National Group Russell Booth
Started refereeing in 1984 in Mansfield and progressed to the National List of assistant Referees in 1998. After only one season promoted to the SG of assistant referees until he reached the National List of referees in 2004. Refereed FL Play Off semi final in 2007, and was 4th Official at the League 2 Play Off Final at Wembley. Spare time activities include cricket, gardening and coaching children’s’ football.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
As a player I didn’t want to play Saturday and Sundays but I still wanted to be part of the game
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
4th Official at Wembley in the 2007 league 2 play off final
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
West Brom v Derby County in December 2nd 2006 as it was a great game and it kick started a great season for me.
What are your aims as a National List Referee?
To become a select group Referee and Referee a major Final
What skills do you think you need to become a referee?
Man Management of people and some sort of playing experience.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
My Coach Trevor Simpson as he has always been honest with me and as helped me improve my own game.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
That’s a difficult question as we have so many quality officials but I would probably go for Alan Wiley as he is low profile and never gets mixed up in controversy
