Exclusive: Millwall planning for 6,000 capacity for fans from October

Millwall are planning for some fans to be back at The Den from the start of October – with an expected capacity of just under 6,000.

The South London Press understands that the Lions have been busy devising their strategy for when supporters are allowed back into stadia soon after the 2020-21 season has started.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the domestic football season to halt in early March before resuming in late June – the remaining matches took place behind closed doors without any fans in attendance.

Millwall have sold around 2,600 season tickets and they will be at every match where crowds are allowed. They will sell another 900 season tickets where the same rule will apply.

That leaves around 4,000 season ticket-holders from the previous campaign who are yet to renew and only space for 2,000 more.

So the plan is for a further 4,000 fans to effectively rotate – one group would attend a fixture and then miss a game before returning for the next match.

It is seen as a fairer option than Millwall selling up to their limit, thus preventing a major section of the fanbase from seeing any live action.

The Lions will also leave an allowance for hospitality but there is set to be a limit of six people per box and the normal numbers in the directors’ box will be cut right down – for example a maximum of six scouts will be allowed to attend.

The upper and lower tier of the away end will also house Millwall fans.

Work has already started on moving the turnstiles out to the main gates with checkpoints placed in front of that – allowing food and drink kiosks to be outside in the car park area.

It will also allow the SE16 Bar and the Blue Bus to be used during matchdays because it will be positioned inside the turnstiles.