By Lions Trust
December 17 2004

The Lions Trust members have made their views public in a recent questionnaire. The question of Theo Paphitis' successor has been on everyone's minds this season, and the Lions Trust have made it clear how they feel on this issue. The latest round of canvassing the views of the members of The Lions Trust has seen some changes from previous opinions expressed, particularly regarding Theo’s stewardship of the Club.

Previously, Lions Trust members have always been overwhelmingly supportive of the Chairman, despite having issues with some of Millwall’s policies, particularly regarding the way the fans are treated. The members’ opinion has now tipped marginally below the middle, the average Lions Trust member is now slightly unhappy with Theo’s stewardship. Furthermore, the majority are of the opinion that this is the right time for him to move on, hopefully bringing in someone who will continue Theo’s good works, but bring some fresh ideas and fresh money too. Obviously the Trust members see the way the Club uses the resources of its long term stakeholders, the fans and the shareholders, as an area where they would like to see change. The membership are almost unanimous in believing that Ken Brown would not be an appropriate candidate for Chairman, suggestions offered included Gianluca Vialli and Frank Maloney.

The majority of members are unhappy with the Club’s transfer activity over the summer close season, although since the signing of Barry Hayles and Scott Dobie the members are now happier, just disappointed that it took so long to get them in. The members were marginally in favour of taking slightly more risk in order to improve our promotion prospects this season, which is a move from previous opinions registered, which have always been more cautious.

The allocation of tickets for home and away matches when demand outstrips supply continues to be a regular issue, despite the Club’s efforts and a vast improvement as time has gone on. Most Trust members see a ballot as a fair way to allocate tickets, but would prefer to see a loyalty scheme devised, as at many other clubs. The members are almost unanimously in favour of those who travel regularly to away matches having priority for away tickets. This could be done through an away season ticket scheme. The view was expressed that a loyalty scheme could be divisive though.

The cost of the Academy is unanimously believed to be money well spent.

To join, or to find out more about The Lions Trust and its objectives, visit www.thelionstrust.co.uk or write to
The Lions Trust, Freepost NAT5595, PO Box 24767, London SE13 6GY.