The Ref Stop

Chris Birchall signs for PGMOL

RefGod said:
I understand many of the counterpoints raised.

My view has been for a considerable time, from when I was in my first year as a Step 1 AR, that all EFL officials should be fully professional with a competitive salary. I would've then before the merger professionalised 2As and offered part time contracts to Step 1 ARs who met certain criteria.

For me, there are far better options and ways to invest financially than gimmicks involving 40 year old ex pros.
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I don't disagree with this bit, I think most EFL football fans are quite surprised when they learn that their referees have day jobs while players even at step 1 are largely full time. With that said, I've absolutely no idea about the intricacies of the financial side of doing this, so I can't criticise any decisions.
 
The Ref Stop
RefGod said:
I understand many of the counterpoints raised.

My view has been for a considerable time, from when I was in my first year as a Step 1 AR, that all EFL officials should be fully professional with a competitive salary. I would've then before the merger professionalised 2As and offered part time contracts to Step 1 ARs who met certain criteria.

For me, there are far better options and ways to invest financially than gimmicks involving 40 year old ex pros.
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Decent view for the first part, but realistically was never going to happen - the budget was/is just not available. Instead, with the money that is available becomes targeted. Only time will tell if it’s a success or not & if it isn’t, then to focus on something else.
 
I'm a bit torn on this to be honest. Chris Birchall is 40 years old, so what is he going to achieve in refereeing? He almost certainly isn't going to get anywhere near FIFA, and will he be taking the place of a much younger referee who would have a chance to getting onto the FIFA list. And whilst yes, he is an ex-pro but he didn't really pull up and trees, having spent most of his career at League 1 or lower.

Only time will tell I guess.
 
RefGod said:
A large number of those officiating between Level 2 and SG2 cannot afford to go part time on the ERDP salary. I do not see how recruiting 40 year old ex players is the right step forward. Not every ERDP official has been a success. The salary will not attract many.
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I know it's not for everyone, of course but there were a great number of referees at the level you specify applied. They were running fitness tests practically all day with approx 24 candidates running around at the same time. I was in a group of 6 and there were 3 other groups of 6 running it at the same time. Slots every other hour. So that's roughly 100 officials, on one of the days
 
To be fair to him, he'd already become a L7 before this initiative came about. Clearly had an interest before the PGMOL/PFA initiative.

Looks like Carl Baker (formerly of Coventry) might be another one of the group judging by posts on X.

Interesting how he gets on and where he officiates this season, possibly L4 level at some point?
 
RustyRef said:
I'm a bit torn on this to be honest. Chris Birchall is 40 years old, so what is he going to achieve in refereeing? He almost certainly isn't going to get anywhere near FIFA, and will he be taking the place of a much younger referee who would have a chance to getting onto the FIFA list. And whilst yes, he is an ex-pro but he didn't really pull up and trees, having spent most of his career at League 1 or lower.

Only time will tell I guess.
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I’m don’t agree with your views on this one. Just because he is 40 he is still potentially able to achieve much, including EFL & PL so long as he is able to pass the required fitness test/medical etc. I don’t think his League career as a footballer has any standing in the matter. Russell Slade didn’t achieve anything as a footballer, but still managed a PL team and many other professional teams. Just because someone can be a great footballer eg Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore doesn’t mean they are going to be great Managers.
 
RustyRef said:
I'm a bit torn on this to be honest. Chris Birchall is 40 years old, so what is he going to achieve in refereeing? He almost certainly isn't going to get anywhere near FIFA, and will he be taking the place of a much younger referee who would have a chance to getting onto the FIFA list. And whilst yes, he is an ex-pro but he didn't really pull up and trees, having spent most of his career at League 1 or lower.

Only time will tell I guess.
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For me that's the point. A relative unknown with a chance to test the system and processes out.

Getting a 'marquee' name seems unlikely especially as they'll likely have earned millions playing.
 
If it does end up being successful, then at the other end of the pyramid, it may inspire more ‘vets’ who hang up the playing boots to take up refereeing.

Breakdown the barrier of them & us.
 
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