54 Dinnington and Maltby Guardian Friday 22nd May 2009
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I’m a passionate Miller, says top Premier referee WEEKS after refereeing Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final triumph against Bayern Munich, Howard Webb found himself in more comfortable surroundings.
Howard Webb is known for his presence on the pitch and can deal with the big names
be some tensions, you’re aware there is going to be some pressure on the players, and spectators will be edgy,” he said prior to the Championship sport@worksop-guardian.co.uk promotion decider between Reading and Birmingham City. across the world. “We expect that sort of thing at One week Webb will referee Brazil this time of the year.” versus Italy at a packed Emirates “You hope they pass without any Stadium, the next week he’ll jet off to incidents that could be attributed to Massachusetts to officiate a key us and you hope that the best team North American game. wins.” “I’ve made a fortune; it’s a As much as he enjoyed That may be the case when he is fantastic life,” said Webb with a refereeing such a significant working but when it comes to broad grin. Rotherham he is very biased. game at the Nou Camp, the “We experience some really high After such a fantastic season, Webb Don Valley Stadium is where highs, when you’re involved in great believes next season can be a he calls home. games, and obviously some lows as memorable one for the Millers. For many, the athletics and football well.” “You hope they’d kick on from “But that’s part and parcel of sport here really,” he said. stadium may not be fondly thought at this level, I guess, and I’m just of – especially with the home fans – “I mean 12 months ago we had a delighted to be involved.” but for the Premier League referee new ground, coming in with minus As he mentioned, there are and life-long Miller there is nowhere 17 points, and they’ve all done certainly some lows. he’d rather be. unbelievably well.” I caught up with Webb just days If he can get there, that is. “I take my hat off to Mark Robins after his controversial decision to “I’ve been to more games than and to Tony Stewart, the Rotherham award Manchester United a penalty, chairman, for the great job they’ve ever before,” he said after Rotherham’s final game of the season which eventually spurred them on to done.” comeback from two goals down to against Exeter City. “And if we can continue from this win 5-2 against Tottenham Hotspur. point then we expect a serious “Well not ever before, but since But contentious decisions are only promotion challenge next season.” I’ve been refereeing in the Premier natural in such a fast-paced League because I’ve had so many But before he can think about next environment. Rather than mistakes, games that have not started at 3pm season, Webb has a few it is Webb’s fitness and presence for on a Saturday.” appointments to keep. which he is most noted. “Monday nights, Sunday, what One of these is refereeing the final He has become one of the best have you, so I’ve probably been to 10 of the most famous cup competition referees in Europe and officiates games at the Don Valley Stadium in the world – the FA Cup Final many of the most vital matches. and two or three away matches as between Chelsea and Everton at But how does he prepare for those Wembley. well.” “The passion still runs high for me sort of games? It sure is a hard life being a referee. “You’re aware there are going to with Rotherham United.” The former police officer has progressed from the local leagues in and around Rotherham to become a FIFA-listed official who referees
by Simon Peach
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There’s more to come, says Reuben Reid ROTHERHAM United’s Reuben Reid has a greater determination to gain promotion than ever.
After losing 1-0 to Exeter on the final day of the season, Reid and the rest of the Don Valley side watched on as City celebrated promotion to League One. To make matters worse, if it hadn’t been for the 17 point deduction at the start of the season, the match would have decided which of the two sides went up automatically. “I don’t think jealous is the word, because they deserve it –
by Simon Peach
sport@worksop-guardian.co.uk the word is probably sickening,” said Reid, pictured. “Obviously, we started the season with minus 17 points and, bearing that in mind, the lads have done fantastically well, even though we kind of had the mindset that it’s a nothing season.” “We came that close to making the play-offs but we know that we should have definitely pushed for promotion.” “We should definitely be up there fighting for automatic promotion next season.” After securing back-to-back promotions, Exeter will welcome the likes of Southampton, Leeds United and Norwich City to St
James Park while the Millers have to start again in League Two. But Reid, League Two’s Player of the Month for March, said he is undeterred and is keen to build on his recent goalscoring form. “To be honest, from the offset I said if I get 15 goals I’ll be happy,” he said. “I’ve not been playing as a central striker so to get 19 from a wide right area I thought was not too bad.” “It’s been good – my first real season in senior football and I’ve really enjoyed it.” “And it could have been better still – there’s a lot more to come from me.” Reid scored 11 goals between March and the end of the season, finishing fourth in the division’s scoring charts.