 He was not in charge for the following day's 3–0 home defeat to Boston in the FA Trophy, with Tim Steele continuing as caretaker manager for this match.His first match as manager was a 2–2 home draw with Havant & Waterlooville on 20 January 2001, in which he played and scored.Tamworth finished the season in 12th place in the Southern League Premier Division, and Mills made 16 appearances and scored 2 goals.