IMAGINE Andy Booth as the man in black, Rob Edwards blowing the whistle or Steve Yates holding up a yellow card.
Whether they would be interested or not, former Town defender Steve Baines believes professionals should be fast-tracked to the League refereeing lists when their playing days are over.
The 50-year-old is certain such a scheme would help heal the growing rift between managers and officials.
"Being an ex-player helps you to understand what is happening when things start to go off," said Baines, who retired from the League two years ago at the maximum age.
"To be pro-active you have to understand what is happening on the pitch. Without that recognition, you end up being only reactive.
"Being an ex-player gives you an understanding. You know when things are starting to get out of hand and when players are winding each other up.
"You see things that perhaps others don't. Knowing what is going on gives you the chance to nip it in the bud."
Baines remains the only player in recent times to make a successful switch into refereeing.
He played until he was 33 and had three years with Town from 1975, playing a total of 132 matches and scoring 12 goals.
"The refereeing system doesn't lend itself to turning players into referees," he added. "I started in the local leagues and it took six years to get to the League list. Former players don't need to start that low and something needs to be done to speed things up."
Judging by the current standard of refereeing, let's hope people listen.
