 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.He was appointed as manager of Conference North club Alfreton Town on 25 May 2005 on a three-year contract, becoming the first full-time manager in the club's history.Alfreton went into 2005–06 with a reduced playing budget and Mills was able to keep the club on an even keel.