05/10/09

We are now 11 games into the season with 14 points on the board. I know this is not the start Kenny and the team wanted or planned for but the amount of injuries has had a major impact.

We really need to average two points a game to be in with a shout, so we have started slowly. In my opinion the West Ham game really took its toll on the team, both physically and mentally coming so close to winning and then getting pipped at the post. We need to put that behind us and look forward to beating the teams in our league.

We haven't played very well early on. The Huddersfield game, I thought, would be the turning point. We played so well and it appeared, with a few players back, we were on our way. Then we played the Orient and struggled.

Scoring five goals against a poor Tranmere side will help boost the team's confidence. Now we really need to go to Swindon and get something to keep the momentum going.

Off the field things are never quiet, the fall out from the West Ham games is still rumbling on. We have now been charged by the FA for failing to control our fans, which considering we have no control on stewarding/policing at an away ground is difficult to understand because we as a club did all we could. Tickets were sold to members or Season Ticket holders and we asked for more tickets as we knew the consequences of fans travelling without tickets. We advised the authorities of our concerns if we didn't get enough tickets but on the whole we were ignored.

The board met and discussed the charges. We were fully aware the majority of our fans behaved well with no pitch incursions in the face of severe provocation. With that in mind we have decided to challenge the FA charges and clear our name that as per normal is once again being tarnished.

The Chairman and board have sought legal representation to fight the charges. To do this we need to make sure we have no further incidents reported. We all know supporting Millwall is a very emotive pastime. What happens on the field can sometimes really get to you, but we all need to make sure that we keep our emotions in check. Missile throwing and other acts that cause the club to be brought into the spotlight have to stop. The board can't fight our corner if our own house isn't in order, so when attending games we need to make sure we behave in an appropriate manner.

We have arranged a Help for Heroes day on November 21st against Wycombe Wanderers. This is our chance to support our armed forces who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect our civil liberties. So let's all show them our support and give them the welcome they deserve. The day has been organised by Millwall fan Karen Bain along with help from Ray James and the staff at Millwall. When I took the idea to the board it was agreed immediately.

I am two thirds of the way through my treatment prior to the operation. It's been up and down, but I'm managing to live as normal a life as I can due to the support around me, so all going to plan!!

As always if anyone has any questions for me drop me a line petergarston@hotmail.com

Pete