New Millwall chairman James Berylson has told fans he will "strive to fulfill the legacy" of his late father, John, as the club begins "a new era".
John Berylson, 70, was killed on July 4 when his car veered off the road in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and his funeral was held in his native Boston on Monday.
The loss of the much-loved chairman has shaken Millwall, although the club's ownership has remained unchanged and on Friday morning James - known as Jimmy - announced that he had succeeded his father as chairman.
"Dad had a deep and infectious love for Millwall," James, 42, wrote in an open letter to supporters. "He cared passionately about the players, staff, management and, most importantly, our supporters. It is a love that spread throughout the Berylson family and Millwall has become a huge part of our lives for so long now.
"I have witnessed incredible moments of joy, drama and success at The Den alongside my Dad and these memories will last a lifetime. From this day forward, though, it is about creating new ones.
"John Berylson, our Chairman, had dreams for this club. He had a vision and a plan, and I am fiercely determined and passionate about continuing his work and building on this foundation.
"It is with sincere and immeasurable pride that I take on the Chairmanship of this great football club. It is what my Dad wanted, and I am so thankful for his mentorship since I joined the Board of Directors in 2010 and blessed by his trust and faith in me. I am also grateful to my Millwall colleagues for their support in recent days but also, more broadly, the advice and guidance they have provided me over the years.
"This will mark the start of a new era, one in which we will strive to fulfill Dad’s legacy."
The succession has long been planned and, like his father, James will oversee the club from Boston while remaining in regular contact with manager Gary Rowett, chief executive Steve Kavanagh and others.
In memory of John Berylson. pic.twitter.com/bMdg3vc4Em
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) July 10, 2023
"John and I discussed this a year ago," Kavanagh told Standard Sport. "Obviously we didn't expect it to happen so soon.
"James and I have spoken every day since [his father's death] and he is already planning to attend home and away games this season."
Berylson Snr was widely regarded as one of the best chairmen in English football, overseeing the Lions with consistency and a personal touch.
There has been an outpouring of emotion from supporters since his death, with a mass of tributes laid outside the Den and queues to sign a book of condolences, while the club is discussing a permanent memorial with his family.
Since first becoming involved in the Lions in 2006, Berylson oversaw two promotions to the Championship where the Lions have consistency punched above their weight, particularly since Rowett's appointment in 2019.
Asked if fans could be confident the club remains in safe hands under his son, Kavanagh added: "100 per cent.
"John infected his entire family with a love for Millwall. I was invited into James' flat [in Boston] on Tuesday and it was amazing to see a wardrobe full of his Millwall clothes. Above all, John loved the club and was passionate about the Millwall family -- and James is the same."
Kavanagh added: "If he is half as good a chairman as his dad, he will be an amazing chairman."
John is also survived by his wife, Amy, and two daughters, Jennifer, and Elizabeth, and there are plans to the whole family to attend the Lions' first home game of the season, against Bristol City on August 12, to pay tribute to the US businessman.
"On behalf of the Berylson family, an enormous and very heartfelt thank-you to everyone for the outpouring of love and affection for Dad following the tragic events of last week," James wrote. "This remains a very challenging time for us but the many thousands of messages of support we received from our Millwall family have been a source of tremendous comfort.
"We are immensely grateful for the photos and video tributes from The Den and those who took the time to go there or sign the online book of condolence. Your collective support means more than I can possibly begin to articulate."
