Millwall FC Chairman James Berylson highlighted the importance of Millwall Community Trust’s work in the local community in his open letter to supporters.
You can read the letter below:
I’m pleased to write to you all, our fantastic supporters, as we begin to close the curtain on 2023 and look forward to 2024.
I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas surrounded by loved ones and were able to relax, eat and drink plenty, open some amazing gifts, but most importantly, spend important time with family and friends.
New Year’s Day for me signifies the start of a different chapter; the fresh ideas, aspirations, and goals we set personally and professionally, whilst also offering us all a chance to reflect on the 12 months just passed. It’s safe to say that 2023 has been a year which has had its highs and lows for the club and given us some important perspective on life.
As I type this and reflect, I am filled with a mixture of emotions. There is some sadness as I think back to my father’s sudden passing and what a desperate time that was for us all. But in amongst those emotions, I sit here thankful and proud of how we as a club and family came out on the other side, and how the Millwall family has carried itself through 2023.
I’d again like to thank everyone for the love shown towards my family and the support from club staff during a complicated and sudden transition. The club’s proposal to rename Zampa Road to John Berylson Way would be a fitting tribute and I thank all those fans who live locally and have written in with messages of support behind the move.
Community is crucial for any football club and 2023 has been another year to proudly reflect on the amazing work the Millwall Community Trust has carried out within the local area. The Trust has worked with over 12,000 individuals this year, delivering over 25 different projects and programmes. The profound impact the Trust has had on our local community was recognised at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023, where they picked up the ‘Best Community Contribution’ trophy.
On the pitch, as is football, it’s been a rollercoaster of a year and there has been some highs and some lows. Whilst there have been moments we naturally look back on less fondly, there are many others which bring a smile on my face. Our 3-2 victory over Sheffield United from a Tom Bradshaw hat-trick with The Den absolutely rocking, the back-and-forth victory at Blackpool in April, Bristol City, where we came together to celebrate the life of my father, and Joe Edwards’ first win against Sheffield Wednesday are all standout moments.
These are memories which we have all celebrated together and hopefully there are many more to come. I applaud the attitude and work ethic of everybody at the club, especially during a managerial change, and look forward to our future as one united force.
The Academy is another source of great pride. This past year our Under 21s enjoyed deserved silverware at the end of last season with their League and National Final double, whilst our Under 18s tested themselves against the best in the FA Youth Cup against Arsenal.
Across the club and fanbase, we’ve experienced different challenges and weathered uncertain times together throughout 2023 but that Millwall spirit has remained unaffected throughout. As we step into 2024, let’s embrace what it has to offer as a family.
There will be enjoyable times and there will be tough times, but it’s vital we stick together throughout it all.
Finally, I want to wish every single one of you a very Happy New Year and good luck for 2024.
Come on you Lions!
James
