Assistant Referee Andy Madley
Location: W. Yorkshire
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I used to play at a decent level in the Youth Academy for a local professional club but I ended up getting injured. During the time I had out, the other lads had progressed a lot and I never did. My Brother (also a National List Assistant Referee) rang me to see if I fancied doing the course. I didn’t, but went along to offer him some support on the 8 week course I wasn’t that keen on refereeing, but soon got the bug!!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I was lucky enough to be Assistant Referee on the FA Vase Semi-Final as well as the Conference Play-Off Semi Final last Season between Burton Albion and Cambridge United. I am extremely proud of both appointments. I am also grateful to the appointments secretary at the Football League for making my first game as a National List Assistant a very special occasion. I was on the opposite line to my brother for the opening day fixture between Macclesfield Town and Bradford City. The support of a few family members in the stands topped off a very good day.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
The best game i have officiated in was probably my first ever League 1 game between Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic. It was a local derby, 1st versus 3rd in the league respectively, electric atmosphere and the toughest game I have been involved in. 11 yellow cards, a Manager sent to the stands and crowd trouble! Welcome to the Football League - brilliant!
What are your aims as a National List Assistant Referee?
My aims are quite straight forward. Be as good as I can in every game; try to learn something from every performance and work hard to be pushing for a place on the Select Group line.
What skills do you think you need to become an Assistant Referee?
I think the ability to ‘tune-in’ to the referees style and the game, are extremely important. Fitness is also a must. Assisting on the National List is a huge step up in terms of physical effort required. Linked to this is mental fitness and awareness. Things happen so quickly and you MUST be able to react in a calm, confident manner.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
There are quite a few people who have been kind enough to offer support and advice in my time as a referee. As a newly qualified referee I have to thank Chris Spurr. He gave me some valuable advice especially when acting as an Assistant Referee. I must also thank David Fuller for his guidance and his encouragement. I also had the opportunity of working with Alan Kaye as my Mentor for a short while. His enthusiasm for the game and Refereeing is second to none. I now have Steve Lodge as my Coach and it has been great working with Steve. However, the one person who I owe a lot to for not letting me get too carried away, is Mark Haywood (National List Referee). He not only offers advice on a regular basis, but has become a training partner and good friend (poor taste in music mind!). Finally, the support afforded to me by my family, as-well-as my fiancée, Rachel, has been extremely helpful.
In your opinion who is/was the best Assistant Referee?
In my opinion, you would have to go a very long way to find a better Assistant Referee than Phil Sharp. You only need to look at his achievements to realise his pedigree. He has ‘been there, done that and still wears the T-Shirt’ and long may it continue. I also believe David Richardson has a fantastic future in the game. His dedication, enthusiasm and concentration are superb.
