Here's his blog post:
TIME FOR A REVIEW
One thing is certain: Professional Game Match Officials Limited cannot continue without a fundamental review of its operations.
The PGMOL is failing in its aim to
DELIVER EXCELLENCE ON THE FIELD.
This season we have all witnessed many disastrous performances and big game-changing errors. I share the view of one former top referee that the current group of professional referees is the worst that we have seen.
The latest big game decision error was the stupid dismissal of Wayne Routledge of Swansea City who himself was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge.
It is unbelievable that a so-called top referee should make such a mistake.
It is my view that the board of the PGMOL should return to its original constitution with the chief executives of The FA, The Football League and Premier League reviewing the current PGMOL operation.
Here is a suggested list of action that needs to take place:-
- Dispense with the services of the current PGMOL General Manager
- Dispense with the services of Keren Barratt
- Bin the Invigilators; this performance review procedure is not working
- Appoint Headhunters to find a new general manager. Howard Webb, Peter Walton, Hugh Dallas, should be invited for interview
- The PGMOL Management team would no longer require the attendance of Neale Barry, FA “Head of Senior Refereeing.” I suggest that he has failed to deliver a succession plan and few referees of any quality are coming through
- Re-assert what is required from the manager of the National List. More National List referees need to be developed in the succession plan
In addition to this course of action I would place on immediate notice that the services of the following referees will not be required for next season:-
- MIKE JONES
- ANDRE MARRINER
- LEE MASON
- CHRIS FOY
- LEE PROBERT (IF HE FAILS FITNESS TEST)
They would be re-trained to become part of the team of referee coaches to ensure that every game has a coach in attendance.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW REFEREES TO PGMOL
A list of potential recruits needs to be in place now. The pool of Football League referees and Premier League assistant referees should be examined in detail so that a list of names is secured and in place.
Tierney, Attwell, Stroud and Scott received this season an appointment to a Premier League game. Are they the future?
This group will then attend a series of weekend get-togethers where their potential will be thoroughly tested.
FITNESS
DECISION MAKING ABILITY
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING
REVIEW OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
It is plainly obvious that the current system is not working so return to the well-tested system that was in place when I left.
At these meetings it is essential that the general manager gives clear LEADERSHIP.
- Referees need to meet on a weekly basis to discuss decision-making accuracy
- This is done by DVD review and debate and discussion
- The bar on fitness levels needs to be improved. Re-engage a sprint coach to improve the referees’ dynamic sprinting
APPOINTMENT OF REFEREES TO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES
This is the responsibility of the general manager so the service contract of Keren Barratt will not be renewed.
Those referees in form to receive regular appointments.
PERFORMANCE REVIEW PANEL
Save expenditure by dispensing with this panel. It is this process that has undermined the confidence of our group of match officials. Instead:-
- Coach Reports
- DVD Review of big decisions
- Delegate Reports
- Performance Statistics
The technical director then uses this information to create the appropriate training material.
Those are my suggestions on changes. Currently performances are going in the wrong direction. Action needs to be taken to stop the regression.