Editing James Milner (section)

===Newcastle United===
====Early career====
[[File:Milner2.JPG|thumb|upright|Milner playing for [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in 2004]]

Milner made his first appearance for Newcastle United during their pre-season tour of Asia, scoring his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]], in Hong Kong.<ref name=Impact>{{cite web |last=Pearson |first=James |title=Robson delight at Milner impact |website=Sky Sports |date=19 July 2004 |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/2305641/robson-delight-at-milner-impact |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121180355/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11678/2305641/robson-delight-at-milner-impact |url-status=live}}</ref> During this tour, he took the opportunity to observe how Newcastle striker [[Alan Shearer]] dealt with attention from fans and the media and said that his association with people like Shearer gave him a better idea of how to deal with the media.<ref name="Sunday Telegraph"/>

Milner's first Premier League match for Newcastle came against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on 18 August 2004, in which he played on the right of the field as a [[Winger (association football)|winger]], despite having featured regularly on the left for Leeds.<ref name=position/> When asked about this after the match, Milner said he had no preference where on the pitch he played.<ref name=position>{{cite web |last=O'Rourke |first=Peter |title=Milner makes Magpies vow |website=Sky Sports |date=18 August 2004 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2308355,00.html |access-date=21 August 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035028/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2308355,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> A month later he made his debut in European competition, when Newcastle played in the [[UEFA Cup]] against [[Bnei Sakhnin F.C.|Bnei Sakhnin]] from Israel, after coming on as a substitute for [[Shola Ameobi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Newcastle 2–0 Bnei Sakhnin |website=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3656126.stm |access-date=7 October 2007 |archive-date=24 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824152506/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3656126.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> In the same month, he scored his first competitive goal for the club, also as a substitute, in a 3–1 win against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Newcastle 3–1 West Brom |website=BBC Sport |date=25 September 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3661816.stm |access-date=23 August 2007 |archive-date=28 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060828095021/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3661816.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

The situation changed for Milner after Newcastle manager [[Bobby Robson]], whom Milner considered his mentor, was sacked and replaced by [[Graeme Souness]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/james-milner-reveals-what-really-happened-between-him-and-graeme-souness-newcastle-united-252277 |title=James Milner reveals what really happened between him and Graeme Souness at Newcastle United |newspaper=Shields Gazette |date=20 September 2018 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422173726/https://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/james-milner-reveals-what-really-happened-between-him-and-graeme-souness-newcastle-united-252277 |url-status=live}}</ref> Under Souness, he started 13 league matches, but did not play his first full Premier League match for Newcastle until April 2005. Milner said that he was frustrated at not being used as a starter for most of the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Milner's Magpies hope |website=Sky Sports |date=29 March 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2330925,00.html |access-date=10 September 2007 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505211001/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2330925,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

At the start of the [[2005–06 Newcastle United F.C. season|2005–06 season]], Milner scored in Newcastle's 3–1 away win against [[MFK Dubnica|FK ZTS Dubnica]] in the [[UEFA Intertoto Cup]], and also set up Alan Shearer for the team's third goal.<ref>{{cite news |title=ZTS Dubnica 1–3 Newcastle |website=BBC Sport |date=17 June 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4689063.stm |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=26 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826033237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4689063.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Loan to Aston Villa====
A clause in Newcastle's purchase of [[Nolberto Solano]] from Aston Villa resulted in Milner being loaned to Villa for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghampost.net/news/local-news/solano-out-milner-in-3990942 |title=Solano out, Milner in |date=1 September 2005 |website=Birmingham Post |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=7 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607202732/https://www.business-live.co.uk/news/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Villa manager [[David O'Leary]], who had managed Milner at Leeds, was happy to acquire Milner in this deal, saying that he believed Villa got the better of the deal and that he hoped to improve Milner as a player.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pearson |first=James |title=O'Leary happy with Nobby deal |website=Sky Sports |date=1 September 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2347428,00.html |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035104/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2347428,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=O'Leary to improve Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=1 September 2005 |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/2347843/oleary-to-improve-milner |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121181922/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11677/2347843/oleary-to-improve-milner |url-status=live}}</ref> He made his Villa debut on 12 September 2005 in a Premier League match against West Ham United.<ref name="Villa">{{cite web |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2011/05/29/transfer-window-rewind-villas-great-eight-of-2005 |title=Transfer window rewind: Villa's great eight of 2005 |publisher=Aston Villa F.C. |first=Paul |last=Brown |date=29 May 2011 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904110758/https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2011/05/29/transfer-window-rewind-villas-great-eight-of-2005 |url-status=live}}</ref> Five days later, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.<ref name="Villa"/> In a [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] match less than a week later, he helped his team recover from being 3–1 down at half-time to win 8–3 against [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]], scoring two goals in the second-half comeback.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4258542.stm |title=Wycombe 3–8 Aston Villa |date=20 September 2005 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=2 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102041956/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4258542.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the season, Milner was positive about his team. He remained confident that Villa would recover from a poor start to the season and praised the quality of the squad.<ref name=team>{{cite news |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Milner upbeat for Villa |website=Sky Sports |date=4 October 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2350606,00.html |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913064444/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2350606,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Milner was generally seen as a positive signing in a season that was disappointing for Villa.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rutledge |first=Lewis |title=O'Leary joy at Milner return |website=Sky Sports |date=14 April 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2373489,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035252/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2373489,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner himself also received the loan move positively, saying that he would like to join Villa permanently because of the probability of becoming a regular starter, but said that the possibility of this happening was beyond his control.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Milner waits on future |website=Sky Sports |date=24 December 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2358774,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055851/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2358774,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Manager David O'Leary confirmed during the season that he would like Milner to join the club permanently, but doubted he would be given the opportunity to sign him.<ref>{{cite web |last=Livie |first=Alex |title=O'Leary expects to lose Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=24 November 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2355212,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035314/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2355212,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He even pulled out of signing [[Robert Huth]] so that he would have the funds to sign Milner permanently if the opportunity arose.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Villa out of Huth chase |website=Sky Sports |date=23 December 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11668_2358958,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035321/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11668_2358958,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The newly appointed Newcastle manager [[Glenn Roeder]] appeared to appreciate Milner's ability more than Souness and expressed a desire that he remain a Newcastle player.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glenn Roeder has again said that James Milner's future lies at St James' Park |website=fansfc.com |date=27 June 2006 |url=http://www.fansfc.com/newcastlefootballclub/news.asp?newsid=154475 |access-date=26 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709163408/http://www.fansfc.com/newcastlefootballclub/news.asp?newsid=154475 |archive-date=9 July 2006}}</ref> This, as well as the departure of O'Leary and the shortage of transfer funds at Villa, meant that a deal to sign Milner permanently seemed unlikely.<ref>{{cite news |title=Milner move to Villa is in doubt |website=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5003814.stm |access-date=17 October 2007 |archive-date=2 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102223713/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5003814.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> In June, it became even less likely when Villa rejected an offer of Milner as part of a trade for [[Gareth Barry]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Phil |title=Villa no to Barry-Milner swap |website=Sky Sports |date=14 June 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2380236,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505224248/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2380236,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the deal was resurrected when Villa were taken over by American billionaire [[Randy Lerner]], and [[Martin O'Neill]] was appointed as new manager.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/08/14/lerner-villa-soccer-cx_cn_0814autofacescan01.html?sh=22b1c5a826b6 |title=Aston Villa Approves Billionaire's Takeover |website=Forbes |date=14 August 2006 |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524175525/https://www.forbes.com/2006/08/14/lerner-villa-soccer-cx_cn_0814autofacescan01.html?sh=22b1c5a826b6 |url-status=live}}</ref> A move to Villa appeared to have been agreed, but at the last moment Newcastle recalled Milner and the talks broke down.<ref name=Roeder>{{cite news |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Roeder backs Milner stance |website=Sky Sports |date=31 August 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2388251,00.html |access-date=11 August 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035338/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2388251,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=O'Neill upset over Milner episode |website=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5306302.stm |access-date=17 October 2007 |archive-date=11 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911090030/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5306302.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Return to Newcastle United====
[[File:James Milner 17.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Milner taking a [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] for [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in 2007]]

Newcastle's players and manager Glenn Roeder reacted positively to Milner's return at the start of the [[2006–07 Newcastle United F.C. season|2006–07 season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sol hails return of young gun Milner |website=officialplayersites |date=14 July 2006 |url=http://www.officialplayersites.com/players/solano/article.php?id=815 |access-date=13 August 2007 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206154115/http://www.officialplayersites.com/players/solano/article.php?id=815 |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner was a starter in the Newcastle team for the entire season.<ref name=Roeder/>

Newcastle made a poor start in the [[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07 Premier League]], but in European competition, Milner played a key role in helping Newcastle reach the round of 16 of the [[2006–07 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], playing all but one of the Magpies 12 games.<ref name="2006/07">{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=33817&season_id=136 |title=Games played by James Milner in the 2006/07 season |website=Soccerbase.com |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713234925/https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=33817&season_id=136 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rumours began to spread that he would be sold during the [[transfer window]] in January, although both Milner and Roeder dismissed these rumours.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Rourke |first=Peter |title=Milner expects Toon stay |website=Sky Sports |date=4 December 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2396713,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035348/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2396713,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 January 2007, Milner scored his first goal of the season in a 2–2 draw with Manchester United.<ref name="2006/07" /> The goal came from a "stunning" shot from {{convert|25|yd|m|0}} away.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Saj |title=Newcastle 2–2 Man Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=1 January 2007 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6205747.stm |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=18 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118233425/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6205747.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> He scored two more goals during the next three weeks, against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] and then against West Ham United.<ref name="2006/07" /> During the season, Milner displayed his ability to play comfortably in a range of different positions by scoring and setting up goals with both feet from both sides.<ref name=Lampard>{{cite news |last=Hackett |first=Robin |title=Roeder hails dynamic Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=24 April 2007 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2412065,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035400/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2412065,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Milner signed a new contract at Newcastle in January, which secured his future at the club until 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Scurr |first=Andrew |title=Roeder Rejects Milner Exit Talk |website=Sky Sports |date=30 December 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2398870,00.html |access-date=11 August 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035410/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2398870,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Higham |first=Paul |title=Toon see-off Villa challenge |website=Sky Sports |date=31 January 2007 |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_0,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308073148/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_0,00.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> He signed another four-year contract in May 2007, when [[Sam Allardyce]] took over as manager of Newcastle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner deal may be Sam's best move |website=icnewcastle |date=14 June 2007 |url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0200sport/0100football/tm_headline=milner-deal-may-be-sam-8217-s-best-move%26method=full%26objectid=19453436%26siteid=50081-name_page.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=6 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306222835/http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0200sport/0100football/tm_headline=milner-deal-may-be-sam-8217-s-best-move%26method=full%26objectid=19453436%26siteid=50081-name_page.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner said later in the year that he was happy about his future at the club and its new manager, saying that the training sessions were "the best since I have been here".<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner is Sam happy player |website=icnewcastle |date=17 August 2007 |url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/newcastleunited/chroniclesport/tm_headline=milner-is-sam-happy-player&method=full&objectid=19650900&siteid=50081-name_page.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=6 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306221053/http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/newcastleunited/chroniclesport/tm_headline%3Dmilner-is-sam-happy-player%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19650900%26siteid%3D50081-name_page.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Allardyce said during the season that Milner was so keen to play, he was concerned Milner would "burn out mentally [and] physically".<ref>{{cite news |title=Sam to protect James |newspaper=Evening Chronicle |location=Newcastle upon Tyne |date=6 October 2007 |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-to-protect-james-1504207 |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702123251/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-to-protect-james-1504207 |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Milner played mainly as a substitute in the early part of the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Spellman |first=Damian |website=sportinglife |title=Milner Burnout Not An Option |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/10/06/SOCCER_Newcastle_Allardyce.html |access-date=15 October 2007 |archive-date=9 April 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120409230558/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/10/06/SOCCER_Newcastle_Allardyce.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In late October, he scored Newcastle's 500th home Premier League goal in a 3–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner Marks Magpie Milestone |publisher=Newcastle United F.C. |date=23 October 2007 |url=http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1150105,00.html |access-date=23 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025041848/http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1150105,00.html |archive-date=25 October 2007}}</ref> A second Premier League goal of the season came fortuitously in the [[Tyne–Wear derby]] from a shot intended as a [[Cross (association football)|cross]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner steals fortunate point |website=Sky Sports |date=10 November 2007 |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_2847627,00.html |access-date=20 December 2007 |archive-date=1 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101134854/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0%2C19764%2C11065_2847627%2C00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Allardyce praised Milner during the season, saying he was "a hugely experienced Premier League player".<ref>{{cite web |last=Slatcher |first=Laura |title=Allardyce belief in Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=15 December 2007 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2977087,00.html |access-date=20 December 2007 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505221914/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2977087,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

After missing the final nine matches of the season due to a foot injury,<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Alan |title=Milner's ordered to take a break |newspaper=Evening Chronicle |location=Newcastle upon Tyne |date=13 May 2008 |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2008/05/13/milner-s-ordered-to-take-a-break-72703-20901909/ |access-date=13 May 2008 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405183245/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/ |url-status=live}}</ref> it was rumoured in May 2008 that Milner would be part of a transfer between Newcastle and [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner in shock Anfield move |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |date=11 May 2008 |url=http://www.lep.co.uk/national-football/Milner-in-shock-Anfield-move.4071630.jp |access-date=13 May 2008 |archive-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617140114/http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/milner-in-shock-anfield-move-1-72285 |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite starting the season for Newcastle and scoring in a League Cup win over [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]], it was revealed after the match that Milner had handed in a written [[transfer request]] the week before.<ref>{{cite news |title=PFA backing client Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=27 August 2008 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_4057926,00.html |access-date=27 August 2008 |archive-date=2 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602183954/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_4057926,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>