Meet The Ref - Forest v Latics - Geoff Eltringham

Latics visit the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in round 2 of the Capital One Cup, the man in charge of the game is 32 year old Sunderland official Geoff Eltringham

So far this season young Geoff has taken charge of two games, Tranmere 3-1 Orient and Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 Birmingham, issuing a total of seven yellow cards across both games

Eltringham hasn`t been involved in a Latics game before, but he has previously refereed Forest>

Below is a recent (May 2012) interview with Geoff Eltringham by the Sunderland Referees Association, giving us a little insight into tomorrows nights whistle blower:

How where you introduced into refereeing?After finishing playing school football, I didn`t think I would be good enough to make the step up and play at a decent standard, so I therefore chose to go down the refereeing route. I took my course at Ryhope Cricket Club under the leadership of Dave Binsley.

What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
Lots of highlights such as officiating at Wembley, but promotion to the national list of referees was my overall highlight.
A target of mine when I first started refereeing was to be involved in Football League Football to some degree, so when I achieved it, it was very special.
I believe it is the low points that happen during your career, and how you deal and overcome them showing strength of character that ultimately makes you a stronger and better referee. Every referee will encounter low points from time to time.

What is the biggest game you have officiated and why?
My biggest game to date would be refereeing Nottingham Forest v Leicester City 2011/12, it was FA Cup 3rd round which gave the game a special feel. The game finished 0-0 with no major talking points which I was happy with.

What are your aims and ambitions as a referee?
My aim is to firstly retain my position then establish myself on the National List, which I feel after 3 seasons I'm starting to achieve.
My main ambition now is to referee at the highest level which would be the Premier League.

What/Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
Lots of people have had a big influence on my career, Malcolm Langley offered me the best piece of advice to ditch my beloved Sunderland season ticket, gutted at the time but I think it was the right choice!! At grassroots level I had good mentors in Ron Bates and Dick Madden. I have also worked with some great coaches on my way up the refereeing ladder including Phil Prosser, Matt Mattias and Alan Kaye, I'm currently working with Alan Wiley and Gary Willard who have been a great help with my development.

In your opinion who is / was the best referee
The best I`ve worked with are both current in Michael Oliver & Mark Clattenburg, but the referee who I used to look out for and admire was Paul Durkin, I thought he was a class act, maybe because we are similar heights!!!!

Nottingham Forest v Wigan Athletic
Referee: Geoff Eltringham.
Assistants: Simeon Lucas, Kevin Mattocks.
Fourth Official: Trevor Kettle.



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