‘Special occasion’ – Millwall prepare to say goodbye to beloved chairman John Berylson
Bristol City arrive at The Den for the second league game of the season on a day where the Lions will pay tribute to the late American businessman
The popular chairman died in a car accident in America last month, leaving fans shocked and saddened.
But people at the club have come together in the face of the tragedy.
Supporters left floral tributes and shirts outside The Den in the days following Berylson’s death, while John’s son James released a moving statement after replacing his late father as chairman.
In the opening game of the season against Middlesbrough and in pre-season matches, Millwall and opposition clubs have been honouring Berylson’s memory but Saturday’s clash against Bristol City will be the first home league game since his death.
Rowett said: “It’s always going to be a difficult scenario. I’m sure if John were here, he wouldn’t want it to be a sombre occasion. He would want it to be a celebration, I would imagine, of all the things he did well at Millwall.
“Of course, there are going to be some tears and a lot of people who will be sad and respectful, but I also think we want to make it a good tribute and a great atmosphere and I’m sure that’s what John would want to see.
“And I hope it’s the performance on the pitch that pays tribute to him. It’s going to be a very difficult occasion. It’s going to be very unusual and challenging but also joyous as well.
“But also, we have to respect the fact that it’s not just about us. Bristol are coming to our ground and they’re going to want to win the game so we need to balance between a good tribute and preparing and performing well in the game.”
Millwall are planning heartfelt pre-game tributes to Berylson, who died at the age of 70.
There will also be a minute applause before the match.
Captain Shaun Hutchinson believes Saturday will be a “special occasion” as the club pay their respect to the “perfect chairman”.
He said: “It’s been a very emotional pre-season as you can imagine and I know the fans will want to show their appreciation to the family and John.
“It will be emotional and it will be a special occasion. It’s not even just this game. Through pre-season and the game against Middlesbrough on Saturday there’s been plenty of songs and chants about him and it’s everything he deserves because he was just the perfect chairman really.
“And you can you see through the tributes and send-offs how much he was loved by everyone at the club.”
Berylson first become involved with the Lions in 2006 before becoming a significant shareholder and the chairman a year later.
Under his guidance, the club have been promoted twice to the Championship and become an established top-half club in the second-tier.
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