Assistant Referee David Coote
Location: Nottinghamshire
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
My dad played to a good standard locally in Nottinghamshire and played local Sunday morning football for the team my uncle managed. I used to go and watch regularly and ended up as their club Assistant Referee aged 12! Local referees persuaded me to take the course when I reached 14.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
My first game as a National List Assistant Referee at Stockport County v Hereford United in August 2006 – achieving a career ambition.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
Southampton v Sheffield United, 4th May 2008. It was an honour to officiate in Phil Joslin’s final match as a National List Referee. It was the final day of the season, with Southampton in the relegation zone before kick-off, and Sheffield United still able to reach the Play-Offs, a 33,000 sell out. Southampton came back from being 1-0 down to lead 2-1, then 2-2, and then win it 3-2 to survive, prompting a mass celebratory pitch invasion at full-time that we were stuck in the middle of – a successful day for us as match officials and a fitting match for Phil’s retirement.
What are your aims as a National List Assistant Referee?
To achieve excellence, be trusted and enjoy every experience.
What skills do you think you need to become an Assistant Referee?
Physical fitness and agility, strong mental awareness, power of concentration and composure.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
My parents have always given me fantastic encouragement, whilst Phil Joslin, Rob Townsend and others at Newark Referees Society, as well as other close friends in refereeing have given me tremendous advice and support throughout my career.
In your opinion who is/was the best Assistant Referee?
Phil Sharp has achieved more in his assistant refereeing career than many of us could dream about.
