James Berylson confirmed as new Millwall chairman following dying of father
N
ew Millwall chairman James Berylson has instructed followers he’ll “strive to fulfill the legacy” of his late father, John, because the membership begins “a new era”.
John Berylson, 70, was killed on July 4 when his automobile veered off the street in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and his funeral was held in his native Boston on Monday.
The lack of the much-loved chairman has shaken Millwall, though the membership’s possession has remained unchanged and on Friday morning James – generally known as Jimmy – introduced 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.
James Berylson died last week in a car crash.
/ Getty Images“I’ve witnessed unimaginable moments of pleasure, drama and success at The Den alongside my Dad and these recollections will final a lifetime. From this present day ahead, although, it’s 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 honest and immeasurable satisfaction that I tackle the Chairmanship of this nice soccer membership. It is what my Dad needed, and I’m so grateful for his mentorship since I joined the Board of Directors in 2010 and blessed by his belief and religion in me. I’m additionally grateful to my Millwall colleagues for his or her help in latest days but additionally, extra broadly, the recommendation and steerage they’ve supplied me over time.
“This will mark the start of a new era, one in which we will strive to fulfill Dad’s legacy.”
The succession has lengthy been deliberate and, like his father, James will oversee the membership from Boston whereas remaining in common contact with supervisor Gary Rowett, chief government Steve Kavanagh and others.
“John and I discussed this a year ago,” Kavanagh instructed Standard Sport. “Obviously we didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
“James and I’ve spoken daily since [his father’s death] and he’s already planning to attend dwelling and away video 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 can be survived by his spouse, Amy, and two daughters, Jennifer, and Elizabeth, and there are plans to the entire household to attend the Lions’ first dwelling sport of the season, towards 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 images and video tributes from The Den and people who took the time to go there or signal the web e book of condolence. Your collective help means greater than I can probably start to articulate.”