James Berylson reacts as Millwall announce significant change at The Den | OneFootball

The Lions have announced a new deal involving their lease on The Den.

Millwall have called The Den home for the last 33 years. They left The Old Den in 1993, with their new ground becoming the first stadium in the country to have been built after the findings of the Taylor Report were fully published in January 1990.

The Lions have not enjoyed too much success in their all-seated stadium, spending 22 seasons in the second tier in the newest version of the ground, while also featuring in the third tier on 11 occasions. Promotion to the Premier League is yet to be achieved, but the club are closing in on their return to the top flight.

Under the guidance of Alex Neil, the South-East London outfit are in fourth place in the Championship with eight games to go. Currently, they are just two points off the automatic promotion places, and they look incredibly likely to secure a play-off finish at the very least.

However, on Friday morning, a fresh update regarding Millwall's long-term future at The Den was given by the club, and there is plenty to celebrate in Bermondsey, with owner James Berylson issuing a statement on the new situation.

James Berylson breaks silence as Millwall announce fresh lease on The Den

Lewisham Council currently own the stadium, and there has been friction between the two parties in the past, with the Lions refusing to rule out a move away in 2017 if land around the ground was sold, as per a report from the BBC.

However, in May 2024, a deal was agreed in principle between the club and the council to extend the 120-year lease to a 999-year lease. Now, that deal has gone through, and Berylson has celebrated Millwall being able to call The Den home until 3035 at least.

He said (via: millwallfc.co.uk): "This is a defining moment for Millwall Football Club and Millwall Community Trust. Securing a 999-year lease at The Den gives us the stability and certainty every club needs to build for the long term.

"So much hard work, time and dedication has gone into reaching this moment after announcing the agreement in principle back in May 2024. I would like to thank Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, and all at Lewisham Council, for their positive and collaborative approach. Together, we have secured an outcome that safeguards our home while supporting the wider interests of the borough.

"I would also like to thank the staff of Millwall Football Club and Millwall Community Trust, as well as many supporters and advisers, who have put their heart and soul into this. Their effort and commitment has been so important throughout this process, and I appreciate every single one of them," Berylson continued.

"The Den and Millwall Community Trust is at the heart of who we are. This agreement ensures that future generations of supporters and wider community will continue to call it home. It allows us to move forward with meaningful regeneration and long-term investment – creating jobs, enhancing facilities and delivering tangible benefits for local residents.

"Collectively our ambition is clear: to build a strong, sustainable future for Millwall, on and off the pitch. But above all, to dream boldly, to turn vision into reality, and to unlock the full potential of this great football club. My family shares that belief with our incredible supporters. This agreement gives us the platform to make it happen."

Millwall will be hoping to celebrate their new deal with a vital victory v Ipswich Town

Premier League football is something that those at Millwall have never experienced, with their last top flight campaign coming in 1989/90. They finished bottom of the table, 17 points off safety, and the club will be looking to make a name for themselves once again.

However, they face an incredibly tough test this weekend, as they make the trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town. It's a game that could easily be the dress rehearsal for the Championship play-off final in May at Wembley Stadium.

Nevertheless, victory could see Millwall overtake Middlesbrough into second, ahead of their clash at the start of April. This is a vital point in the season for the Lions, and they can ill-afford slip-ups against promotion rivals right now.

Yet, with more security off the pitch, the club is in an incredible position to push for the Premier League this season and finally return to England's top division.