Ref Watch .... Chelsea

Mick · Jan 2, 2009

As we take on Chelsea competitively for the 3rd time in the club's history, referee Stuart Attwell from Warwickshire referees us for the 3rd time. (The other two were one win, one defeat ... I'd take the draw to complete the set!)

A somewhat notorious official, Mr Attwell was promoted to SG after just one reasonably good season as a League referee. It is far to say that this fast-tracking favoritism caused a little resentment in the refereeing fraternity and there were plenty waiting to see him fall flat on his face ... which he has duly done. The phantom goal, the much publicised ****-ups at Derby, the failure to deal with the most blatant simulation of the season ... you name it, he's got it wrong this season. But he still enjoys the unswerving support of David Eleray in particular and the PGMO in general and gets rewarded for his incompetence with a trip to Chelsea.

As he looks to rebuild his career he will not be wanting to upset a club like Chelsea; do not expect any favours from him tomorrow.

His previous Southend games were refereed well enough. Swindon at home and Millwall away last season. He sent off Scannell at the New Den but I think there were few complaints.

Assisting will be Ian Gosling from Kent and Adam Watts from Worcestershire. Standing by with the numbers board will be Rob Shoebridge from Derbyshire.

hindle_666 · Jan 2, 2009

maybe it will give us a better chance to score,all we have to do is aim for the corner flag.

BILLERICAY BLUE · Jan 2, 2009

2 hopes of getting any 50-50 decisions going our way then.

Mick · Jan 2, 2009

Stop Press

Stuart Attwell, despite having refereed just 4 Premiership matches and none involving a team with a hope of a top 6 place, has been selected as a FIFA referee.

It is difficult to find a better example of what friends in high places can do for someone. Seldom has a promotion of any sort been less deserved.

canveyshrimper · Jan 2, 2009

Mick said:
Stuart Attwell, despite having refereed just 4 Premiership matches and none involving a team with a hope of a top 6 place, has been selected as a FIFA referee.

It is difficult to find a better example of what friends in high places can do for someone. Seldom has a promotion of any sort been less deserved.

I saw an article about his recent appointment to the FIFA list and was suitably astonished, and did wonder if he had photos of Sepp Blatter in frangte delicto.

Irate Ian · Jan 2, 2009

Lets hope he is up to the job of contolling the winging premiership superstars.

Have my doubts as he will not want to be embroiled in more controversy by awarding us any 50-50 decisions in their defensive penalty area.

He will have to be one specially strong character, to run the wrath of Big Phil and the microscopic scrutiny he may come under. He will be even more pressured than us if drooping any clangers, so more likely to be a bottle job ?

Bit like fighting USA boxers on their patch, need to ko them to get a draw.