National Group Colin Webster
Colin is a Chartered Surveyor, is married with two children and lists property development and ‘learning to fly ‘as his interests outside football. He started refereeing in his native North East in 1988 and progressed through the Wearside and Northern Leagues to reach the National List in 1994. He was promoted to the Referees’ List in 2000. Honours include A/R FA Trophy Final in 2000, 4th Official FL Play Off Final in 2005, and refereeing appointments for FL Play Off Semi Finals in 2005/06/07.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I took up a course whilst still playing and studying to become a Chartered Surveyor. I passed the exam and the rest is history.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It depends upon whether you consider getting an honour or getting a chance a highlight. Getting to referee 10 minutes in place of an injured Graham Poll when 4th Official in the Premier League at Newcastle v Manchester City in 2002 was a highlight and I tried to ensure that the correct amount of stoppage time was added - belated apologies for the 5 mins plus stoppage time. Being involved as an Assistant at Wembley in 2000 and as 4th Official at Cardiff in 2005 are both significant honours and will therefore always be remembered.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
From a purely football perspective , and in recent times when Reading were going for promotion to the Premier league they played away at Crewe in what turned out to be a magnificent 3-4 away win. It was fast, end to end non stop action. Both sets of players just wanted to play and from a fans perspective it was fantastic entertainment value - the score line could have ended up 8-8. From a referees perspective it was just a pleasure to be involved.
What are your aims as a National List Referee?
My aim is to keep my place on the National List for as long as is practicable, deliver a good service to the PGMO and be remembered in refereeing circles for the right reasons.
What skills do you think you need to become a referee?
I think you have to be a good people person - for me its important that you are approachable, communicative, treat players fairly and try to be as professional and consistent as you can. That way you earn respect and trust which are vital in helping to control matches.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
No one individual could take the credit as biggest influence but the majority of people who know me and with whom I have had the pleasure of working with will have all had an influence on my development as a referee. There are many active individuals on both the Premier and Football Leagues who I have respect and admiration for in different ways. I am also proud to say that I am from the North East and we have for many years produced some very fine referees up here. I have no doubt we will continue to do so with the correct guidance and development.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
Its unfair to single out any one referee as the best because they will all have achieved "greatness" at different times when the physical, personal and technical demands placed upon them have been different. I am sure my opinion will be different to the next mans so I will keep it to myself!
