Well that’s it, my wife’s finger nails have all but been bitten off and the season has all but come to a close.

We can all look back and reflect on the highs and lows and pinpoint things we should have done and certain actions we should definitely not have done, but provided you have achieved what you set out to way back last August then you can reflect on a job well done.

However, for me that is not the case.

Entering my third season as a professional referee I set myself a target of refereeing 20 Premiership games.

Last Saturday, I refereed my 13th at Man City v Fulham, which proved to be my last of the season. Why only 13?

After a reasonable start to the season, I messed up in September when I allowed a free kick to be taken, without my knowledge or consent, and it resulted in the only goal of the game. My assessor took me to task and the mark reflected my lack of application of law.

I have been playing ‘catch-up’ ever since and as the Premiership appointments are based on who is at the top of the referees’ merit table, my chances have been slimmed down. Some may think that harsh, based on one decision, but in the world of extremely high standards that I find myself in, it’s a fact of life.

We have witnessed some strange decisions and some quite woeful ones during the past few months, but believe me all my colleagues have to answer to their peers about them and in some instances pay the price of non appointment to matches.

My aim next season must be to consistently achieve higher standard performances and be rewarded with an increased number of high-profile Premiership games. So after taking a few weeks off, I will be back in training and my wife’s nails should have been repaired by her beautician, Louise, in preparation for next season.
Have a great summer – see you all in July.