A wonderful episode to end the year. We talk VAR after a tough weekend for the officials and we ask Co-Pilot about the hosts. How much does AI know?
A huge thank you to all of our guests in 2025. We will be back in 2026 with a fresh new look and even more wonderful guests!
This week we discuss all the big refereeing discussion points. Is football in crisis and how do we improve the discipline within it? How long can football absorb the discipline issues within it and the constant barrage of 'discussion' from the media?
Is the NENE derby a terrible derby? And was Kevin Nolan right to call the Cobblers' red card 'ridiculous?'
Join us once again for some fine refereeing debate on the number 1 refereeing podcast!
What made Kieran Clarke step into refereeing? This week we talk to Kieran about his career in football and why he has given up playing to continue with the whistle.
We also discuss why Wayne had 'beef' this week and discuss all of the other hot topics around football refereeing.
Thanks to you all who are listening to us on a weekly basis!
It was with great sadness that we learned this week of the sad passing of a Northamptonshire footballing stalwart - Richard Wilson.
In this episode we celebrate the impact that Richard had on local football. Always good for a quick-witted remark and a man who always had a smile, Northants football will miss Richard immensely.
We also talk about all the latest incidents of the weekend! Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
In this episode we talk to the one and only Stuart Burt who celebrated his 500th Premier League appearance at the weekend. What a phenomenal achievement!
Our congratulations go to Stuart on this incredible feat - a lot of hard work dedication and resilience in shared with the listeners.
Tune in to hear more!
It was wonderful to get to meet Nathan Mattick on our show. Nathan can be seen on TikTok and it's there that we learnt that he is the UK's first wheelchair user to have qualified as a football referee. Listen to Nathan's inspiring story on our show this week.
In other news, we discuss player management and question whether the sinbin rule in the UK is a help or a hindrance. Has this detracted from how referees communicate with players or could this be seen as a deflection from the poor behaviour of some players.
We also discuss the term 'it's part of the game' and get a bit ranty!
On this week's episode, we look into what is foul and abusive language. How can we manage those situations and are there tools we can use to prevent this occurring?
We also look into how we can enhance our match control. When does it start and how can we maintain in during the game.
We also look into the incidents from the weekend with a focus on whether the Liverpool 'goal' should have stood! What are your thoughts?
With Luke otherwise engaged, we turn to Gav Mack as we talk all things football refereeing this week. We discuss the need for good communication, effective talk and also discuss why Gav is taking a break from football.
How can we improve behaviour in football or has it now gone too far? Is there a way where the 'football family' can come together to solve the issues within it?
As ever, let us know in the comments what you think!
Children often follow in their parent's footsteps but this time it is the other way around. So why did Claire Paye take up the whistle? In this episode, Claire talks about the progression she has made from being terrified in an under 9s match to stepping up to level 5. She talks about how she is perceived as a female referee. A refreshing and insightful chat as ever!
We were so happy to have Mike from the Referee Circle back with us this week. Mike has recently returned from an injury and he talks about his rehab and how he is rebuilding his fitness. Lots of good chat in this episode about consistency and how it is so difficult to achieve.
FA CORE co-regional leader James 'Slim' Campbell joins us this week. He talks us through the changes to FA CORE and the extension of certain areas of the group. He also discusses the management of the game itself and how we can get the enjoyment factor back.
As ever, it was an enjoyable chat and gave us lots of food for thought. Let us know what you think by sharing your thoughts on our socials.
Like many young referees, Lucas Brace was a player and earning a bit of cash as a hobby. Upon reaching 16, he hung up the playing boots taking the brave step into adult refereeing.
Lucas talks about the challenges and the realistic goals he has set himself. A lovely episode to hear from a young referee talk so well.
Luke and Wayne also discuss the quality of ginger referees in the County and all the latest talking points!
Andy Woolmer officiated 500 Football League games so what now motivates him to want to give back to the local game? What does he have to do to maintain the levels of professionalism he has become accustomed to? Find out in this episode - it's a great welcome back!
The boys are back in town! You might have doubted us but the best refereeing podcast on this planet is back with more fun, games and debate throughout the season!
Follow us on all the social media channels and we look forward to interacting with you over the course of the season! Let's GOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Join us for a Summer bonus episode as we are joined by the co-founder of THE REF STOP!
Dale Wilson is not only an active official but he has created a brand that is making massive strides in the world of refereeing. Find out all their plans in this episode and how the Ref Stop came to be!
In this wonderful episode, we get to find out what it is like to referee an FA Cup final! From the performances leading up to the appointment, to receiving the phone call, to preparing for the game and the build-up, we hear it all. We also discuss the VAR and penalty decision but also think deeply about confidence and the pressure of getting the decisions right.
A brilliant end to the season - thank you to you all for continuing to listen to our podcast. See you later in the Summer ;)
The penultimate episode of the series and we are pleased to have Stuart Burt back. He talks about his upcoming appointment to the FIFA Club World Cup and the season he has had. He also talks about the pride of officiating in a match with his daughter and his role as a coach in local grassroots football. Once again we thank Stu for his time at the end of a busy season.
We had a great chat with Phoebe again as she continues to make huge strides in the women's game. We talk about the resilience to come back from injury and how a trip to Florida made her even hungrier for reaching the top of the game. We talk about her recent trip to Stamford Bridge and her pride at seeing her good friend and colleague Stacey reach the top of the domestic game.
This week we speak to Ron James. Ron has had a long and varied career in football starting from a playing career, refereeing and administration in football.
Ron is well-known in local footballing circles and is definitely a character! However, Ron is also passionate about referee development and protecting the key stakeholders in the game. Make sur e you tune in!
A good chat this week about the transition to refereeing from playing. What is the attraction? Is there one? Where is the next generation of referees coming from for adult football and does social media have a part to play?