SG Asst Referee Ceri Richards
FIFA Assistant Referee (FA of Wales) from 1992 to 1993, FIFA Referee (FA of Wales) since 1994. officiated Euro 2008 Qualification Group Matches and was AR to the 2006 FA Challenge Cup Final.
How did you get introduced to Refereeing?
I started running the line for my local Carmarthenshire League club, Dafen Welfare, and a senior referee, Len Pewsey asked me if I would like to do the referees course. I decided to give it a go and passed the exam at 14 years of age.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Officiating at the 2006 FA Cup Final between Liverpool and West Ham.
What is the best game you have officiated?
As an A/R the above match. Having watched most Cup Finals since 1972 it was a fantastic honour to be the only Welshman to have lined the Cup Final. I only received the call on the morning of the match due to an injury to Peter Kirkup but was honoured that the FA had asked me to step in. The fact that it was the last final at the Millennium Stadium in my capital city of Cardiff just added to the occasion.
As a referee the 2002 World Cup qualifier between Estonia and Holland. For a Welshman to referee one of the biggest football nations in the World Cup competition was a fantastic honour and when I looked at the Dutch team at the start it was difficult to put a price on the amount of football talent on show.
What are your aims as a Select Group Assistant Referee?
Having been on the list at the start of the Premier League in 1992 my aims now are to simply enjoy the rest of my career and to remain on the list for a few more years.
What skills do you think you need to become a Select Group Assistant Referee?
Dedication and the ability to make big decisions whilst in the public and media spotlight.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
My wife Rhian and son Nathan who have been so supportive over many years and without this I would never have been able to achieve what I have been lucky enough to do in football.
In your opinion who is/was the best Assistant Referee?
There are many world class Assistants on the Premier League and it would be unfair to nominate just one.
