Before Milner returned to Leeds, Parkin told him he never wanted to see him back at that level because his quality demanded better — and he was right.

Setbacks and stepping stones

Milner's path was not without friction. After Leeds were relegated at the end of the 2003-04 season, he joined Newcastle United for £5m. There, under manager Graeme Souness, he was sent on loan to Aston Villa — and Souness made the controversial remark that