A wonderful episode to end the year. We talk VAR after a tough weekend for the officials and we ask Co-Pilot about the hosts. How much does AI know?

A huge thank you to all of our guests in 2025. We will be back in 2026 with a fresh new look and even more wonderful guests!

This week we discuss all the big refereeing discussion points. Is football in crisis and how do we improve the discipline within it? How long can football absorb the discipline issues within it and the constant barrage of 'discussion' from the media?

Is the NENE derby a terrible derby? And was Kevin Nolan right to call the Cobblers' red card 'ridiculous?'

Join us once again for some fine refereeing debate on the number 1 refereeing podcast!

What made Kieran Clarke step into refereeing? This week we talk to Kieran about his career in football and why he has given up playing to continue with the whistle.

We also discuss why Wayne had 'beef' this week and discuss all of the other hot topics around football refereeing.

Thanks to you all who are listening to us on a weekly basis!

It was with great sadness that we learned this week of the sad passing of a Northamptonshire footballing stalwart - Richard Wilson.

In this episode we celebrate the impact that Richard had on local football. Always good for a quick-witted remark and a man who always had a smile, Northants football will miss Richard immensely.

We also talk about all the latest incidents of the weekend! Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

In this episode we talk to the one and only Stuart Burt who celebrated his 500th Premier League appearance at the weekend. What a phenomenal achievement!

Our congratulations go to Stuart on this incredible feat - a lot of hard work dedication and resilience in shared with the listeners.

Tune in to hear more!

It was wonderful to get to meet Nathan Mattick on our show. Nathan can be seen on TikTok and it's there that we learnt that he is the UK's first wheelchair user to have qualified as a football referee. Listen to Nathan's inspiring story on our show this week.

In other news, we discuss player management and question whether the sinbin rule in the UK is a help or a hindrance. Has this detracted from how referees communicate with players or could this be seen as a deflection from the poor behaviour of some players.

We also discuss the term 'it's part of the game' and get a bit ranty!

On this week's episode, we look into what is foul and abusive language. How can we manage those situations and are there tools we can use to prevent this occurring?

We also look into how we can enhance our match control. When does it start and how can we maintain in during the game.

We also look into the incidents from the weekend with a focus on whether the Liverpool 'goal' should have stood! What are your thoughts?

We have gone back to our roots this week, quite literally!

We discussed three important questions.

With Luke otherwise engaged, we turn to Gav Mack as we talk all things football refereeing this week. We discuss the need for good communication, effective talk and also discuss why Gav is taking a break from football.

How can we improve behaviour in football or has it now gone too far? Is there a way where the 'football family' can come together to solve the issues within it?

As ever, let us know in the comments what you think!

Children often follow in their parent's footsteps but this time it is the other way around. So why did Claire Paye take up the whistle? In this episode, Claire talks about the progression she has made from being terrified in an under 9s match to stepping up to level 5. She talks about how she is perceived as a female referee. A refreshing and insightful chat as ever!