'George Best and Alan Ball': Referee looks back on 50 years

Ray Emmans, now of Cornwall but born and raised in Reading, first qualified as a referee in 1969 and has officiated over 1000 matches.

He is set to be awarded a presentation in April, with former Reading FC stars expected to be in attendance.

He will receive his FA award at the Cornwall Referee Association Dinner on Saturday 26th March.

However, because he spent most of his officiating with the Reading Referee Association, they will be making an award to him on Thursday, April 21.

Above: Ray Emmans at Elm Park 

Speaking to the Reading Chronicle, Mr Emmans is amazed that his is still doing it five decades after he started.

He said: “I never thought I would continue refereeing for over 50 years, I thought I’d finish 20 years ago but my fitness and experience has enabled me to continue officiating at a reasonably high level.

“You occasionally think is it worth carrying on if you have had a difficult game, but those are well outnumbered by the enjoyable games I’ve had.

“I’ve learnt over the years not to overreact which often helps in difficult situations.”

Having refereed at 15 professional football grounds and put the likes of World Cup winner Alan Ball and renounced hardman Vinnie Jones in their place, the likes of European Cup winner George Best and Michael Gilkes was a piece of cake.

Mr Emmans continued: “Living in Tilehurst, I was a regular referee at Reading FC’s Elm Park officiating at pre-season games and prestigious friendly matches.

“I became friendly with a number of the players and was asked to officiate at Stuart Beavon, Steve Hetzke and Michael Gilkes testimonial games, I still keep in touch with ex Reading FC players today.

“One game at Elm Park was a match between Reading FC v the New Zealand international side who'd taken part in the World Cup and had come to England to play some friendly games.

“The great George Best guested for Reading that night, although he arrived just ten minutes before kick-off, he played the full 90 minutes.

“George had a quite game, until the last minute he was upended.

“He complained about the challenge even when we were walking off the pitch at the end of the game, my response was, don't worry George we can all have a drink after the game, that made the great man smile!”

Above: Ray Emmans (far left) with Cheri Lunghi​ of 'The Manageress'

Another story Mr Emmans looks back on fondly is when he discovered a certain Channel Islander playing for Southampton’s youth team.

He enthused: “In my early days I refereed Southampton Youth team who won 9-0, thanks to a superb performance from their right winger who scored seven goals.

“I asked who this player was and was told it was a young lad who they had recruited from the Channel Islands.

“Many years later I refereed a game between Reading and Southampton where the player Matthew Le Tissier was playing for the Saints.

“I chatted to him before the game asking if he remembered scoring seven goals that day.

“He literally dragged me into the Southampton dressing room and asked me to repeat all the facts to his teammates who apparently didn't believe he had scored seven goals in a match.

Despite taking charge in venues such as the Dell and the Madejski Stadium, Mr Emmans insists it is some of the assistant referees he has helped along the way that make him most proud.

"Being appointed to the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup Final between Wycombe Wanderers and Aylesbury United, and the Centenary Isthmian League game v The Football Association, are my top honours, said Ray, "but having Assistants like David Ellery, Graham Scott, John Busby, Paul Armstrong and Anthony Coggins, who were all Premier League and EFL referees also makes me feel proud."

Above: A selection of players Ray refereed, Michael Gilkes (left), Matt Le Tissier (top), George Best (bottom)

As with everything, football and refereeing has changed immensely since Mr Emmans began in the 1960s, but he insists officiating is in a healthy position in 2022.

He implored: “Football and refereeing has changed much over the past 50 years, my referees exam consisted of a "Subbuteo board" asking questions about offside, and half a dozen laws of the game questions.

“Today new referees receive excellent training, and the examination is much more thorough with practical exercises.

“Referees receive much more support these days from mentoring when they commence officiating to being observed whilst climbing the football ladder.

“Referees and players are much fitter now, and games are played at a much faster pace.

“There are many opportunities now for young referees to make a career in football, the Football Association will fast track good young officials and support them right to the highest level.

“I believe numbers of referees may have now stabilised, if players and club officials showed more respect then numbers will increase.

“I would encourage youngsters to have a go at refereeing as it’s a great community and the support is there.

“50 years ago most referees were ex-players, but now many teenagers are taking up the whistle which is good for the game.”