A Lewisham Council meeting to decide on the forced purchase of land around The Den was dramatically adjourned on Thursday evening.
The decision was taken after cabinet members were made aware of the threat to Millwall’s ability to sustain the Category Two status of the club’s academy if the land was sold to property developer Renewal.
Millwall achieved Category Two status in 2013 under the Elite Player Performance Plan and several first-team players including Fred Onyedinma, Sid Nelson and Ben Thompson have come through the academy.
A club statement said: “Millwall Football Club is pleased that Lewisham Council’s Mayor and Cabinet has taken the opportunity to investigate further the potential impact of a CPO in terms of the club’s ability to operate a Category 2 Academy under current proposals.
“We look forward to assisting in this process and would further reiterate our serious concerns about the devastating impact the CPO would have on the Club, our Academy, MCT and community.”
The next meeting to discuss the compulsory purchase order will take place on January 11, 2017.
Image source: ©Millwall FC