George Cain
Referee Level
Level 5 – Senior County (County Leagues)
Referee Since
1977
Bio
Started in 1977, moving up to Northern Premier League Referee List in 1981, Football League Assistant Referees' list in 1984 and what is now Step 2 referee in 1986. Never the best "Liner" I was both relieved and delighted to be promoted to the Football League Referee List 1993. I stayed there until 2004 when the compulsory retiring age of 48 caught up with me. Since then, I have been a National List Assessor/Observer and continue in that role to the present day. As well as my Assessor/Observer role, I was appointed by the FA as a Coach in their Football Association Development Group (FADG) in 2006. This was a precursor to what is now the Football Association Centre of Refereeing Excellence, (CORE) a role I still enjoy today.
Why did you start refereeing?
Always had aspirations of being involved in professional football, I knew I was never going to be good enough so tried an alternative route.
What is the most memorable match you have refereed and why?
Ha ha, seriously? In March 1981, with just four years refereeing experience, Liverpool County FA appointed me as 4th Official for the European Cup Quarter Final, Liverpool v CSKA Sofia (Bulgaria), a lot less involvement in those days. First Football League Line in 1984, Crewe v Hereford United, Keith Hackett was the referee. Fast forward to my last two games as an AR in 1993, FA Youth Cup Final - 2nd Leg Manchester United v Leeds United. United boasted the Class of 92' in their squad, Leeds United won the first leg at Old Trafford 0 - 2, they also won the second leg at Elland Road 2 - 1. The final was watched over the two games with a combined attendance of 61,599. The final time I held the flag came just six days later, 19th May 1993 Play Off Semi Final Second Leg, York City v Bury. Refereed by Alan Wilkie, also holding the flag for the last time was my opposite number, Neale Barry. With promotion to the referees' list of the Football League, I did my first game on 14th August 1993, Carlisle United v Wycombe Wanderers, Wycombe's first ever game in the Football League. With lot's of games and memories in between including play off games, The Women's FA Cup Final and a trip to Wembley for tthe Vase Final, I bowed out with Stoke City v Gillingham on the 9th May 2004.
What would you like to achieve in the next year?
Each year, I am asked, "What would you like for your birthday"? I always reply, "Another one"
What is your ultimate ambition?
To continue in my role as a Coach, helping as many referees' as possible to be the best referee they can be.
Who has been/is your role model?
I have been very fortunate to work with some of the best referees' this country has ever produced. I would list George Courtney, Neil Midgley, Joe Worrall and Keith Hackett as the best.
Best piece of advice given to you?
"Calm waters don't make skilled sailors' AND All effective refereeing is done when the ball is NOT in play.