Kentfa.com: What is your first football memory?
Keith Masters: My father taking me to see Peterborough United when I was 6 years old. Start of the season practice match – Reds Vs Blues.
Kentfa.com: How did you become involved in football?
Keith Masters: Played at school as a goalkeeper. Has a serious motor cycle accident when I was 16 which stopped me from playing. When declared “fit” by doctors I took up refereeing, from that I became secretary of the Hunts League, then in 1974 and then onto Kent FA in 1978.
Kentfa.com: Who was your inspiration when working as a referee and later becoming Chief Executive of The Kent County Football Association?
Keith Masters: My dear friend Derek Hayden, who sadly died 10 years ago. I met him when doing my training. We became close friends and he helped me through my early years as a referee. As an administrator I think Major Alan Dobson the late, great Secretary of the Army FA and had a great influence on my early days as a County Secretary.
Kentfa.com: Can you remember the first live game you saw?
Keith Masters: Peterborough United Vs Hull City Reserves in August 1952. Peterborough won 7-0.
Kentfa.com: What do you enjoy about being Chief Executive?
Keith Masters: Virtually everything. I feel very lucky that for the past 28 years I have had a vocation that was prior to full time employment a hobby.
Kentfa.com: What is the most memorable game you were involved in?
Keith Masters: As a player. Sawtry School Vs Huntingdon (We needed to win to be crowned champions) we won 7-0. As a spectator I was at the World Cup Final in 1966.
Kentfa.com: What is the funniest moment of a game you have been involved in?
Keith Masters: There are quite a lot. I think it was my first game as a linesman in a Hunts Cup. I had never sent a player off as a referee. During the course of the game a player called the referee an idiot. The referee called the player to him so I edged near to hear how a experienced referee handled the situation. He said (the referee) “I heard what you called me! How much are you being paid to play?” The player said “I’m not getting anything”. The referee replied “I’m getting £2, the linesman is getting £1 and you are getting nothing. Now who’s the idiot” This was in 1972.
Kentfa.com: Are there any laws of the game you would like to be changed?
Keith Masters: I would stop tinkering with the laws, which is what, in my opinion is happening now. I would remove the mandatory instructions and allow referees more discretion and flexibility.
Kentfa.com: What is your aim from now until you retire?
Keith Masters: To try and stay alive.
Kentfa.com: Which players do you enjoy watching in the modern game?
Keith Masters: Thierry Henry is brilliant but my favourite without a doubt is Dennis Bergkamp but sadly like me he is getting a bit old now. The greatest player in my opinion of all time was Dennis Emery of Peterborough United. He scored their first goal in the league.