Kenny Jackett will let chairman John Berylson lead Millwall out at Wembley if they beat Blackburn in tonight’s FA Cup quarter-final replay at Ewood Park.
Wigan await the winners and Roberto Martinez wants Latics chairman Dave Whelan to take on the traditional pre-match duty next month. Whelan broke his leg playing for Blackburn in the 1960 FA Cup Final and is considering the sentimental offer.
Jackett has not spoken to Berylson about walking Millwall out of the tunnel but will not stand in the American businessmen’s way if he wants to do it.
“If the chairman wants to lead the side out, he pays the bills and he can do it,” he said. “He is the chairman so I think he would tell me, rather than me tell him!
“He is a very good man and puts a lot of time, effort and money into the club.
“He enjoys his football and is very passionate about all things Millwall.”
Jackett has enjoyed a good relationship with Berylson, a 59-year-old Harvard graduate and former US Marine, ever since he was appointed as Millwall manager in 2007.
“That is key for a football club,” said Jackett. “You have both got to be on the same page moving forward. I am very fortunate in terms of how good he has been to me. I am into my sixth season here and our relationship is very good.”
Millwall failed to make the breakthrough in Sunday’s draw at The Den but travel to Blackburn knowing they have already won at Ewood Park this season.
Chris Wood and James Henry scored in a 2-0 win in November and Jackett, who has no fresh injury worries, said: “It shows our players that we can do it. We played well on Sunday so we want to repeat that. The level of anticipation is high but we need to concentrate on the game like any other. Our form has fluctuated of late. We have found some big performances but then we have dipped so the challenge is to maintain that level.”
Blackburn v Millwall, Live on ESPN 7.30pm.
