Sorry for the delay in getting this out, I had it virtually completed and our business was burgled and I had to sort a few bits out.
We are still in a Play Off position at the moment with two games in hand, and nine points away from the second spot. The Scunthorpe result was very disappointing, not only for the points side of things but the fact that both Lewis Grabban and Robbo picked up injuries. Since then we have lost at Leeds and got a point at Stockport, so we are still in up there. I understand losing against Leeds was the first time this season we have lost two games on the trot. We haven't gone that long for a good few seasons.
The Chairman has asked my opinion as to why, considering our league position, our gates not increased. I think there are a number of reasons, our poor showing and problems behind the scenes in the last three seasons have had big impact. A lot of people were left disillusioned by the quality of football that was dished up. I suspect we will need to continue our good run this and next season to get back some of the disbelievers! The current financial plight doesn't help. Taking a family to any football match isn't cheap. The club, with input from myself and the MSC, are currently looking at incentives both financial and facilities wise to attract more kids and families to The Den. Hopefully some changes will be in place ahead of next season.
Another reason could be the way football has moved on in terms of the ease of attending matches. When I first started going, you would get up on a Saturday and then go to the game. There were hardly any stewards, you paid on the gate, you met your mates for a beer that was it.
One question that pops up time and time again from people I speak with is whether they need a membership to go to home games. I think there is a misconception that you need a membership for homes games. This is not the case and there have only been two members only games in the last two seasons, so there is no excuse there!
Once again Millwall has been headline news for all the wrong reasons in relation to the events at Hull. Obviously no one can condone the throwing of missiles but the annoying thing for me is that we hit the headlines and similar events at other grounds are not reported, I was on the halfway line and saw events unfold. I was amazed at the lack of adequate stewarding, considering when I last went to Hull on a Friday night we were corralled in between what seemed like a 100 police. There were a lot more Millwall fans there for the cup game so surely the police presence should have been relative.
Millwall have a stringent membership to ensure tickets are sold only to members.
Another good result at Hereford, then later in the week a local paper ran an article regarding alleged racial abuse of Lewis Grabban. I was close by when Lewis came off the pitch and saw how distressed he was.
Racist abuse is not acceptable, end of story. The entire team were affected by the whole affair. They are a close knit team, as close as we are as fans, so it is right and proper that we stick by them and support them.
I spoke with several people who were at the game, both in the seats and terraces. I have monitored all the messageboards as well, no one I spoke with at the game heard any racist chanting or abuse This leads me to believe it was either one or two individuals, or it was dialogue between Millwall and Hereford fans that was misconceived, hopefully the latter. As fans we need to stick together and let the team know we are behind anyone who pulls on a Millwall shirt.The transfer window closed on Monday 2^nd Feb. Adam Bolder came in on a permanent basis as did Richard Duffy with Izale McLeod and James Henry joining on loan. As I have said before, Kenny Jackett plays his cards close to his chest. This has been proven as there been few rumours coming out lately that have substance. All I can say is John Berylson and the board have given Kenny financial backing to strengthen the team, but Kenny will only do this if he thinks it will improve things.
Against Scunthorpe there was a trial to alleviate the problem of people smoking in the toilets. This is another example of the MSC and myself raising issues with the club and the club acting on them.
In the coming weeks I, along with the MSC, will be discussing with the club the new ticketing system and pricing structures for the coming season to ensure prices are kept at a reasonable level and there are offers available to attract new and lapsed fans.
Against Yeovil a fan was banned for foul and abusive language. I have spoken with the person involved and am in the process of arranging a meeting between him and Andy Ambler. This is not to appeal the decision but to go through the procedure and discuss several anomalies that have been raised. I just want to make sure that any processes in place were followed, and if not why not. I think it is right and proper that the discussions held are between the person concerned and the club in private.
I would finally like to thank Chrissy Bethell and Yvonne Haynes the club secretary Between them they have co-ordinated Dockers Day. From what I know it will be a great day for all concerned and will give us the chance to celebrate our club's history. The work that goes on behind the scenes is immense and they both deserve our thanks.
As always any questions drop me a line petergarston@hotmail.com