Meet The Ref - PNE v Latics

Latics travel 15 miles up the M6 on Saturday for a derby match with Preston North End at Deepdale in what could be a real Lancashire hotpot, the man in the middle charged with ensuring that no one over steps the mark will be Gloucestershire official Lee Probert.

The 44 year old Bristol born whistle blower is a Select Group official and has been officiating in the Premier League for several seasons and our paths have crossed on numerous occasions though the last time was a while back, May the 4^th 2013 to be exact, when the ‘force’ was definitely with us as we went to the Hawthorns and beat West Brom 3-2.  

Lee Probert has ref’d five games this so far season, 3 in the Premier League, 1 in the Championship and 1 in League One

Probert gave an interview where he stated that he`s a referee because he is a rubbish footballer and says to be a good referee you need confidence, a calm approach when making decisions, assertiveness, resilience, patience and sound knowledge of the rules of the game, man-management and communication skills. You`ve not got that straight from the text book have you Lee?

Any way here is an excerpt of that interview:

How did you get introduced into refereeing?
My interest in football began at an early age due to my father managing several amateur local football teams. I was encouraged by him to take the referee`s exam at the age of 16 when I realised that I would not achieve my dream of becoming a professional footballer.

What is the best game you have officiated and why?
To date the most memorable game I have officiated would be the Carling Cup Final 2006/2007 season at the Millennium Stadium between Arsenal and Chelsea. To be involved in such a prestigious final was an acknowledgement of all the hard work and dedication that is required.

What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?
There are many skills required to become a professional referee, to be confident and possess a calm approach when making decisions, having assertiveness, resilience and patience but most importantly having sound knowledge of the rules of the game, man-management and communication skills.

Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
The constant support and guidance of my parents throughout my career perhaps has been the biggest influence by far, although along the way I have had the pleasure of working alongside experienced coaches who have assisted the development of my career.

In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
In my opinion the best referee of his time was Jack Taylor who was the first English referee to take charge of a World Cup Final in 1974.

Lee Probert Card Watch 2018/19

Games – 5

Yellows – 17

Reds – 2

Preston North End v Wigan Athletic
Referee - Probert, Lee
Assistants - Andrew Garratt and Neil Davies
Fourth Official - Ross Joyce