
Last updated: Friday 11 April, 2008
Peter Garston
I am 44 married with 2 sons Harry 20 (after Harry Cripps) and Alfie 18 (after Alfie Woods) my wife wouldn't allow Gordon (after Gordon Hill) and live in Bickley, Bromley.
I work for a major telecommunications company, I have total responsibility for the account management of customers to a value of 9.2m My first game, home game 1970, away 1972, since then I have attended an average of approx 90% of home games and 70% of away games. I have never lost the passion to go, Millwall for me is not only about the football (luckily!) Along with my wife I am a current season ticket holder.
There is a great need to market Millwall to youngsters, they are the clubs future, we need also to reduce ticket prices for youngsters/families where possible and fill any empty seats with people who are potential fans.
I feel there is a strong need to put more focus on the junior lions, they will grow up and bring their children eventually, we need to give them better facilities, the possibility of their own area on match days, to make this feel like a family club, we need to listen to and act on their needs.
We also need to take the club to the local area, build up strongholds in the other areas where Millwall fans have moved out to, for example Welling/Sidcup/Dartford, we need to look at the club assisting with communal travel, also look at the car sharing options to get more fans in.
We, the fans need to be made aware of any major projects concerning our club to be given time for our ideas and concerns to be taken into account. There should be a reward scheme for continued long-term attendance, so fans can be recognised for their support.
I believe there is a need to build a relationship between the fans and the Chief Executive of the club, I feel there is a huge rift between certain key staff and the fans, that rift needs bridging as a matter of urgency, we all need to work together for the club.
I would arrange meetings with the chief police/stewards to find out how we can improve their relationship with the fans, I would like to see any issues fans may have with the police/stewards discussed and resolved.
I suggest any "banning orders" should be reviewed by the FOTB, this way the FOTB can ensure any "banning order" follows correct process, the club also needs to make sure the fans understand the "banning" process, the stewards/police need policing to ensure their behaviour is appropriate.
I believe the job is too big for one person; therefore I would have representatives from all areas of the fan base on a mini board to help and to get their sections views over.
My experience of following Millwall home and away for the last 35 years, understanding of Millwall culture, my business knowledge, my ability to put into laymen's terms any relevant boardroom information, along with desire to want the best for Millwall FC are the right qualities needed to be the fans representative on the board.
Contacting Peter
Peter can be contacted via the following email address: petergarston@hotmail.com