Millwall

‘A wonderful treat’: Millwall fan, 82, visits The Den for first time in 60 years

Published

10 months ago

May 21, 2024

The staff at Ted Heardman’s residence, Heathfield Court Care Home, arranged for him to visit the Lions’ home field at John Berylson Way, Bermondsey, last month. Ted Heardman is eighty-two.

In Colyers Lane, Erith, Heathfield Court offers residential, skilled nursing, and specialized dementia care.

When he was younger, Mr. Heardman and his pals attended practically all of Millwall’s home games at what is now New Cross’s The Old Den.

“I adored this moment with my pals,” he remarked. We used to go to the football game in my late teens and early 20s, and then we would go to the pub for a few beers.

We used to laugh a lot when we went to away games. In the 1960s, I played darts for Millwall and earned a tankard (which I still cherish) for my team’s league championship in 1967.

The tankard that Ted Heardman received in the 1960s at The Den (photo courtesy of Heathfield Court Care Home)

However, Mr. Heardman claimed he could no longer afford to buy the tickets after getting married and having kids.

It has been more than 60 years since he last attended a sport, he remarked following his visit on April 9.

“It was lovely to visit The Den for the first time, and the tour was a wonderful treat. I definitely felt like I got the VIP treatment.”

“Having (care assistant) Zoe there with me after all of our Millwall conversations made it even more meaningful.”

Millwall defeated Plymouth Argyle 1-0 in their final home game of the season.

Ted Heardman visits The Den and looks past the pitch. (Image: Heathfield Court Care Facility)

“Having Millwall welcomed back to see a game was amazing, especially because the club won; it seemed like they went above and above to score a goal just for me!” Ted made a joke.

Along with him was Mr. Heardman’s driver, Duncan Hillman, and the care assistants Zoe Burton and Tracy Baker.

Following the visit, Mr. Heardman received an invitation from Millwall FC to attend the team’s final home game of the season, a 1-0 victory against Plymouth, on April 27.

Ms. Burton, a fellow Millwall supporter, stated: “My favorite aspect of my job as a care assistant is chatting to the patients, hearing their tales, and learning about their hobbies and interests.

“After Ted moved into Heathfield Court, we quickly struck up a conversation about our shared passion for football and discovered that we were also Millwall supporters.