Millwall RFC have been told they can return home to Millwall Park in principle – but not in the coming season

Millwall RFC have been told they can return home in principle - but not in the coming season, writes John Hyde.

The club have pleaded with Tower Hamlets Council to allow rugby at Millwall Park on the Isle of Dogs.

Currently, the first team, who won the league and cup double last season, play at Victoria Park, meaning a trek across the borough for every home match.

The council has now responded to Millwall's request and promised to carry out a Playing Pitch strategy to assess whether there is any space available.

In a letter to the club, Jamie Blake, from the council's community, localities and culture department, said: "It would be inappropriate to authorise adult rugby at Millwall Park in advance of the Playing Pitch Strategy and we propose that for the 2009/10 season, games are played at Victoria Park.

"However, it is feasible for adult rugby to take place in Millwall Park and we will ensure that this is included as an option in the new strategy."

The club now have to wait until September for the findings of the council report.

"We want to grow but we have hardly any visibility in the area," said Millwall chairman Mike Costin.