Lewisham council inquiry over controversial plan to seize land around Millwall’s stadium to start next week
The inquiry set up by Lewisham council into its controversial plans to seize land around The Den will begin next week.
It is hoped the independent investigation into circumstances surrounding the proposed compulsory purchase order that threatened to evict Millwall from their home will be completed by the end of the year.
The inquiry, which will cost up to £500,000 of taxpayers’ money, will be led by Lord John Dyson.
Meanwhile, Neil Harris blamed defensive lapses for Millwall’s 2-0 defeat away to League One leaders Sheffield United.
The unmarked Jack O’Connell headed the hosts in front in the 16th minute and Kieron Freeman made it 2-0 early in the second half after Millwall failed to clear the ball.
This was Millwall’s game in hand on sixth-placed Southend and defeat leaves them three points off a play-off place, adding to Harris’s frustration.
“The first goal, we don’t defend a set-play and then with the second, we have three chances to clear the ball better than we did and we didn’t,” said the Millwall manager. “You can’t give those kinds of players opportunities.”
“Bolton and Sheffield United are the two top teams that will get promoted this year. If you look at their set-play records— scoring and conceding — it’s by far better than anyone else in the League.
“That’s been our downfall tonight. We matched them man-to-man when we changed formation and went to 4-3-3, but we can’t give them a helping hand with the goals like we did.”
Millwall were better than in their 1-0 defeat at Swindon a Saturday, a result that ended a 16-match unbeaten run in League One.
“I’m disappointed with the result,” added Harris. “But I’m pleased with some aspects. A lot of our performance was really good.”