LIONS TO FIGHT ON OVER CRUCIAL LAND...
MILLWALL will continue to fight to safeguard their future after a decision on whether land around The Den should be sold to property developers was delayed earlier this week.
Lewisham Council was due to discuss compulsory purchase orders at a meeting on Wednesday, but the issue was deferred and a legal investigation will now take place.
Millwall fear their longterm future would be under threat if the land were to be sold to Renewal, a property development company.
Lions chief executive Andy Ambler said: “We live to fight another day but the battle continues.
“We know there are more battles to be won and we have to fight every step of the way to make sure the future of the club is secure.”
If it eventually goes through, land which includes the club’s car park would become privately owned. Millwall chairman John Berylson has warned that this would “threaten the club’s very survival”.
The League One club have submitted plans to build 400 homes, a hotel and a new base for the Millwall Community Trust. This would result in money being generated to protect the club’s future.
Millwall, who currently lease the land, hope the delay will give them time to win more support from Lewisham Council.
Ambler added: “We look forward to further dialogue on how we can move forward. I am optimistic that when we speak to councillors they will understand our point of view.”
A petition against the sale to Renewal has gained more than 15,000 signatures, and former England international striker Gary Lineker is just one big name to show his support for the South London club.
However, the property developers say their plans would not damage Millwall or the club’s future.