Really this is the end

I missed most of the Championship play off final between Blackpool and Cardiff City played at Wembley yesterday but from the radio commentary, tv highlights and match reports in the newspapers, it's obvious this was a very special game and well looked after by Andre Marriner and his team of officials. The highlight for me has to be the post match interview with Ian Holloway manager of the victorious, if slightly unfashionable Premiership new boys, Blackpool.

He put his faith in the players who had gotten the club this far, pledged to let them have their chance at establishing Blackpool in the top division of English football and also put the world to rights with a few political statements. He admitted he had made a few mistakes over the years but looked forward not back. It will be very entertaining to hear his post match interviews when his team have been battered by Chelsea or sneaked a win at the City of Manchester stadium next season!

Today I wrapped up my season with the second day of the County FA's Basic Course for New Referees. Mark (the new boy) was fully involved today and it looked like his assessment went well. I worked with Dave W and we had some fun with our candidates especially during the mass confrontation exercise. I'm pleased to report that all 27 candidates passed the course and are now classed as Level 9 referees. When they complete their 6 qualifying games and attend their callback evening, they will be promoted to level 8 (under 16) and level 7 (16 and over).

Some of these new referees, especially the young girls, have some great opportunities available to them and I hope they take them. Meanwhile I am awaiting confirmation that the coaching groups have been advised to the candidates and then I will make contact with my group and hopefully begin the support needed to develop the FA Cup Final referee for 2035 (still my dream after 2 years as an instructor!). Batten down the hatches Mohammed, Mick, Danni, Michael and Ellie, we'll have some fun when the new season starts!