Tributes are being paid to Millwall owner and chairman John Berylson, who has died in a “tragic accident” at the age of 70.
The American businessman first became involved with the Lions in 2006 and has overseen what the club described as a period of “tremendous success and stability”.
A Millwall statement released last night read: “It is with a collective broken heart and the deepest of regret that we announce the passing of our beloved owner and chairman, John Berylson. The thoughts of everyone are with his wife, Amy, his three children and the rest of the family.
“John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him. He was a truly great man, devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness. He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others, with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people.”
The former US Marine became a significant shareholder in Millwall in 2007, after leading a consortium which invested in the then-League One club, and replaced Stuart Till as chairman in the same year. Under his stewardship, Millwall twice won promotion to the Championship, the latest in 2017, and they have since established themselves in the second tier, pushing for a play-off place in four of the past six seasons, despite having one of the lowest budgets in the division.
“He has presided over some of the greatest moments in Millwall’s history, and his influence in providing the platform for those was immeasurable,” continued the statement. “John continued to speak eagerly about the new season and his vision for the future, and any success moving forward will be in his memory and honour. It will be his legacy.
“John revelled in the club’s underdog status and mentality. He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters. He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan-base will miss him beyond measure.”
A book of condolences, which will be shared with Berylson’s family, was opened outside the Den on Wednesday morning for supporters to pay their respects.
Berylson, a noted philanthropist, pumped around £100million into the club and passionately fought Millwall’s corner during a long-running dispute with Lewisham Council over the land around the Den, which nearly forced the Lions to relocate outside the borough.
In an era when a number of Football League clubs have suffered instability and there is widespread scepticism about the intentions of many owners, Berylson established a reputation for running Millwall sensibly and with a personal touch.
The club’s former striker Steve Morison told talkSPORT: “He’s shown the rest of the Championship how to run a club. It’s going to hit so many people. He’s not an owner or chairman that you don’t see or speak to — he’s there, he goes round and sees everybody.
“The promotion final we won, he was there in the dressing room after. It’s how he was with us. Whenever he was at a game, he’d come in the dressing room. He knew everyone’s family, he knew everyone’s kids.”
John was a fantastic person who cared passionately about Millwall and did so much for the club and the community.
Jed Wallace, who left Millwall for West Brom last summer, tweeted: “Leader, Chairman & Friend. Only a couple of weeks ago on the phone to hearing this shocking news I can’t imagine how everyone within the club feels. Thank you for everything you did for me & my family Mr Chairman. Your legacy will live on forever.”
Crystal Palace owner and chairman Steve Parish tweeted: “John was a fantastic person who cared passionately about Millwall and did so much for the club and the community.”
A number of clubs have sent their condolences, including West Ham, who wrote: “Everyone at West Ham sends their deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all at Millwall during this tragic time.”
The Millwall squad is currently at a pre-season training camp in Spain and have plans to make a video tribute.
