Millwall has called The Den home for the past 33 years. They vacated The Old Den in 1993, and their new stadium became the first in the country to be completed following the full publication of the Taylor Report’s recommendations in January 1990.

The Lions have had limited success at their all-seated stadium, spending 22 seasons in the second tier in the most recent iteration and 11 seasons in the third tier. Although promotion to the Premier League remains a goal, the team is on the verge of returning to the top flight.

The South-East London club, led by Alex Neil, is fourth in the Championship with eight games remaining. They are currently only two points away from automatic promotion, and they appear to have a good chance of finishing in the play-offs.

However, on Friday morning, the club provided a fresh update on Millwall’s long-term future at The Den, and there is much to celebrate in Bermondsey, with owner James Berylson making a statement on the new situation.

Millwall’s James Berylson breaks silence as they announce a new lease on The Den.

Lewisham Council currently owns the stadium, and there has been tension between the two parties in the past, with the Lions refusing to rule out a move away in 2017 if surrounding land was sold, according to a BBC report.

However, in May 2024, the club and council reached an agreement in principle to extend the 120-year lease to 999 years. Now that transaction has been completed, Berylson has celebrated Millwall’s ability to call The Den home until at least 3035.

He stated (via millwallfc.co.uk): “This is a watershed moment for Millwall Football Club and Millwall Community Trust.” Securing a 999-year lease at The Den provides the stability and predictability required for long-term club development.Much hard work,

time, and dedication have gone into getting to this point since the agreement in principle was announced in May 2024. I’d like to congratulate Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE and everyone at Lewisham Council for their positive and collaborative approach. We achieved a successful resolution that protects our home and benefits the municipality as a whole.I’d also want to thank the Millwall Football Club and Millwall Community Trust staff, as well as numerous supporters and advisers,

for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts and commitment have been invaluable throughout this process, and I am grateful to each and every one of them,” Berylson added.

“The Den and Millwall Community Trust is the foundation of who we are. This agreement ensures that future generations of supporters and the larger community can continue to call it home. This enables long-term investment and job creation in the area, providing substantial benefits to inhabitants.Our collective ambition is clear: to build a strong, sustainable future for Millwall, on and off the pitch, but above all, to dream boldly, turn vision into reality, and unlock the full potential of this great football club. My family shares that belief with our incredible supporters, and this agreement gives us the platform to make it happen.”

Millwall will hope to celebrate their new deal with a critical victory against Ipswich Town.

Millwall have never played in the Premier League, with their last season taking place in 1989/90. They finished at the bottom of the table, 17 points from safety, and the club will aim to build a name for itself once more.

However, they have an extremely difficult test this weekend when they travel to Portman Road to play Ipswich Town. It might well serve as a dress rehearsal for the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium in May.

Nonetheless, victory might propel Millwall beyond Middlesbrough into second place ahead of their match at the beginning of April. The Lions cannot afford slip-ups against promotion contenders at this stage of the season.

However, with increased security off the pitch, the club is in a fantastic position to compete for the Premier League this season and ultimately return to England’s top level.