Name: Malcolm Langley
Age: 50+
Refereeing level: 10 (Referee Assessor)
Years Refereeing: Since 1974 (35 years)
Email Address: refwatcher@btopenworld.com
How where you introduced into refereeing?
I saw an advert in the Sunderland Echo about a Refereeing course.
Applied to the legendary John Lowery who was most helpful and helped me through.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
Officiating at Under 19 level as an ‘Assistant Referee’ for Slovakia v Chile, Sunderland AFC v Japan, Inter Milan v Eintracht Frankfurt and Feyenoord v Man United (Beckham, Scholes, Giggs etc) Great times which I miss.
I really enjoyed officiating on the Northern League. Great crack and great people
What is the biggest game you have officiated and why?
All games are important but being 4th official at Sunderland Res v Newcastle Res at the Stadium of Light is up there with the Under 19 games
What are your aims and ambitions as a referee?
To continue as an Assessor and help as many Referees as I can reach their own personal goal.
What/Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
John Lowery (my course tutor) and Joe Ward who gave me my first game in the Seaham & District League back in 1974. Both are absolute gentlemen and I am proud to be a friend to both.
In your opinion who is / was the best referee?
Jack Taylor, Pat Partridge, George Courtney, Pierre Luigi Collina,
Howard Webb, Anders Frisk
Referees I have actually officiated with:
Alan Wilkie, George Tyson, Russell Tiffin, Dave Binsley, Roy Pearson