Former Millwall striker Matt Smith has described Steve Kavanagh – who lost his job as chief executive last week – as “a class act”.
Lions owner James Berylson made wholesale changes to his hierarchy last Friday as he also parted company with Alex Aldridge, director of football operations and recruitment, as well as chief operating officer Billy Taylor.
Smith has revealed that he got a chance to view first-hand just how smoothly the Championship club was being run when he was studying for his MBA (Masters of Business Administration) qualification.
The 34-year-old scored 21 goals in 102 appearances for Millwall.
Smith told the South London Press: “Whenever you think about changes at a football club in the summer you never envisage it being senior executive level – you always assume it is on manager and player level.
“I was really shocked and saddened. I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect and time, particularly for Steve Kavanagh, but also Billy Taylor and Alex.
“I’ve been around a lot of footballing CEOs over the years and, for me, Steve Kavanagh is as good as it gets. He is a class act.
“I hope for the club’s sake they have got a good replacement because he will be a tough act to follow for sure.
“Steve is a very personable guy – you could really speak to him on a real honest level – super honest.
“I remember how he handled himself during the Covid times – considering all the challenges football clubs were facing – and I thought, ‘you are impeccable’ in the way he conducted himself.
“He is incredibly sharp and excellent at his job.
“I have a unique perspective because, while pursuing my MBA – something John Berylson had also done – he welcomed me at Millwall. During an MBA, you often discuss your current business, but as a player, I couldn’t contribute much from a business angle.
“John gave me full access at Millwall, allowing me to see various documents that I probably shouldn’t have seen, which helped me understand how the club operates. I was amazed at how well-run the club was, managed efficiently within its means without doing anything reckless. It was all neatly organized under John and Steve’s leadership.
“Apart from the on-pitch success – three seasons just outside the play-offs – the club was managed impeccably.
“Steve was a significant part of that. He was brilliant, always honest, and approachable. Even when I left the club, there were no hard feelings. He was simply a good person, and it’s sad to see something unfortunate happen to good people.
“With his accounting background and vast experience, Steve will have plenty of opportunities. Any organization would be fortunate to have him.
“Alex left for Stoke shortly after I joined. I always liked Alex; he was a good guy, though I didn’t interact with him much.
“I feel sad for Billy – he has been at the club for a long time, dedicating his blood, sweat, and tears. He probably started from the bottom and worked his way up.
“He was part of the club’s fabric. It’s sad because these are good people. I know they are well-equipped to move on to new opportunities. They were integral to Millwall.”
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