By Lions Trust
February 7 2005

The forthcoming appointment of Jeff Burnige as chairman is generally being welcomed, as one of the credentials he possesses is he's a genuine supporter. Chairman of the Lions Trust, Bob Asprey, gives his views. Asprey said: "Relations between Millwall FC and its fans appear to have reached an all-time low, with the announcement, on February 3rd, by the entire committee of the Millwall Supporters Club that they are standing down when their period of office has been completed.

"This is because 'current relations with the club...destroyed' their enthusiasm and 'lines of communication' disintegrated.

"They are not willing to volunteer any more time, effort and energy whilst Millwall FC fail to consult and respond to its long term stakeholders, the fans.

"But suddenly things are looking up.

"The announcement today that the new chairman is to be Jeff Burnige may well signal a change for the better.

"Whilst it remains to be seen how much change he'll bring to the Den, as a lifelong Millwall fan, and as a director for nearly 20 years, his qualification to be leader of the Millwall 'family' must be second to none.

"He is respected by the fans, always approachable, and always has time for a chat.

"With their relationship with the supporters in its current state, finding the right way forward for Millwall, and how the club chooses to take its fans forward with it, will obviously be on Jeff's agenda.

"With his established track record, we hope it's a turn for the better."