How did you become involved in football and when?
An ex-player, I became more involved when the lads in the village had no one to run a team, so I decided to take the task on; plus I needed the exercise! The next season I was elevated to Club secretary and also started refereeing. I found that I enjoyed the admin. side of things and became a member of the Cambs Colts League Committee and then Registration Secretary for a couple of seasons. Finally I became more focused on the refereeing side of things and concentrated on improving my performances.
What is your greatest achievement in football?
Getting promoted the National List of Officials and then being one of the officials on the Worthington Cup (now Carling Cup) and FA Cup Quarter Finals, and the FA Vase Semi Final. It brings a lump to your throat when you run out at the top grounds in the Country. I just wish every referee could experience this thrill.
What do you most enjoy about your role at the Cambs FA?
We have a great team at Cambs FA and all work together to get the job done when pressure mounts. I get a real ’buzz’ when I see referees progressing and enjoying their football. To have played a small part in their development is very satisfying. I just love the job and the ‘hands-on’ involvement and appreciate the support I get from the Council and Chief Executive to ‘do my own thing’.
And what is your greatest challenge in your work?
Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day! I tend to start early and am sometimes here until late (just ask my wife!) However my greatest challenge is getting the appropriate recognition for some of our officials that I feel they deserve. I would love to see more Cambridgeshire officials operating at the top level with Darren Deadman.
Your favourite team?
I am not fanatical about any one team…I just like to see good football. In my youth, Man. Utd. were my favourites … Dennis Law and Georgie Best! I now follow all the local teams and love to see them do well.
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