Blogs & Opinion


The young ones

Daid talks refereeing, young managers and Tottenham-Chelsea

David Jones Posted 17th October 2012 view comments

On last week's Footballers' Football Show, Mike Riley helped us to unravel some of the myths around refereeing.

The man who hires, fires, appoints and disciplines the Premier League's officials also offered a fascinating insight into what makes a top referee.

Fitness is key with the man in black covering an average of 12 kilometres during a game, and most of that at high intensity.

Robinson: the MK Dons boss will be on this week's Footballers' Football Show

Robinson: the MK Dons boss will be on this week's Footballers' Football Show

Surprising, then, that age is no longer a barrier to a referee's longevity. All they must do is regularly complete the exacting fitness test: 150metres in 30 seconds, walk 50m and then repeat 20 times. Impressive!

It explains why during our analysis on live games referees are so often in the right place at the right time.

Riley also revealed how hard it is to spot diving offenders; and how much officials will embrace goal-line technology when Fifa get around to licensing their preferred system.

Advantage

This week, we're joined by Matt Porter, who at 26 became the Football League's youngest chief executive when appointed by Leyton Orient and Karl Robinson, the youngest manager in the Football League when he succeeded Paul Ince at MK Dons aged just 30.

FOOTBALLERS' FOOTBALL SHOW
10pm, Thu, Sky Sports 1 HD
Click here to remote record

They'll be joined by Northampton boss Aidy Boothroyd, who was only 35 when he guided Watford into the Premier League.

The advantage of youth is sure to come up and, among other topics relevant to our guests, we'll discuss the impact salary capping has had on lower league clubs, the possible impact of losing FA Cup replays and how to boost dwindling attendances.

Elsewhere, I'm really looking forward to hosting Sky Sports' live coverage of Tottenham v Chelsea this Saturday lunchtime. It's always a lively London derby but this time the Andre Villas-Boas factor gives the game that extra edge.

Only seven months since ago he was the main man at Chelsea, with Roberto Di Matteo in the shadows as his assistant. Now it's Di Matteo's Chelsea who visit AVB's Tottenham as European Champions. How swiftly the landscape can shift in football.

back to top

Other Football Experts:

Latest Posts in Football:

Niall Quinn

Season to remember

Niall Quinn blogs on Saturday's Champions League final and looks back on an enthralling campaign....

David Jones

Excitement overload

The Premier League season is done and dusted but the entertainment is just starting, says David Jones....

Chris Kamara

A fantastic finale

Kammy blogs on the final day drama, retiring legends and why Gareth Bale should stay at Spurs....

6 comments

Latest News RSS feeds

Martinez considers position

Roberto Martinez is considering his position and will make a decision on his future within the next 24 hours.

Falcao happy with Atletico

Radamel Falcao insists he is happy to stay at Atletico Madrid despite speculation over a summer move.

Newcastle deny Carroll move

Newcastle United say they have no interest in re-signing striker Andy Carroll

Rodgers keen to keep Suarez

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he expects striker Luis Suarez to be at the club next season.

Live transfer updates

Follow our transfer clockwatch for the latest news and speculation ahead of the summer window opening.

Features

Jamie Redknapp answers your Champions League questions

Jamie Redknapp answers your Champions League questions

Jamie Redknapp will answer your questions in our special Champions League webchat on skysports.com on Thursday.

Sky Sports pundits pick their greatest European Cup moments

Sky Sports pundits pick their greatest European Cup moments

Charlie Nicholas (Soccer Saturday) - Celtic break Britain's duck

Walcott on England

Walcott on England

Sky Sports caught up with Theo Walcott to talk England ahead of their forthcoming friendlies.