Millwall unveil renamed road at the Den in tribute to former chairman
Millwall Football Club officially unveiled John Berylson Way, formerly Zampa Road, in a tribute to the club’s former chairman on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions took on Preston North End in the Sky Bet Championship, but before the action got under way, chairman James Berylson and chief executive Steve Kavanagh unveiled the new road sign and commemorative wall at the entrance to The Den, surrounded by a crowd of supporters.
At the unveiling, Mr Kavanagh said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be doing this.
“It’s taken a bit of time but we got there eventually with the council’s support, so thank you to Southwark council and to Lewisham council because they’ve supported us in getting this done.
“I’d like to say thank you to the supporters’ club because you’ve helped fund pieces of this.
“So thank you to everyone who has contributed in that way.”
The road sign and wall adorned with the club’s new address are located outside the main entrance to The Den’s car park. Moving forward, Millwall’s new address is The Den, John Berylson Way, Bermondsey.
💙 An everlasting tribute to a wonderful man.#Millwall pic.twitter.com/y9WigDivd8
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 27, 2024
The move is part of the club’s long-term plans to commemorate the life of John Berylson, who died in a car accident in July last year.
Saturday’s home game against Preston North End, which ended in a 1-1 draw, marked Millwall’s annual Memorial Day, where a pause was held to remember all those from the Millwall family whose lives were lost in the previous year.
James Berylson said: “On behalf of my family, I would like to thank everybody who has contributed to the change of road name.
“As I have said in the past, my dad absolutely adored Millwall, the fans, his staff and all those associated with the club, and to have his name on road signs outside The Den, and in the address, is very moving for my family and I. It is something he would have been immeasurably proud of.
“We are very grateful to the supporters’ club for co-ordinating the funding used here, and of course the fans who have contributed to raising that money, and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the unveiling ceremony on Saturday.”
A spokesman from the club thanked fans and residents who wrote in with their backing for the move.
He said: “The club would like to publicly thank the Millwall Supporters’ Club, who have covered the considerable costs of this project with monies generated from their ‘JGB’ commemorative badge sales last summer, which had been added to the John Berylson Legacy Fund.”
Pictured top: James Berylson and Steve Kavanagh unveil John Berylson Way on Saturday (Picture: Brian Tonks/Millwall FC)
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