BOSTON — John Berylson, an American businessman identified for his enthusiastic possession of the English soccer workforce Millwall, has died. He was 70.
His demise, the results of a automotive crash in Massachusetts on Tuesday, was introduced by the second-division London workforce, which mentioned Berylson presided over a number of the biggest moments in Millwall’s historical past since first turning into concerned with the membership in 2006.
Team captain Shaun Hutchinson described Berylson as “an example on the perfect way to run a football club.”
“He really did love the club. He had so much time for every single person whether it be fans or the players, shook everyone’s hand, came across and individually spoke to every single player before every game,” Hutchinson mentioned in a video posted to Twitter by the workforce.
Police and rescue staff obtained a report of a automotive crash in Falmouth, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of Boston, simply earlier than 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Police mentioned the 2019 Range Rover was touring south when it misplaced management on a curve and careened off the highway, rolling over in a ravine and coming to relaxation in opposition to a tree. Berylson, the one occupant within the automotive, was trapped and needed to be freed utilizing mechanical means, police mentioned,
Berylson was pronounced lifeless on the scene. Police mentioned the reason for the crash stays underneath investigation.
“John was, without any doubt whatsoever, the best club owner I have ever worked with, and I would argue strongly that he was the best chairman of any club in this country,” Millwall CEO Steve Kavanagh mentioned. “I feel so desperately sad for John’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Millwall has spent almost all of its 138-year existence exterior of England’s prime division.
Its solely spell within the prime flight was over a interval of two seasons from 1988-1990, which was earlier than the institution of the Premier League as one of the vital profitable and standard sports competitions on this planet.
Millwall additionally reached the English FA Cup remaining in 2004, shedding 3-0 in opposition to Manchester United.
Arguably its most well-known former participant is Teddy Sheringham, who went on to play for United and England. England’s all-time main goal-scorer Harry Kane additionally had a brief mortgage spell there as younger participant.
Berylson turned concerned with Millwall in 2006, and by the next yr he led a consortium to put money into the membership, which was then within the third division of English soccer.
He reportedly offered funds of round 100 million kilos ($127 million) and the membership was twice promoted to the second division throughout his time.
Berylson was CEO of the personal fairness agency Chestnut Hill Ventures LLC.
He was additionally a philanthropist. He and his spouse supported the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation which invests in organizations offering well being, training, financial safety and neighborhood wants in higher Boston. The basis declined to remark Thursday.
Berylson by no means put strain on gamers and was fast to hitch in a celebration, in line with Hutchinson, who recalled Berylson’s response after one playoff win.
“He was in the dressing room with his cigar in his mouth jumping around, celebrating, spraying Champagne with us,” he mentioned. “He was a madman at times and that’s one memory I’ll never forget.”
As the world emerged from the pandemic, Berylson wrote a letter in February 2022 expressing his religion in each the workforce and its followers.
“It feels like we’re on a bit of a journey as a club – a transitional one – and we hope you’ll join us in your numbers as your support is absolutely crucial (more so than at any other club in my opinion) to success on the pitch,” he mentioned in an announcement posted to Millwall’s web site.
“Having that extra couple of thousand inside the stadium makes the world of difference on and off the pitch,” he added.
Berylson additionally fought on Millwall’s behalf in a dispute with the native council over land surrounding the membership’s stadium which may have compelled it to maneuver.
“John revelled in the club’s underdog status and mentality,” the workforce mentioned in an announcement, praising his “remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.”
“John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him,” the membership added. “He was a truly great man.”
Content Source: www.washingtontimes.com