Millwall chairman James Berylson on transfer window and importance of being “financially sustainable”

Millwall owner James Berylson has talked about the importance of the club being “financially sustainable” – with the need to cash-in on top talent at the right times.

Berylson has had just over a year at the helm of the Championship club, taking control after his father John died in a road traffic accident.

“In advance of the transfer period we sat down and identified our top targets – players who could not only make a day one impact to the squad but also build long term value – on the pitch as well as financially – for themselves and the club,” said Berylson, in an open letter to fans on the club’s website.

“Identifying these players well in advance allowed us to methodically pursue them in the hope of striking the best agreements for both club and player. This is not a zero-sum game. We obviously need to manage costs but we also want players to understand that they will have an important role within the club and we will provide them training and the opportunity to increase their skills as well as their overall value.

“The window is short – deals need to be made rapidly but not in haste. Sometimes days or weeks go by without a signing and it feels like nothing is moving in our direction, then just as suddenly agreements are signed and announcements are made. This past transfer window followed that pattern. However, I am pleased that this has been one of our most successful windows in terms of acquiring our priority targets.”

Millwall cleared Zian Flemming to join Burnley on transfer deadline day with an obligation to buy, with the deal in the region of £7million.

The Netherlands number 10 was a club record £1.7m deal when he arrived from Fortuna Sittard.

“During the window we also were presented with a substantial bid from Burnley for Zian Flemming,” said Berylson. “Zian had two great seasons for the club and his reputation on the pitch as well as being a leader in the team did not go unnoticed.

“In order for Millwall to remain financially sustainable we must be willing to part with some of our best players, as painful as that may be to the club and its supporters. Again, this is not a zero-sum game. Millwall receives substantial compensation for a respected player and Zian moves on to a highly regarded club with Premier League experience.”

Millwall’s prospects Romain Esse and Alfie Massey also signed new contracts recently.

“The final piece of this process concerns our home-grown talent,” said Berylson. “Two of our future stars signed multi-year contracts during the window – Romain Esse and Alfie Massey.

“Other future stars like Kamarl Grant are honing their skills on loan and will ultimately return to the club with more experience, ready to join the first team.

“Romain, Alfie and Kamarl are all products of our academy system and they continue to grow in ability both technically and tactically. It’s exciting to think what they and other academy graduates will contribute to Millwall’s success on the pitch as they develop further.

“It’s been just over a year since the untimely death of my father, John Berylson, and I am determined as ever to carry on his vision and legacy for Millwall. What I’ve outlined above, a consistent process for identifying, acquiring, developing talent, and when the opportunity presents itself and makes sense for club and player, to sell on, will allow Millwall to compete at a high level as well as be financially sustainable going forward.”