 Despite having a healthier playing budget and a reorganisation of the squad during the summer of 2004, County made a disappointing start to 2004–05.As a result, Mills was dismissed on 4 November 2004 with the club 21st in League Two, and he declined the offer of a lesser position with the club.He resumed his playing career during early 2005 with Northern Counties East League Premier Division club Glapwell, playing under Lee Wilson, who Mills had previously played with and managed.