SG Asst Referee Gary Stott
Gary was appointed as an Assistant Referee to the 2007 Football League Trophy Final, the 2005 FA Youth Challenge Cup Final the 2003 Football League Division Three Play-Off Final and four Football League Play-Off Semi Finals.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I was introduced to refereeing in 1989 after breaking my leg playing football. Seven months and four operations later I was advised not to play again. I went every Sunday to watch my team mates play and on a few occasions they did not have a referee so they asked me if I would referee the game, which I did and enjoyed being able to take part in a game again. I then took the necessary courses and exams and passed my Class 3(as it was then).I was promoted to Class 2 in June 1992 then becoming Class 1 in 1993 and started to run the line on the North West Counties League which I did for one season and was promoted into the middle. In 1997 after my second season in the middle I was promoted to the National List of Assistant Referees where I served for 10 seasons before being promoted to the Select Group of Assistant Referees in 2007/8 at the grand old age of 46.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlights of my career so far have been two trips to the Millennium Stadium, the first being the Division 2 Play Off Final and the second the 2006/7 Johnsons Paints Trophy Final. I have also run the line on the FA Youth Cup Final.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
The best game I have officiated in was the Crystal Palace v Sunderland game in the Play Off semi-final because of the intensity of the game and the fantastic electric atmosphere, this game had everything.
What are your aims as a Select Group Assistant Referee?
My main aim as a Select Group Assistant Referee is first and foremost to be kept on the list and secondly I would love to officiate at Wembley and gain my lions.
What skills do you think you need to become a Select Group Assistant Referee?
The skills I think you need to become a Select Group Assistant Referee are, A high standard of fitness, be mentally strong and be able to perform to a high standard week in week out season after season and be willing to learn and take on advice.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
My biggest influences has come from many of my colleagues and associates, especially Trevor Massey who has been a good mentor throughout my career and Alan Rawcliffe who was promoted to the National List at the same time as myself and has been my room mate and good friend for the past 10 years until his retirement last year, then obviously it goes without saying that I have tremendous support and understanding from my family who have been behind me every step of the way.
In your opinion who is/was the best Assistant Referee?
In my opinion the best Assistant Referee and the one who impressed me in my early days was Mark Warren and later Phil Sharp.
