Pot? Kettle? Black?
Nov 2005

At the recent grand opening of Millwall’s brand spanking new indoor astroturf facility next to the Den, our Acting Chairman Theo Paphitis criticised the Premier League clubs for not caring enough about their supporters. But do Millwall fans really believe that our club care about us? Of course, the club cares deeply that people buy tickets and replica shirts for the whole family. But other than that, are they really interested in us?

Over the past few years football has changed, becoming much more about brands and much less about communities. As a result, clubs have begun to view their supporter base differently, a change even reflected in the terminology used to describe us. Once we were fans, or supporters, now we are customers, consumers or in some cases, punters. While most brand owners want to find out what their customers want, Millwall FC know what’s good for us and no-one can tell them any differently – certainly not us punters.

Does it have to be like this? While previously loyal customers are deserting many Premier League clubs and indeed our own club, a quiet revolution is taking place amongst the supporters of lower league football clubs.

More and more clubs have realised that the supporters are a positive resource, an asset, and responsible supporters groups are gaining influence at these clubs. Even on our own doorstep, Charlton Athletic has a supporter representative on the board. While I don’t think we want to be quite like Charlton, they appear to be a well-run club.

13 league clubs are now controlled or owned by their supporters, 14 when Brentford finally say goodbye to Ron Noades.

Looking down to non-league for a moment, our recent FA Cup opponents Telford United went into liquidation shortly after our visit. This was because their then owner took on too many businesses and was unable to keep them all afloat. Within a week a Supporters Trust had been formed, the club was rescued in time for the next season and despite having to drop down three leagues attendances went up, sales of junior season tickets increased by 2000% and AFC Telford were promoted at the first attempt.

This may not have much to do with Millwall or be the most appropriate course for us to take, particularly considering that we are a PLC, unlike the other clubs mentioned. However, with Theo Paphitis in charge, most would agree that the supporters have no say in the way the club is run.

Whole MSC committees have stood down over the issue. Over the years, various supporters organisations have put forward ideas to the chairman and chief executive for increasing attendances, bringing back disillusioned fans, and improving relations between the club and the supporters, but with little response. The fact that the chairman and secretary of the MSC have recently resigned again shows that there is only so much you can take.

As supporters we have four choices. Give up on Millwall (as a few thousand seem to have done already), just lump it (and see the club decline further), stand up individually at games and make your voice heard (and run the risk of being ejected and banned) or join the Millwall fans organisation that campaigns for supporter influence - The Lions Trust.

The Lions Trust is a shareholder of Millwall PLC and we campaign for proper supporter influence at the Den. By joining the The Lions Trust supporters can have their voice heard, and the trust can increase its shareholding. If the trust can become a significant shareholder, we will have the right to influence decisions at the Den. Remember, chairmen, managers and players move on, but the fans are here forever.

The Lions Trust is a democratic, not for profit organisation, with a formal constitution, which includes its aims and objectives. It is owned by its members and The Lions Trust is duty bound to carry out the wishes of its members. For more details, to see the Trust’s aims and objectives, or to join online, visit the website www.thelionstrust.co.uk. Or write to The Lions Trust, PO Box 24767, London SE13 6GY. Do it today. It only costs a tenner, even less for concessions.