Webb happy to pass on expertise as he bows out at the top

Referee Howard Webb of England, right, shows the red card to Netherlands' John Heitinga, left, during the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain in 2010.

The 43-year-old has hung up his whistle after 25 years to take up a role as technical director of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited overseeing refereeing standards, having ticked every box in his distinguished time in the middle.

Famously, Webb is one of just two Englishmen – along with Jack Taylor – to reach the apex of the refereeing profession by taking charge of the most high-profile footballing fixture on the planet, the World Cup final.

In Webb’s case, it was a hugely explosive one between Spain and Holland in July 2010.

That there was some unsubtle criticism of his performance that day, particularly from the Dutch press, in an ugly clash which proved a nightmare to officiate, did him a huge disservice.

Tellingly, it failed to sully his solid reputation on the continent, which has held firm over a number of years.

Never more so than this summer when he earned plaudits for his display in his swansong in the World Cup knock-out clash between Brazil and Chile on June 28.

High praise came from across the globe, with best-selling German newspaper Bild labelling him as the World Cup’s ‘Super Referee.’ A nice way to go out.

Similarly, his standing at home is also one of excellence, if not uniform. Particularly on the red side of Merseyside. But which modern referee is infallible?

Given the athleticism and speed of thought required in today’s game at the top, Webb can rightly reflect on having few peers. And plenty have said it.

The ex-Brinsworth Comprehensive pupil began his refereeing career in 1989 with his first assignment after qualifying being an Under-11s game at Orgreave, scene of an infamous battle in the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike.

A son of a miner, Webb combined a long career with South Yorkshire Police with refereeing, never looked back after becoming an assistant referee in the Northern Counties East League in 1993.

His high point came in 2010 when he became the first person to referee the Champions League final and the World Cup final in the same year.

On his decision, Webb said: “I am very excited to start this new chapter in my career after what has been a wonderfully rewarding 25 years.

“I have spent over a decade with the best seat in the house for Premier League matches, been lucky enough to be involved in nine major international tournaments, and taken charge of the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup finals.

“Refereeing has given me so much and I think it’s important that match officials who have had the rewards remain in the game to pass on their knowledge.”