Steve took the time to speak with Kentfa.com about the special day.
What were your first thoughts when your appointment was confirmed?
I received a telephone call from Neale Barry (Head of Senior Refereeing) whilst on the 13th tee at Burton-on-Trent golf course and apologised to my playing partners for not keeping to the course etiquette. Neale started to talk about everything that was going on in the world and not what I was hoping he might say. As he was about to hang up he said “Oh, by the way, are you available on the 19th May as the Football Association would be honoured if you could referee this seasons FA Cup Final at the ‘new’ Wembley”.
I was stunned, it was a moment every referee dreams about and for a split second I didn’t know what to say – however, a resounding ‘yes’ was soon forthcoming and it was back to the golf. Suddenly, it all became too much and the emotion took over – after all, I had been working towards this for the past 23 years. Having no control over my actions at this stage I promptly put the ball into the lake! I managed to pass on my good news to the family on the 16th fairway when one of my playing partners went out of bounds !!
How did you prepare yourself for the big day?
Although I had every intention of preparing in the same way as for any other match, it became almost impossible due to the media interest and the overwhelming amount of cards and letters of support and congratulations that I and my colleagues received.
Every training session in preparation was a nervous affair and those ghostly twinges and aches which weren’t really there sub consciously kept appearing – I guess it happens to us all.
Having visited the FA offices to discuss the matchday arrangements I was able then to draw up a provisional itinerary for my colleagues so they new exactly what was required both on and off the field. It was so important for me to ensure they were at ease and relaxed prior to the weekend. Nothing would be left to chance; dress codes, tickets, hotel arrangements, match kit, timings etc…
Can you tell us a little about the build up to the final?
The week leading up to the final was a very special one for me. I had been told by previous cup final referees that I needed to find time for myself and the family – this we did and managed to get away for the first two days. On the Wednesday I had a real surprise when I was taken to the UEFA Cup Final, Espanyol v Sevilla which was played in Scotland. My close friend and refereeing colleague Barry Knight made the arrangements and we spent a great time over the border in the pouring rain.
Thursday was the day when it really started to begin for me. I had always intended this to be the day when I wanted to thank those who had supported me and helped me through the previous 23 years – this was an honour not just for me but for all of them and of course for the county of Kent. A large gathering of friends, family and refereeing colleagues from the past made it a night to remember, an emotional night I’ll never forget.
Friday soon came and we were expected at Hendon Hall by 11.00am. It was a special moment when we all arrived, genuine delight and respect for everyone. The team bond was so strong and the controlled excitement was there for all to see. We were driven to the stadium to familiarise ourselves with its surroundings and we were taken aback at the enormity of the stadium – it was awesome.
In the early evening we were taken to the ‘Eve of Final’ Rally which was organised by the Referees Association with the help of Chelmsford RA. It was hosted at the Emirates Stadium in London. It was a very special evening surrounded by refereeing colleagues just wanting to wish our team good luck on the special day. We returned to the hotel after spending nearly three hours talking and mingling with friends and colleagues to a light meal before retiring for the night.
Breakfast was early on Saturday, as we had to be in the stadium by 11.00am due to the extensive security checks which had to be made. With everyone relaxed in the garden the signal came for us to depart. I just had time to ring Phil Crossley who was extremely poorly in hospital following an awful incident at Derby County where he had broken no fewer than nine ribs following a collision with Seth Johnson. He had left a message a few days earlier wishing me all the best and I so wanted to say thank you to him.
The journey was a fairly short one and the stadium in the distance made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as we approached. After the sniffer dogs had crawled over our bags we were driven under the stadium into the car park.
What type of pre-match preparation did you adopt?
Due to the early arrival we had plenty of time, however having arrived at the changing rooms my first task was to check the goalkeepers colours which were already hanging up. We had a good look around the pitch and surrounding areas before some formal photographs and the presentation of the Official match ball from Umbro. I then had to complete a couple of media interviews which had been previously organised before heading back to the dressing room. The customary safety and security meeting with the Police and Stadium Manager was brought forward as were the presentation of teamsheets which then left our team enough quality time to prepare. This included the pre-match discussion, warm up, stud and jewellery check before finally entering that magnificent arena.
What are your memories of stepping out into the sunshine as the first Referee to officiate a Cup Final in the new Wembley Stadium?
My memories are very special to me. I realised the dream was about to come true and also realised that the difficult times throughout my career which I had experienced were in fact things that probably had made me a stronger and a more determined referee.
Once I had put those thoughts to one side I could then enjoy the moment of leading out the Cup Final teams at the home of English football.
As we approached the edge of the pitch our team split in two and we lead the teams around the red carpet. It had to be precision timing as we had to meet in the middle together – to my astonishment as we turned I noticed both teams walking on the red carpet which was obviously meant for the Prince and the other dignitaries from the Football Association.
What are your memories about the game itself?
Well, the match itself didn’t live up to the pre match billing. Both teams had hard seasons and there was an awful lot of respect shown to each other. It never got going in the first half and again in the second, although it did have its moments.
It wasn’t until extra-time when the game eventually picked up. Chelsea’s winner was a killer blow so near to the end. The game became very frenetic as Chelsea attempted to delay proceedings as best they could right to the very end.
Once the game had finished, how did you feel?
At the final whistle it was a feeling of great personal pride not only for me but for my team in bringing the game to a successful conclusion. There was honesty from the players in their recognition of our input and the response from the spectators was staggering.
We had to walk up to the royal box through the Manchester United fans and down amongst the Chelsea fans. I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the spectator’s reaction, not one adverse comment, in fact the complete opposite. The amount of handshakes and shouts of “well done ref” made it all the more satisfying.
Eventually having reached the dizzy heights we made our way along the gangway to Prince William who was very complimentary too as we received our priceless gold medals – a truly magical moment.
Having watched the other teams go up the steps we made our way back to the changing rooms and we all embraced each other with true emotion and feeling. These times are special times and they can never be taken away.
How did the rest of the day unfold?
Having ‘popped’ a few bottles we spent plenty of time unwinding before departing the stadium. Arriving back at the hotel we had a short turn around before leaving for a pre dinner reception at Harrow School which incidentally overlooked the illuminated Wembley Stadium. We then had a very short walk to the restaurant which was a superb venue hosted by the officers of the FA Referees Committee and their wives.
Now that a few months have passed by, what important memories did the day leave you with, and what are your aspirations for the future?
The biggest impact I had from the day was when I turned and saw a handicapped child in a wheelchair wearing two scarves, a red one and a blue one. It was obvious this lad wasn’t able to walk or even speak very well, his quality of life shattered by his tragic illness yet he had the biggest smile on his face I’ve ever seen - it brought a tear and made me realise how fortunate I am.
My aspirations for the future are to continue with the high standards I have set myself. With a minimum of two seasons remaining my pride will not allow me to do anything different. I intend to referee to the best of my ability and enjoy the remainder of the time I have – who knows what might happen !!
What words of encouragement can you give to the thousands of Referees at the lower levels, who aspire towards an FA Cup Final appearance?
There has to be a desire inside to succeed. The question is how much do you want it?
There are so many opportunities for young referees now and with the right advice and training you can make it to the very top. Listen and watch the more experienced referees and take something from each of them - but most of all enjoy what you do.
If you would like to know how you can get involved and become a referee click here.