 He was named the Conference North Manager of the Month for September 2008, in which Tamworth achieved three straight league wins following a draw away to in-form Alfreton.He won the award again for March 2009 after Tamworth were top of the table with five wins and two draws, including a 1–0 victory away to title rivals Southport.Mills led Tamworth to promotion back to the Conference Premier after winning the Conference North title in 2008–09 and this was confirmed with a 1–0 victory over local rivals Hinckley United on 21 April 2009.