Miguel Llera
{{short description|Spanish footballer and manager}}
{{family name hatnote|Llera|Garzón|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Miguel Llera
| image = Miguel Llera 1.png
| image_size =
| caption = Llera playing for Sheffield Wednesday in 2012
| fullname = Miguel Ángel Llera Garzón
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|8|7|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Castilleja de la Cuesta, Spain
| height = {{height|m=1.93|precision=0}}
| position = Centre back
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Recreativo
| years1 = 1998–2001 | clubs1 = Recreativo B | caps1 = | goals1 =
| years2 = 2000–2001 | clubs2 = → San Fernando (loan) | caps2 = 19 | goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2001–2005 | clubs3 = Alicante | caps3 = 102 | goals3 = 4
| years4 = 2005–2007 | clubs4 = Gimnàstic | caps4 = 39 | goals4 = 5
| years5 = 2007–2008 | clubs5 = Hércules | caps5 = 11 | goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2008–2009 | clubs6 = Milton Keynes Dons | caps6 = 36 | goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2009–2011 | clubs7 = Charlton Athletic | caps7 = 41 | goals7 = 6
| years8 = 2011–2012 | clubs8 = Blackpool | caps8 = 0 | goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2011 | clubs9 = → Brentford (loan) | caps9 = 11 | goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2011–2012 | clubs10 = → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) | caps10 = 4 | goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2012–2014 | clubs11 = Sheffield Wednesday | caps11 = 79 | goals11 = 10
| years12 = 2014–2015 | clubs12 = Scunthorpe United | caps12 = 15 | goals12 = 1
| totalcaps = 357 | totalgoals = 29
| club-update =
}}
Miguel Ángel Llera Garzón (born 7 August 1979) is a Spanish football manager and former professional player who played as a centre back. He was most recently first-team coach at Bristol Rovers.
He played mostly in the lower leagues of his country, appearing in only 12 La Liga games with Gimnàstic. He moved to England in 2008 after signing with Milton Keynes Dons, going on to remain in the country until his retirement and represent a host of clubs, mainly Sheffield Wednesday (three years) and Charlton Athletic (two).
Playing career
=Spain=
Llera was born in Castilleja de la Cuesta, Province of Seville. After unsuccessfully emerging through local Recreativo de Huelva's youth ranks, he represented several modest clubs until 2005–06, when he contributed with 27 games (scoring three times) to Gimnàstic de Tarragona's{{cite news|url=http://www.nacion.com/puro-deporte/el-club-espera-descarte-de-primera-tras-fichar-a-merino-y-perez/GU4QF3BF4FFP3J6BEORYUAPUQA/story/|title=El club espera descarte de Primera tras fichar a Merino y Pérez|trans-title=Club awaits release from Primera after signing Merino and Pérez|newspaper=La Nación|language=Spanish|date=19 July 2005|accessdate=14 November 2017}} return to La Liga after a 56-year absence;{{cite news|url=http://www.diariosigloxxi.com/texto-diario/mostrar/14388/sueno-luis-cesar|title=El sueño de Luís César|trans-title=Luís César's dream|newspaper=Diario Siglo XXI|first=Adrián|last=Candal|language=Spanish|date=5 June 2006|accessdate=4 May 2019}} midway through the following season, however, he was released from contract after appearing in 12 matches (all starts) for the Catalans and scoring in defeats against Real Sociedad (2–3, away)[http://www.espnfc.com/gamecast/204947/gamecast.html Real Sociedad 3–2 Gimnastic de Tarragona]; ESPN Soccernet, 17 December 2006 and Getafe CF (1–3, home),[http://www.espnfc.com/gamecast/204983/gamecast.html Gimnastic de Tarragona 1–3 Getafe]; ESPN Soccernet, 14 January 2007 as Nàstic were immediately relegated.
In 2007–08 Llera continued in Segunda División, but also failed to impress at Hércules CF, playing only 11 games out of a possible 42.
=Milton Keynes Dons=
Subsequently, Llera took his game to England, joining League One side Milton Keynes Dons in September 2008.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/milton_keynes_dons/7592494.stm|title=MK Dons bring in defender Llera|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 September 2008|accessdate=2 July 2009}}
He scored twice during his spell with the Dons, against Carlisle United{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7646870.stm|title=MK Dons 3–1 Carlisle|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 October 2008|accessdate=26 October 2009}} and Brighton & Hove Albion.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7763445.stm|title=Brighton 2–4 MK Dons|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 December 2008|accessdate=26 October 2009}}
=Charlton=
After a successful season, with a third-place finish straight out of Football League Two, albeit without eventual promotion, Llera signed for Charlton Athletic on 2 July 2009,{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2009/06/10/futbol/futbol_internacional/espanoles_mundo/1244634259.html|title=Miguel Ángel Llera ficha por el Charlton|trans-title=Miguel Ángel Llera signs with Charlton|newspaper=Marca|first=Javier|last=Estepa|language=Spanish|date=10 June 2009|accessdate=10 June 2009}} after turning down a new contract offer – he became the first Spanish footballer to play for the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/Llera-to-leave-as-talks.5308953.jp|title=Llera to leave as talks break down|publisher=MK Citizen|first=James|last=Chard|date=27 May 2009|accessdate=29 May 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/charlton_athletic/8130229.stm|title=Charlton recruit defender Llera|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2009|accessdate=2 July 2009}}
Llera quickly established himself as a fans' favourite after just four matches, scoring on his debut against Wycombe Wanderers{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8186068.stm|title=Charlton 3–2 Wycombe|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 August 2009|accessdate=26 October 2009}} but also picking up a head injury which led him to wear a helmet for the next fixtures, similar to that of Chelsea's Petr Čech; he scored his first goal for the Addicks on 22 August 2009, in a 2–0 home win against Walsall.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8207650.stm|title=Charlton 2–0 Walsall|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 August 2009|accessdate=26 October 2009}}
=Blackpool=
After leaving Charlton at the end of the 2010–11 season, Llera spent some time training with Blackpool and joined them on trial, making his debut against Rangers on 19 July 2011. On 2 August, he scored from a free kick against Lancaster City in a 1–3 defeat, and, two days later, he signed a one-year contract with the option of a further year.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~2410010,00.html|title=Liera completes Blackpool move|publisher=Blackpool F.C|date=4 August 2011|accessdate=4 August 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902125022/http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10432~2410010%2C00.html|archivedate=2 September 2012}}
=Brentford / S. Wednesday=
On 7 September 2011, Llera transferred to Brentford on a three-month loan deal.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14835920 Brentford sign Blair Adams and Miguel Llera on loan]; BBC Sport, 8 September 2011 On 22 November he moved to Sheffield Wednesday, in a loan agreement lasting until January 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~2523849,00.html|title=Llera loaned to Owls|publisher=Sheffield Wednesday F.C|date=22 November 2011|accessdate=1 December 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228033435/http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10304~2523849%2C00.html|archivedate=28 December 2011|url-status=dead}}
On 10 January 2012, Llera was signed on a permanent deal by Wednesday, having been released by Blackpool.{{cite web|url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~2572079,00.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113074152/http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10304~2572079%2C00.html|archivedate=13 January 2012|title=Owls land Llera|publisher=Sheffield Wednesday F.C|date=12 January 2012|accessdate=12 January 2012|url-status=dead}}[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16493062 Sheffield Wednesday sign Miguel Llera from Blackpool]; BBC Sport, 10 January 2012 On 11 February, in a game against Exeter City, he suffered a head injury in an eventual 1–2 away loss,{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/exeter_2_sheffield_wednesday_1_match_report_1_4241732|title=Exeter 2 Sheffield Wednesday 1: Match Report|newspaper=Sheffield Star|date=13 February 2012|accessdate=19 May 2012}} going on to miss approximately one month of action.
=Scunthorpe=
After impressing on trial, on 21 July 2014 Llera was offered a contract by Oldham Athletic, which was later withdrawn.{{cite web|url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/20140721-miguel-llera-1772910.aspx|title=Offer: Miguel Llera|publisher=Oldham Athletic A.F.C|date=21 July 2014|accessdate=22 July 2014}} He eventually moved to League One's Scunthorpe United late in the month, agreeing to a one-year deal also after a trial period.
Llera made his competitive debut on 9 August 2014, in a 1–3 defeat at Swindon Town.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28646694|title=Swindon Town 3–1 Scunthorpe United|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 August 2014|accessdate=23 June 2015}} His first appearance at Glanford Park took place the following weekend, and he scored a 39th minute own goal in 0–4 loss to Preston North End.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28716712|title=Scunthorpe United 0–4 Preston North End|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 August 2014|accessdate=23 June 2015}}
Llera netted his first and only goal for the Iron on 13 December 2014, contributing to a 2–1 home win over Crewe Alexandra.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30357059|title=Scunthorpe United 2–1 Crewe Alexandra|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 December 2014|accessdate=23 June 2015}} On 5 May of the following year, it was announced he would not be offered a new contract and was free to leave the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/article/iron-announce-retained-list-2440421.aspx|title=Iron announce retained list|publisher=Scunthorpe United F.C|date=5 May 2015|accessdate=23 June 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707075825/http://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/article/iron-announce-retained-list-2440421.aspx|archivedate=7 July 2015}}
Coaching career
=S. Wednesday / Chesterfield=
In July 2014, Llera began coaching the under-14 squad of Sheffield Wednesday.{{cite web|url=https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/2017/august/20170821-llera-lands-academy-role/|title=Llera lands academy role|publisher=Chesterfield F.C|date=21 August 2017|accessdate=3 April 2019}} In summer 2015, he started working as a first-team scout.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/latest-owls-news/feature-old-boy-poised-to-launch-academy-1-7631858|title=Feature: Old boy poised to launch academy|newspaper=Sheffield Star|first=Dom|last=Howson|date=18 December 2015|accessdate=3 May 2019}}
In January 2016, Llera launched his own academy, Miguel Llera International Football Academy, occasionally sending young players for trials at Wednesday.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/blades-match-reports/sheffield-wednesday-former-owl-miguel-llera-and-the-next-generation-1-7971584|title=Sheffield Wednesday: Former Owl Miguel Llera and the next generation|newspaper=Sheffield Star|first=Dom|last=Howson|date=20 June 2016|accessdate=3 April 2019}} In August 2017, he was appointed Professional Development Phase coach at Chesterfield.{{cite web|url=https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/2017/august/20170822-llera-we-have-a-solid-base/|title=Llera: "We have a solid base."|publisher=Chesterfield F.C|date=22 August 2017|accessdate=3 May 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/club/staff-directory--contacts/|title=Who's Who at the Proact|publisher=Chesterfield F.C|accessdate=1 August 2018}}
On 11 January 2019, Llera left the Proact Stadium by mutual consent.{{cite web|url=https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/2019/january/20190111-coach-llera-leaves-the-club/|title=Coach Llera leaves the club|publisher=Chesterfield F.C|date=11 January 2019|accessdate=3 April 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc/ex-sheffield-wednesdsay-man-miguel-llera-leaves-his-role-as-chesterfield-academy-coach-1-9531965|title=Ex Sheffield Wednesdsay man Miguel Llera leaves his role as Chesterfield academy coach|newspaper=Derbyshire Times|date=11 January 2019|accessdate=3 May 2019}}
=Sheffield FC / Hallam University=
Starting in July 2015 and with the duration of one year, Llera was part of the staff at Sheffield FC, acting as assistant manager as well as being responsible for subjects concerning the academy.{{cite web|url=http://www.sheffieldfc.com/news/sfc-university-partnership-trials-kick|title=SFC University partnership trials kick off|publisher=Sheffield F.C|date=25 September 2015|accessdate=3 April 2019}} In September 2015, he became the club's scholarship football coach and also second and third team manager at Sheffield Hallam University;{{cite web|url=http://www.sheffieldfc.com/news/time-start-thinking-about-scholarship-opportunities|title=Time to start thinking about scholarship opportunities|publisher=Sheffield F.C|date=20 November 2015|accessdate=3 April 2019}} in addition, he held the same position at Meadowhead School Academy Trust.{{cite web|url=https://www.sheffieldfc.com/news/coaches-impressed-meadowhead-scholars|title=Coaches impressed with Meadowhead scholars|publisher=Sheffield F.C|date=26 February 2016|accessdate=3 May 2019}}
Llera left all of these roles in September 2016.{{cite web|url=https://uk.linkedin.com/in/miguel-%C3%A1ngel-llera-garzon-88aa21b5|title=Miguel Ángel Llera Garzón|publisher=LinkedIn|accessdate=3 April 2019}}
=Walsall=
A qualified personal trainer who owned a master's degree in sport psychology and coaching, Llera subsequently worked as a primary and secondary physical education fitness coach. On 12 July 2019, he was hired as academy manager at Walsall.{{cite web|url=https://www.saddlers.co.uk/news/2019/july/miguel-llera-appointed-academy-manager/|title=Miguel Llera appointed Saddlers' new academy manager!|publisher=Walsall F.C|first=Daniel|last=Briggs|date=12 July 2019|accessdate=19 November 2019}}
On 14 January 2022, Llera left his role as Walsall academy manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.saddlers.co.uk/news/2022/january/miguel-llera-leaves-walsall-football-club/|title=Miguel Llera leaves Walsall Football Club|publisher=Walsall F.C|date=14 January 2022|accessdate=5 November 2022}}
=Non-League coaching roles=
In July 2023, Llera joined NCEFL Division One team Retford United as a member of their coaching staff.
In October 2023, he was appointed assistant manager of NCEFL Premier Division club Maltby Main. {{cite tweet|number=1713571687503998978|title=Welcome to the Miners, Ex @swfc player @Migue_Llera. He will be assistant manager to @JamieSmith1911. Cracking addition to Main.. and a class coach 🫱🏻🫲🏼🙌🏼🔴⚫️ UTM|user=MainMaltby|author-link=Maltby Main F.C.|date=15 October 2023|accessdate=16 October 2023}} He resigned from his role alongside manager Jamie Smith two months later. {{cite web|url=https://www.ncefl.org.uk/news/ncelpremierdivision/2023/6118-dawsonandwhiteheadreturntomaltby/|title=Dawson and Whitehead return to Maltby|website=www.ncefl.org.uk|date=27 December 2023|accessdate=15 March 2025}}
In May 2024, Llera was appointed assistant manager of Shirebrook Town. {{cite web|url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/i-want-to-keep-learning-former-sheffield-wednesday-mk-dons-and-charlton-athletic-defender-and-ex-chesterfield-coach-miguel-llera-takes-on-new-management-role-4643823|title='I want to keep learning - Former Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons and Charlton Athletic defender and ex-Chesterfield coach Miguel Llera takes on new management role|publisher=Derbyshire Times|last=Thirkill|first=Stephen|date=27 May 2024|accessdate=15 March 2025}}
In March 2025, Llera joined the coaching staff of League One side Bristol Rovers, initially on a short-term basis. {{cite web|url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-rovers-bring-former-charlton-10029012|title=Bristol Rovers bring in former Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday defender to help coaching staff|publisher=Bristol Post|last=Hargraves|first=Daniel|date=17 March 2025|accessdate=17 March 2025}} On 4 May 2025, following relegation, Llera departed the club alongside manager Iñigo Calderón. {{cite web|url=https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/club-statement-inigo-calderon|title=Club Statement {{!}} Iñigo Calderón|website=www.bristolrovers.co.uk|date=4 May 2025|accessdate=4 May 2025}}
Club statistics
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | ||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| |San Fernando (loan)
|2000–01{{cite web|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j2005.html|title=Llera: Miguel Ángel Llera Garzón|publisher=BDFutbol|accessdate=31 March 2015}} |19 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 19 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="5"|Alicante
|Segunda División B |27 | 2 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 2 | ||
| 2002–03
|Segunda División B |33 | 1 | 6 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 39 | 1 | ||
| 2003–04
|Segunda División B |27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 1 | ||
| 2004–05
|Segunda División B |15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in Promotion Play-offs|name=PPO}} | 1 | 17 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!102 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 112 | 5 | |
| rowspan="3"|Gimnàstic
|27 | 3 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 30 | 3 | ||
| 2006–07
|12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 2 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!39 | 5 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 42 | 5 | ||
| Hércules
|Segunda División |11 | 1 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 15 | 2 | ||
| Milton Keynes Dons
|2008–09{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/miguel-angel-llera-garzon/3376/|title=Miguel Llera|publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=4 December 2014}} |36 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy|name=FLT}} | 0 | 38 | 2 | |
| rowspan="3"|Charlton Athletic
|League One |26 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy|name=FLT}} | 0 | 27 | 4 | |
| 2010–11
|League One |15 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy|name=FLT}} | 0 | 18 | 2 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!41 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 45 | 6 | |
| |Blackpool
|0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | ||
| Brentford (loan)
|League One |11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=FLT}} | 0 | 14 | 1 | |
| Sheffield Wednesday (loan)
|League One |4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| rowspan="4"|Sheffield Wednesday
|League One |16 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 4 | |
| 2012–13
|Championship |41 | 6 | 5 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 46 | 6 | ||
| 2013–14
|Championship |22 | 0 | 3 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 1 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!83 | 10 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 91 | 11 | |
| Scunthorpe United
|League One |15 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=FLT}} | 0 | 23 | 1 | |
| colspan="3"|Career total
!321 | 28 | 35 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 364 | 31 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
=Club=
=Individual=
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{BDFutbol|2005}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
- [https://www.miguelllerafootballacademy.co.uk/ Official Football Academy website]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Llera, Miguel}}
Category:People from Seville (comarca)
Category:Footballers from the Province of Seville
Category:Spanish men's footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Segunda División players
Category:Segunda División B players
Category:Tercera División players
Category:Atlético Onubense players
Category:CD San Fernando players
Category:Alicante CF footballers
Category:Gimnàstic de Tarragona footballers
Category:English Football League players
Category:Milton Keynes Dons F.C. players
Category:Charlton Athletic F.C. players
Category:Blackpool F.C. players
Category:Brentford F.C. players
Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players
Category:Scunthorpe United F.C. players
Category:Spanish expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Chesterfield F.C. non-playing staff