I was 21 or 22 years old, just someone playing in local leagues. It was largely a situation where football was limited to the island.”
Changing Dynamics in Jersey Football
Miley acknowledges the changes in football culture on the island, mentioning that young players now frequently compete on the mainland, thanks in part to the emergence of teams like the Jersey Bulls, which provide greater exposure to fans and scouts.
His path to recognition began when ex-Aston Villa manager Brian Little, during a brief stint coaching in Jersey, recommended him to Eastleigh. This opportunity marked the start of Miley’s professional career in 2015. After five successful seasons with the club, where he played in 185 league and FA Cup matches, he made a significant move to Southend in the summer of 2022.
Road to the Promotion Final
In this current season, he has been pivotal in Southend’s unexpected run to the promotion final, where they secured a playoff spot against all odds, finishing seventh in the standings. They triumphed over Rochdale and Forest Green Rovers to reach the final showdown against Oldham Athletic.
Looking Forward
Miley is eager to share this standout moment with his Jersey family and friends, many of whom plan to attend the final.
“It’s exciting to have everyone come over; my parents, siblings, and numerous friends will be there. I hope to return home as a champion and celebrate with them,”
he shared.
If Southend secures promotion, it would mark the end of a challenging four-year period outside the English Football League, during which the club faced severe financial troubles.
For Miley, this victory would also signify a long-awaited opportunity to compete in the English Football League after eight seasons in the lower tiers.
“It’s a monumental occasion,”
Miley expresses.
“There was an electrifying atmosphere following our semi-final win. We aim to capitalize on that energy and turn our dreams into reality.”
