FIFA Mike Riley
Appointed as FA Cup Final referee 2001 and selected to referee in the European Championships in 2004 the same year that he took charge of the Carling Cup Final.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The 2002 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea, a great occasion and a great goal to remember it by.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
I was lucky to be asked to referee the West Riding under 12 final in 2004. The commitment, enthusiasm and sheer joy of playing football shown by all of the players was wonderful. It reminded me why I had started refereeing.
What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?
To referee the next match to the best of my ability.
What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?
A love of football, allied to the ability to remain calm and collected in match situations. Good communication skills undoubtedly assist in promoting positive relationships with players.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
As a younger referee I learnt enormously from watching George Courtney referee. A great referee and a great ambassador for English football. I have also been lucky to call on the support of many friends in football over the years, most of them in my local referees association.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
For what he achieved in his career and for the way he progressed refereeing standards at the time, George Courtney.
