Meet The Ref - Hartlepool v Latics - Phil Gibbs

The Hartlepool United v Wigan Athletic Carling Cup 2nd round tie will be refereed by Birmingham official Phil Gibbs who got into refereeing whilst at University studying to be a teacher.

The 44 year old is a deputy Head at an all boys private school during the day and he recently refereed the Womens FA cup final

Below is an interview that Gibbs carried out with refworld.com


How did you get introduced into refereeing?

As part of my studies at University I was asked to referee a game where someone had forgotten to arrange a referee. At the end I was asked by someone watching if I would like to take up the whistle and attend a course. The rest is history.



What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The 2007 Sunday Cup Final and asked to referee an FA Cup 2nd Round tie as a level 2


What is the best game you have officiated and why?

To referee Torquay v Aldershot in front of live TV cameras, when they both vying for promotion out of the Blue Square Conference, the game was very competitive with plenty at stake for both teams.


What are your aims as a National List Referee?

To be involved in a Play-Off Final


What skills do you think you need to become a referee?

A very good level of fitness mixed with an understanding of the game from a playing perspective. Also a good box of management skills aided by a sense of humour.


Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?

Two of my coaches who gave me the confidence in my own ability- Rob Harris and Paul Durkin.


In your opinion who is/was the best referee?

At present I look at Howard Webb as the best official in this country as he has the utmost respect of people in the game for his manner and control of very game he is involved in.



















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