I want to begin by thanking all our fans for their unwavering support for both this football club and my family throughout this difficult season.
I will never forget the reception my family received at home against Bristol City, the atmosphere at The Den against Norwich City and hearing the relentless noise from the away end at St Mary’s, as we secured a huge win in Neil Harris’ first game back as head coach.
Early in 2024, we found ourselves close to the relegation zone and we could not allow that fate to befall us. We needed help and found it in a familiar face – Neil Harris, and our decision to reappoint Neil proved to be pivotal in recovering our form and season. He led with his characteristic grit and determination and what followed was a series of stunning victories, finding ourselves clear of relegation with two games to spare. This achievement was witnessed by the largest crowds at The Den since the 1950’s – a testament to our fans who we will never take for granted.
It’s not just our first team that I want to acknowledge – our academy continues to make us proud of its achievements. Our U21s celebrated back-to-back Professional Development League South titles, the U18s were crowned Professional Development League Cup champions, and the U14s won the Albert Phelan Cup South. Congratulations to everybody involved, especially Scott Fitzgerald, our Academy Director.
The academy is very important to me and is a key element in the greater success I want to bring to Millwall. I have made some changes at senior management level including the appointment of Steve Gallen as Director of Football, who, as well as providing support to Neil, will focus on youth development and recruitment, in which he has extensive experience and an excellent track record.
With the recent decision by Lewisham Council to offer Millwall new 999-year leases on our stadium and the adjoining land – with permitted development – we can bring forward our plans for the further expansion of the Club and its facilities. We can also protect and nurture the Millwall Community Trust and its vital charitable activities, and we can seek to create a new community in New Bermondsey which has been neglected and deserves much better. My father, John Berylson, fought tirelessly to provide the Club and its local community with these benefits and at last we can begin to feel that his vision is taking shape. Mark Fairbrother, who recently rejoined Millwall as Managing Director with responsibility for non-football operations, will have his work cut out and I am confident that we have found the right person for this critical role.
Mark and Steve will work collaboratively with myself and our current senior management team, Luke Wilson, Emma Parker and Scott Fitzgerald, and build on their brilliant work done to date. They will also be supported by our very talented and dedicated staff members who I cannot praise enough for their efforts, particularly in the past 12 months. They have been the heartbeat, the engine room and driving force behind-the-scenes that will often go unnoticed in the public eye, to ensure we have a functioning football club day in, day out and I thank them for that.
Put all of this together and we have the ingredients for growth, success, and achievement in the coming years – our fans are vital to making this vision a success.
The best times are yet to come, so let ‘em come!
James Berylson, Chairman.
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