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 This week Kevin Morgan is in the firing line
Our roving reporter asked Kevin the questions.......
Date of Birth: 01/01/1971 Height: 5ft 11ins Weight: 13st 12lbs Profession: Senior Business Manager, Natwest Bank (means I have a PA to screen unwanted telephone calls!) First ever match: Glamorous event – St Johns Tigers (Kidderminster) v Seven Stars (Stourbridge) in the Kidderminster Sunday League Division Six at White Wickets, Kiddermister. No cards and I was the ‘best referee they’d had all season’ (it was actually the first game of the season…). September 1998. First ever International: Wales v Denmark U-19 (2007) Career highlights: English Contributory League Cup Final (Asst Referee) 2003 and Supply League Cup Final (Referee) 2003 & 2004 (change of appts secretary in 2004 and he hadn’t realised I had done the final the year before – I didn’t tell him until after the game and then told him I was moving back to Wales – to say he wasn’t best pleased is an understatement!).
What does being a football referee mean to you?
Mainly the match day ‘buzz’ and pre match apprehension (adrenalin) but also being out of the house on a Saturday afternoon, getting some fresh air, exercise and the opportunity to meet some very interesting characters (officials & players). Why did you become a referee?
Injury – tore my cruciate ligament whilst playing in a Welsh Cup tie in October 1996 (aged 25) and reconstruction surgery didn’t fully work. Played for one season (1997/98) for Halesowen in the English system before taking up the whistle as the only way of staying in the game I have loved since the age of 5. Would you have wished to become a full-time referee?
Yes – anything is better than Banking (yes Clarky, you did read it correctly, I said Banking!). The wages are higher and even top level refereeing has to be less abusive than some of the nonsense I have to tolerate on a daily basis! Any pet hates in football?
The new ‘undergarments’ directive What Law of the Game would you change?
Undergarments! The most difficult Law to apply?
Undergarments!! (been ‘done’ on the line and in the middle already this season!)
Your best memory in football?
Spending 4 nights with John & Mel Charles at their hotel in Cleakheaton whilst on trial with Leeds Utd in 1986. John went up the attic and brought out his memorabilia from his Leeds & Juventus playing days. Fantastic memory. (Ryan Nicholls was in the next room though!).
Other sports or hobbies? Reading sporting autobiographies (I look forward to Rodger Gifford publishing his!) and watching egg-chasing! (particularly when it’s free on hospitality with the Bank) Your main strength?
Fitness And main weaknesses?
You guessed it…..not noticing undergarments………….. What's in your car CD player?
The Police, Bryan Adams & U2 Beer or wine?
"I’ll have a Guinness" Favourite film?
First Blood Tastiest food?
Crispy Duck – Chinese Favourite holiday destination?
Italy – beautiful country but full of Italians... Luck or judgement?
Definitely judgement. Dress up or dress down?
Dress down – but not down as far as Alun ‘Scruffy’ Boore does! Whom would you most like to meet?
Nelson Mandela Ambitions?
FIFA line (if unsuccessful this year, age wise I only have one more attempt) and to officiate in the Welsh Cup Final Any advice for young referees?
Don’t let the bastards grind you down!
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