SG Asst Referee Nigel Bannister
Nigel was promoted to the Select Group of Assistant Referees in 2000. He has represented his country as an Assistant Referee in a 2004 UEFA Cup Tie and was also appointed to the FA Youth Challenge Cup Final in the same year
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
Whilst playing football I became injured and was out for a long period of time. A football friend of mine, who was also injured at the time, mentioned a local referees' training course that was about to start. We both took it and passed. I have never looked back since.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being an assistant referee on a UEFA cup game at Villa Real in Spain.
Refereeing an early round in the FA Cup: Whitby Town v Scarborough.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
I assisted a few years ago (4/5/03) an important end of season fixture Arsenal v Leeds Utd at Highbury which Leeds won 3-2. Arsenal were challenging for the title and Leeds were fighting for survival - they required the 3 points to stay in the Premier League. During the game I also disallowed an Arsenal goal for offside. It was a very intense game and the result swayed the title towards Man Utd. I didn't actually realise the implications at the time until I later watched the recorded program. The live TV coverage switched during the game and showed live pictures of some Man Utd fans in a pub jumping and celebrating the disallowed goal as well as the ones scored by Leeds. The atmosphere at Arsenal was fabulous. This was aided by lots of the Leeds fans who turned up in "Jim'll fix it" outfits.
What are your aims as a Select Group Assistant Referee?
To assist in a game of some sort at Wembley Stadium.
What skills do you think you need to become a Select Group Assistant Referee?
Physical Fitness; awareness; being able to blank out and cope with the high profile status and coverage of a Premier League game. Using the experience I have gained from many games to good effect.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
Eddie Wolstenholme (my ex-coach) and Paul Rejer (my current coach). Their technical advice, optimism, encouragement and understanding of assistant refereeing is second to none. I am most grateful to them both.
In your opinion who is/was the best Assistant Referee?
Phil Sharp and Darren Cann.
