Select Group Alan Wiley
The only referee to be appointed as referee for the two domestic cup finals in the same year – Carling Cup Final and FA Cup Final in 2006.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I used to go with my father to watch professional football when I was younger, and like other fans I used to moan and groan about the match officials. That was when my father said to me 'If you think you can do any better, have a go at refereeing.' I took a referees course and that was how I started.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It has to be the 2005/06 season when I was appointed as referee to both the Carling Cup Final and the FA Cup Final.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
The 2006 FA Cup Final between Liverpool and West Ham United was the best game I have officiated. It is not very often you get an exciting and high scoring Cup Final, but this game ended 3-3 and a great advertisement for the English game. The bonus for me was that it was the Cup Final that I was appointed to.
What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?
My aims are to produce consistently good performances in all of the competitions that I officiate. I also aim to pass on some of my experience on to the less experienced referees who have recently been promoted on to the Select Group so that they can be considered for elevation on to the FIFA Referees List in the future, thus enhancing England’s' already good reputation in Europe and throughout the World.
What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?
To referee in the professional game, there are many skills sets that are required. Firstly, you have to be fit enough to cope with an ever increasing speed of the game. Full knowledge of the Laws of the Game is essential and even more importantly, how to apply the laws whilst refereeing a game. Man management skills are also important as you are dealing with players, managers and administrators at all times. Being able to work as a leader of a team is also an important skill set.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
Since my appointment into the Select Group in 1999, my mentor Dermot Gallagher has given me lots of advice, encouragement and constructive criticism over the last few years, and still does. He is now a great personal friend and for me to have him as my mentor, a referee who was appointed to EURO 96, only to suffer a horrific injury was a real bonus for me. I have also received lots of very good advice from Graham Poll who knew how to manage top players in the top games. His words of wisdom have been invaluable.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
