Club agree compromise over Family Enclosure

Last updated : 02 April 2009 By Van Blerk's Crossing
Millwall Football Club have decided to relax their stance over their plans to move the Family Enclosure from the Lower East Stand to the Lower West.

Originally the club had informed fans who had season tickets in this section, some of whom had sat there ever since the ground opened back in 1993, that they would have to move. However, following complaints by some of these fans the club have agreed to them remaining, providing they follow certain guidelines.

The move, which came about after a series of discussions between the club and the MSC, was welcomed by supporters' club chairman Bob Asprey.

"The retrospective move has got to be welcomed," he told the Southwark News. "The club were very keen to listen to the views of the people concerned and have responded to those conversations.

"We have said all along that the club went about it in the wrong way, with the lack of initial consultation with the current occupants of the family enclosure and the occupants of the west lower.

"The implementation has been messy, but result should be okay."

Club Chairman John Berylson also spoke of his pleasure at an agreement being reach and saw it as progress in terms of improving the relationship between the club and its fans.

"I cannot deny that I now see their point," he revealed. "I hate change and I know they do too. But I couldn't stand by and see people hurling obscenities in front of five-year-olds anymore and expect to build on our fanbase.

"It is not me going back on what I said. It is going to be the family enclosure. I have not changed my position on it. If people are able to fit in and play by the rules in the new Family Club, then they can stay."