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"We Don't Want To Take The Passion Out Of Football." - Howard Webb

Monday 25th July 2011

Howard Webb MBE, the new NCEL league President will officiate at the Staveley MWFC v Chesterfield FC friendly on Wed 20th july 2011Howard Webb MBE (left) was the referee chosen to officiate at the World cup final in South Africa.

On Wednesday night though he was in more local surroundings when he refereed the friendly between Staveley MWFC and Chesterfield. Though much in demand from fans after the game (which ended in a win for the visitors) he managed to find time for a few words with The Chesterfield Post.

So-his verdict on the game first of all?

"It was an entertaining match," he said, "not much for me to do - a game like tonight you can concentrate on the football. I thought that Staveley gave a good account of themselves and could have nicked a draw. They did the Baris Northern Counties East League, of which I'm President, proud”

Howard is passionate about grass roots football and is proud to be involved in promoting it, "This is all hugely important. I started 21 years ago, refereeing in local football in South Yorkshire - that was a springboard to me going into the Champions League and World Cup, you see it with players also, they start often at local league level and then go onto bigger things.

"Non league clubs like Staveley are right to be proud of what they do," says Howard, "Look at a club like Staveley who have decent backers, who are progressing forward, it's a journey and it will be interesting to see where a local team like this can go . It's great for spectators to come along every Tuesday and Saturday to back the team - an exciting time."

Howard is also a vocal backer of the 'Respect' campaign - which has run through the Leagues for the last 3 years. Designed to promote good behaviour from all sides at games, Howard told us that, "It's a huge campaign, something being highlighted again this coming season. It's not a short term but here for good. We need to send keep sending messages to everyone in the game - show respect to the referee and to the opponents and promote the good side of football."

It's vital too if football is to keep it's reputation as a family game. "It's important to set the right example to the next generation from the top so that the prime example is strong and that everyone appreciates it. I have seen steps forward since it came in; the relationship between the Premier League players and myself is usually decent. We don't want to cut out the passion but it's essential that people behave in an acceptable way."

On a rainy, dark night in Staveley, that few weeks in South Africa must have seemed a world away but the memories are sharp says Howard, "It was an amazing 6 weeks and we were lucky to be part of an amazing event. Everything just fell into place for us to get to the final and that wonderful but challenging match.

"It was the pinnacle of my career without a doubt, it changed my life - I have been asked to be the Northern Counties League President and get involved in lots of charity things - it's nice that with the profile I have, I can do some good. There'll be no more high profile games like that though - it was a once in a lifetime opportunity."

The work begins again soon, with the start of the Premier League on 13th August. Howard admits he still can't quite believe his good fortune, "I'm lucky, I earn money doing something I love - it started as a hobby but the opportunity came to make a living when I started reffing for the Premier League.

"I was a policeman and reduced my hours initially but, once the European games started coming in, I took a five year career break. That's helped as it's been a good safety net - I've a family to support so a back up plan is nice. I need to make a decision in the next 18 months about going back. We'll see what happens. One thing is for sure though - I can't do undercover work anymore!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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