Save the Ref: PFA boss Gordon Taylor lends his support

PFA CHIEF executive Gordon Taylor is the latest name to support The Examiner’s Save The Ref campaign.

Taylor joins sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe and Huddersfield Town in backing the effort to entice more people to take up the whistle and cure the town’s referee crisis.

The news comes after an FA spokesman said that Huddersfield was in the top 10 worst-hit areas of the country in terms of having a shortage of fully-qualified officials.

Taylor said: "I am delighted to lend support to The Examiner campaign.

"This is a subject close to my heart."

Speaking about possible solutions to the problem, he explained: "I think the Football Association is neglecting an opportunity to use a possible source of referees for the future.

"This is with the number of young apprentices who fail to make the grade in football."

To highlight Huddersfield’s referee problem further, The Examiner campaign featured on Sky Sports News yesterday and will also be shown on BBC Look North this week.

Anyone wanting information on how to become a referee should contact Neil Simpson, referees’ instructor for The Huddersfield FA on 01422 374916.