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Howard Webb feature - his first interview after awarding Manchester United a controversial penalty against Tottenham Hotspur - and post-match interview with Rotherham United striker Reuben Reid (Dinnington Guardian, 22/05/09)
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ROTHERHAMUnited’s ReubenReid has a greaterdetermination togain promotion thanever.
After losing 1-0 to Exeteron the final day of theseason, Reid and the restof the Don Valley sidewatched on as Citycelebrated promotion toLeague One.
To make matters worse, if ithadn’t been for the 17 pointdeduction at the start of theseason, the match would havedecided which of the two sideswent up automatically.
“I don’t think jealous is theword, because they deserve it –
the word is probably sickening,”said Reid, pictured.
“Obviously, we started theseason with minus 17 points and,bearing that in mind, the ladshave done fantastically well,even though we kind of had themindset that it’s a nothingseason.”
“We came that close to makingthe play-offs but we know thatwe should have definitelypushed for promotion.”
“We should definitely be upthere fighting for automaticpromotion next season.”
After securing back-to-backpromotions, Exeter will welcomethe likes of Southampton, LeedsUnited and Norwich City to St
James Park while the Millershave to start again in LeagueTwo.
But Reid, League Two’s Playerof the Month for March, said heis undeterred and is keen tobuild on his recent goalscoringform.
“To be honest, from the offset Isaid if I get 15 goals I’ll behappy,” he said.
“I’ve not been playing as acentral striker so to get 19 from awide right area I thought was nottoo bad.”
“It’s been good – my first realseason in senior football and I’vereally enjoyed it.”
“And it could have been betterstill – there’s a lot more to comefrom me.”
Reid scored 11 goals betweenMarch and the end of the season,finishing fourth in the division’sscoring charts.
by Simon [email protected]
WEEKS after refereeingBarcelona’s ChampionsLeague quarter-finaltriumph against BayernMunich, Howard Webbfound himself in morecomfortablesurroundings.
As much as he enjoyedrefereeing such a significantgame at the Nou Camp, theDon Valley Stadium is wherehe calls home.
For many, the athletics and footballstadium may not be fondly thoughtof – especially with the home fans –but for the Premier League refereeand life-long Miller there is nowherehe’d rather be.
If he can get there, that is.“I’ve been to more games than
ever before,” he said afterRotherham’s final game of the seasonagainst Exeter City.
“Well not ever before, but sinceI’ve been refereeing in the PremierLeague because I’ve had so manygames that have not started at 3pmon a Saturday.”
“Monday nights, Sunday, whathave you, so I’ve probably been to 10games at the Don Valley Stadiumand two or three away matches aswell.”
“The passion still runs high for mewith Rotherham United.”
The former police officer hasprogressed from the local leagues inand around Rotherham to become aFIFA-listed official who referees
across the world.One week Webb will referee Brazil
versus Italy at a packed EmiratesStadium, the next week he’ll jet off toMassachusetts to officiate a keyNorth American game.
“I’ve made a fortune; it’s afantastic life,” said Webb with abroad grin.
“We experience some really highhighs, when you’re involved in greatgames, and obviously some lows aswell.”
“But that’s part and parcel of sportat this level, I guess, and I’m justdelighted to be involved.”
As he mentioned, there arecertainly some lows.
I caught up with Webb just daysafter his controversial decision toaward Manchester United a penalty,which eventually spurred them on tocomeback from two goals down towin 5-2 against Tottenham Hotspur.
But contentious decisions are onlynatural in such a fast-pacedenvironment. Rather than mistakes,it is Webb’s fitness and presence forwhich he is most noted.
He has become one of the bestreferees in Europe and officiatesmany of the most vital matches.
But how does he prepare for thosesort of games?
“You’re aware there are going to
be some tensions, you’re aware thereis going to be some pressure on theplayers, and spectators will be edgy,”he said prior to the Championshippromotion decider between Readingand Birmingham City.
“We expect that sort of thing atthis time of the year.”
“You hope they pass without anyincidents that could be attributed tous and you hope that the best teamwins.”
That may be the case when he isworking but when it comes toRotherham he is very biased.
After such a fantastic season, Webbbelieves next season can be amemorable one for the Millers.
“You hope they’d kick on fromhere really,” he said.
“I mean 12 months ago we had anew ground, coming in with minus17 points, and they’ve all doneunbelievably well.”
“I take my hat off to Mark Robinsand to Tony Stewart, the Rotherhamchairman, for the great job they’vedone.”
“And if we can continue from thispoint then we expect a seriouspromotion challenge next season.”
But before he can think about nextseason, Webb has a fewappointments to keep.
One of these is refereeing the finalof the most famous cup competitionin the world – the FA Cup Finalbetween Chelsea and Everton atWembley.
It sure is a hard life being a referee.
I’m a passionate Miller,says top Premier referee
There’s more to come, says Reuben Reid
by Simon [email protected]
Howard Webb is known for his presence on the pitch and can deal with the big names
For the latest news, features, leisure and sport visitour website at www.dinningtonguardian.co.uk
For all the latest news see our website at: www.dinningtonguardian.co.uk54 Dinnington and Maltby Guardian Friday 22nd May 2009
