Berlyson issues ultimatum

Last updated : 12 April 2008 By Charlie Roper
The civil war that has broken out in the boardroom at The Den took another turn yesterday when chairman John Berylson issued an "it's me or him" threat in the increasingly bitter fight between the American and the PLC's largest shareholder Graham Ferguson Lacey.

Berylson issued the ultimatum after the Isle of Man-based property developer called for an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in response to the input of capital by Chesnut Hill Ventures last week that was designed to keep the club afloat for the foreseeable future.

However, after Ferguson called for the EGM he refused to explain his reasons, preferring to remain silent, and now Berylson wants his rival to reveal his true colours, believing that he does not have the best interests of Millwall Football Club at heart.

"If he wants to be a shareholder and shut up then that`s fine and we can work for the betterment of the club," Berylson told the Southwark News. "He refused to come on to the board where we offered him a chance to sit down and have his say, but instead he has decided to get up in our face, to call EGMs.

"It`s getting to a point for people to choose their medicine - it`s me or him. It is quite clear that we are not going to be able to go forward working in the same direction. Either he has the potential to make me an offer or to sell up - that`s up to him but it is clear we cannot go on together."