James Milner Speaks Out Against Premier League’s Dressing Room Camera Initiative
The Premier League has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing broadcast quality by introducing cameras into team dressing rooms. However, veteran midfielder James Milner is firmly opposed to this idea. This initiative is part of a broader effort to elevate viewer experience in light of a new television deal with Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
As Milner gears up for his 24th Premier League season, he reflected on how drastically the game has evolved over the past two decades, particularly concerning youth players and their increased media exposure. He highlighted the case of Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who made headlines when he was thrust into the limelight at just 18 years old following an injury to Bukayo Saka. Remarkably, Nwaneri had already made his first-team debut at the tender age of 15.
Another young talent, 15-year-old Max Dowman, has been making waves during Arsenal’s pre-season, showcasing his skills in front of large crowds both at the Emirates Stadium and during international tours.
Milner noted the rigorous training regimens that young players now undergo, stating, “They’re having proper training sessions at academies three times a week from eight years of age. They’re playing tournaments all over the world in front of big crowds, getting used to the pressure.” He acknowledged that while these youngsters are treated like professionals from an early age, the accompanying fame and expectations can be overwhelming.
“The money, the social media, the hype… I don’t think any of that makes it easier,” Milner explained. “Everything is so public now, and there’s talk about having cameras in dressing rooms, which, for me, is an absolute no-go. That can’t happen.”
Having extended his contract with Brighton for another year, Milner is poised to break records in the Premier League. Currently, he holds the record for the most seasons played in the league, with 23, and is just 15 appearances shy of surpassing Gareth Barry’s all-time record of 653 appearances.
Debuting at just 16 years old for Leeds United in 2002, Milner humorously noted the generational gap in the current squad: “We were working it out the other day, and 15 of the lads at Brighton weren’t even born when I made my debut. It’s funny to think I’m now playing with or against the sons of players I shared the pitch with at the start of my career.”
As Milner embarks on his 24th season, he also paid tribute to his late former teammate Diogo Jota by wearing the retired No. 20 shirt in his honor. If he breaks the Premier League appearance record, it would undoubtedly be an emotional milestone, marked by a touching tribute to a fellow player.
In a world where young athletes face immense pressure early in their careers, Milner’s insights remind us of the importance of safeguarding their experiences on and off the field.
