In this wonderful episode, we get to find out what it is like to referee an FA Cup final! From the performances leading up to the appointment, to receiving the phone call, to preparing for the game and the build-up, we hear it all. We also discuss the VAR and penalty decision but also think deeply about confidence and the pressure of getting the decisions right.

A brilliant end to the season - thank you to you all for continuing to listen to our podcast. See you later in the Summer ;)

The penultimate episode of the series and we are pleased to have Stuart Burt back. He talks about his upcoming appointment to the FIFA Club World Cup and the season he has had. He also talks about the pride of officiating in a match with his daughter and his role as a coach in local grassroots football. Once again we thank Stu for his time at the end of a busy season.

We had a great chat with Phoebe again as she continues to make huge strides in the women's game. We talk about the resilience to come back from injury and how a trip to Florida made her even hungrier for reaching the top of the game. We talk about her recent trip to Stamford Bridge and her pride at seeing her good friend and colleague Stacey reach the top of the domestic game.

This week we speak to Ron James. Ron has had a long and varied career in football starting from a playing career, refereeing and administration in football.

Ron is well-known in local footballing circles and is definitely a character! However, Ron is also passionate about referee development and protecting the key stakeholders in the game. Make sur e you tune in!

A good chat this week about the transition to refereeing from playing. What is the attraction? Is there one? Where is the next generation of referees coming from for adult football and does social media have a part to play?

This week we are joined by Ryan Eldred - we discuss how self-reflection is important in refereeing and how we need to dig deep sometimes to show resilience.

We talk about our approach to refereeing and how this is impacted by the level of the game and the expectations of the key stakeholders in the game. A very interesting episode.

On this week's episode, we talk to local footballing legend Charlie Fleming. He talks about football in the 80s and how he feels it has changed over time. He talks about how refereeing has changed and the changes he feels should be made.

As usual, we also talk all the latest issues and see if Luke has recovered from his injury! We also discuss outside interference. Another great episode.

Sunday 17th November 2024 and Rob is refereeing a game between Northants All Stars and Northampton Exiles in the Nene League. He hasn't been feeling well. The next thing he remembers is waking up surrounded by strangers. Thanks to the expertise of a local healthcare professional, Rob was put into an ambulance and taken to hospital. That was his battle commencing to get back to refereeing but this wasn't the first battle Rob had faced in his life.

In this episode we discuss mental health and how refereeing has had a huge impact on Rob's life. A fascinating and often thought-provoking episode. The episode highlights the importance of talking and the bravery shown throughout is a superb listen.