Season over? It only seems like yesterday
It only seems like yesterday when I stepped out at Upton Park on the opening day of the season to ref West Ham v Man City, but Sunday was my last game, which resulted in me awarding Everton their only penalty at home this season. Has the season finished already?
When the smell of fresh cut grass and BBQs dominate the air, my senses tell me it's time to get the golf clubs out and take a rest from active refereeing.
However this summer will be slightly different. I've reached that age where in theory I should be put out to pasture and find a 'proper' job.
Recent legislation on ageism in the work place means that I will not know if I am to be retained on the Premier leagues refereeing panel until early June, so until then don’t ask me to buy the beer cos’ I'm skint!
What a great year I have had though.
I’ve refereed 24 Premier games, appeared at Wembley in the Carling Cup and not made one major error, apart from sending Frank Lampard off playing for Chelsea against West Ham. But that was my linesman giving me dud info!Why has the year gone so well?
I think the main reason must surely be one of concentration. To remain focused on the job and not get distracted or let your standards slip must be the learning point for anyone and it was certainly for me this year.
Not withstanding what the outcome of my future holds I should be having a few weeks off, however, in their wisdom the authorities have appointed me as fourth official for tonight’s (Thursday) play off game at near-by Carlisle v Leeds and then as the reserve ref at Wembley when England entertain the USA at the end of this month!
As for our local sides, it's well done to the two Daventry teams and a special well done to Long Buckby.
It's great to see the progress that these clubs have strived for, manifest itself into league positions.
So it is left for me to close by saying look out for the only English team to make it to Euro 2008, that is my good mate Howard Webb and his two colleagues who will represent the refereeing family in the tournament this summer.
Happy summer.
