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READER'S LETTERS MAY 2008
We will publish your letters on this page regularly, complete with comments from Jeff.
So why not write in and let us know what you are thinking about the goings on at Boro, Darlington and Hartlepool. We'll get your letter on the site as soon as we can.
Click here to write to Jeff...
Click here to read letters from previous months
From: Peter Haring, 31st May 2008
Hi Jeff
It was a very interesting interview. A couple of times you refer to the politics of
football being an increasing problem. Do you mean within the game as a
whole or how it affects referees in particular?
I'd be very interested to know more about what you mean and how it works.
Thanks
Peter
Jeff's reply
I think that politics are in football in general but even more so in
refereeing.
The big clubs have massive power now and seem to get their own
way in England. They appear bullet proof when it comes to having any serious
disciplinary action taken against them.
The world of refereeing has been, and always will be, full of political
problems. We see examples of people being promoted and given opportunities
when others with apparently more proven ability are never afforded a chance.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Alan, 30th May 2008
Jeff, as a Level Four referee, what is the chance, at the age of 37, to make the Football
League line? Is it luck, or not what you know but who you know?
Jeff's reply
The simple answer is that at your age, promotion to the Football League line
is possible.
Like everything in life you do need some luck by being in the right place at
the right time.
One thing for sure is that you have to have the ability because whoever you know
cannot help you when you get out on to the pitch where it really matters.
Having said that, if you are of equal or similar ability to someone else then
I am sure the who you know angle does come into play. I found that not only
applied in football but also in every other walk of life I have been
involved in.
Best wishes
Jeff
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Gareth Hiscox, 29th May 2008
Hi Jeff
When a player is injured in rugby, the physio can run on and help the player
whilst the game is going on. I understand that this may be difficult in
football due to certain major areas of the pitch (18 yard box, action areas etc)
but to speed the game up, why don't the Premier League have zones in which if a
player is down injured, the physio can come on while the game carries on?
I think that playacting would stop by at least two thirds and the game would
benifit from this.
I also believe in sin bins but the down side to that would be that one side
would go ultra defensive for ten mins and this may kill a game.
I'm a Liverpool fan and I have seen major decisions this season go for and
against us. One decision I have seen was Mascerano getting sent off for,
want of a better term, badgering the ref.
I see a young man called Wayne
Rooney doing this week in week out - the language used is disgraceful but he
gets away with it week in week out.
I think that the referee should explain
the decision to the player and the captain without the interference of anyone else (sorry to go back to rugby again). If there is interference by any other player, then a major decision like a penalty (or in American football, a free run) should be given. It's radical but point deductions are only going to be taken off the smaller clubs or when a big club has a big enough lead! I think that a ref's job would be made a lot easier by implementing this.
These are all Platiniesque ideas I suppose but something needs to be done as spirit is
being rapidly overtaken by money!
Finally, linesmen in each half, either side (therefore four linesmen) may improve the
offside decisions I see them get so wrong? The benefit of the doubt must be
given to the attacker? Rarely do I ever see it.
I have only just found this site but it's great that you can get in touch
with a referee and see his side of the coin.
Thank you.
Gareth
Jeff's reply
Cheers Gareth, the site does take up a lot of my time but it seems
well received. I do get the odd dick head who just wants to call me names but that's life.
I think sin bins are a good idea but I take your point about one side then
wasting time and being defensive.
The physio thing I could not see working. Players are clever and will still
find ways around abusing whatever changes might be made.
The problem with players speaking to the ref, especially the captain, is
that if you give them the option, it will be taken as a matter of right. Just
think of some captains - John Terry for example - they are often the worst
culprits. A simple option may be for the refs to carry out the Laws of the
Game and book players who show dissent!!
Personally I don't think the game needs changing too much at all. It needs
better officials who get support from the FA and better disciplined players
and managers.
Best Wishes
Jeff
Gareth Hiscox responds:
Well thank you very much Mr. Winter. You have restored my faith in referees lol.
I'm only joking. I have nothing but admiration for the men in black because they are the traffic wardens of the sport world - whatever they do they are wankers in some people's eyes.
I take your point on the physio thing as they would abuse the rule but I hate simulation and I feel it is ruining the game.
I also take your point on Terry. Even the great player that he is, I can see Chelsea wearing black as their away kit next season lol.
However, I do think that even the great players - Rush, Shearer, Wise etc - all moaned excessively, but partially in the spirit of the game. Now I just see people like Rooney, Hargreaves, Gallas, Ballack etc just plain abuse the referee, calling him a fatherless female sexual organ that they don't think is fit to ref a kids' game. Yet they get away with it as they are not only with big clubs but "that's just the way they are".
Well sorry, this is not acceptable in my eyes and as you rightly said, the sooner the FA back the referees and change the way people are dealt with (fines are laughable in today's game! £5000 for some players is a new shirt or watch) the better. Bans and points deductions are the only way in today's game. So much money is being made, fines are derisory!
Well thank you once again, this is a great website and I'm glad I found it.
Cheers
Gareth
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Emmett Vaughan, 28th May 2008
I'm an Everton fan and I can't believe that we were only given one penalty all season and that was in the last game. Against Liverpool, how was one not given to us and they were awarded two?!
There is no way AJ has dived every time he has gone down, he is lightning quick and is a . I was wondering what you think on that, Jeff.
Reards
Emmett
Jeff's reply
I am a Boro fan mate and we only got two, one on the last day of the season also. Mind you, we were crap for large parts of the season and did not get into the box very often.
I know AJ does not dive every time but some players do have a reputation and that, it would appear, can go against them. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Yes you should have had a least one penalty against Liverpool, I said that at the time.
Perhaps your luck will change next season but not against the Boro please. I don't want that lazy get Yakubu scoring against us from the spot.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Joe B, 27th May 2008
Great website!
What's your opinion on the idea doing the rounds at present to change the points system?
The idea is that a goalless draw would attract no points for either team to try and discourage negative, playing for a draw games and to encourage more entertainment for the punters?
Jeff's reply
Hi Joe, I totally disagree. I cannot see how you get the same points for drawing as for getting beat.
The easy way round that is that each team scores a goal without too much competition, then they play as normal. You might say that would not happen but don't be so sure. Is a game with tons of goals always more exciting? Surely there is an art to defending as well.
I think clubs are scared to lose at present which makes the games negative at times, especially with away team formations. How about an extra point for an away win? But then again if an away team scored, would they just become even more negative. I don't really know what the answer is.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Tic, 26th May 2008
If Bramble's foul on Paul Scholes was poetic justice (and we're therefore discounting Manchester United 'illegally' fouling their opposition twice) the score should remain 0-2, not 0-3.
OR, if it's not poetic justice and we work on the premise that Manchester United should have been reduced to ten men but had two penalties, are we to ignore the opposition's ability to defend and attack against ten men?
I suspect Bramble's foul was conveniently ignored by the ref because he knew he'd made a mistake with Scholes. Scholes cynically took the young El Magio down because he couldn't get the ball off him skilfully and he knew that there was a good chance his club's badge/league position would mean he'd get away with it. This is why he did it a second time and got away with it.
Jeff's reply
You don't really need an answer do you mate? You have it all worked out already.
The League of Injustice is not an exact science, it is just a way of looking at given incidents in the 90 minutes.
Obviously my opinion is not one that everyone will agree with. When all said and done, I was a ref and you are fans with rose coloured specs.
At least it gives us something to talk and moan about - Euro 08 is not exactly stimulating me at the moment.
Still it will soon be August and we will have more crap refereeing decisions to argue about.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Lee, 25th May 2008
Hi Jeff
I'm an Everton fan so I'm pretty disappointed that we didn't make the CL due to some pretty awful decision making/disallowed goals etc.
My question is what sort of punishment (if any) would have been given out to Mark Clattenburg/his assistants following the Goodison derby?
He allowed himself to be influenced by a player (to send off Hibbert), gave a penalty for the same incident when the original contact was outside the area, failed to red card Kuyt for his Bruce Lee impersonation and failed to award one of the most blatant penalties we are ever likely to see at Goodison.
Is it all written off as "human error" or is there some sanction?
Thanks in advance
Jeff's reply
I can see you have moved on Lee!!
If refs make big mistakes - that is in the opinion of their bosses, not the fans - then they may not be appointed for a period. In itself, this is a financial penalty.
If Refs continue to under perform then they face demotion. What you have to remember is that a ref can have a bad game just like a player, or can make one mistake in a game when overall he has been okay.
You would not expect a player to be dropped forever and neither should a ref. Whilst decisions are highlighted as being the reason a team has lost, there are many other aspects of the 90 minutes that can also influence a result.
I know that none of that makes you feel any better but it is reality.
Better luck next season.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Adam, 24th May 2008
Please get a life Jeff. You were the worst ref I've seen. Do something constructive with your time please.
Jeff's reply
Obviously your second sentence sums up your knowledge of football, unless of course you have watched very little football. I think my record speaks for itself.
You would be well advised to do something similar with your time rather than offering meaningless comments on what I do. Apart from interesting a lot of people who have the brains to listen to different points of view, it is part of a very successful and rewarding business.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: God, 24th May 2008
You pube faced ugly self-obsessed prick, die quickly.
Jeff's reply
Come to Middlesbrough son, I am fairly easy to find. Then you can tell me to my face!!
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From: Noel Hathorn, 23rd May 2008
Re: AS BAD AS THE REST 21-5-08
It was very interesting to read a referee's side on the argument of poor refereeing decisions.
However, to the honest football fan, it is occassionally very obvious that a poor decision has been made (especially when there is TV evidence to back it up) and those decisions can change the direction of a game instantly.
Do you really believe that referees should all be above criticism? If you yourself can criticise a manager for his emotional outburst at a poor decision, why can't they criticise a referee (who doesn't receive any formal disciplining when they put in a terrible performance)?
Jeff's reply
I certainly don't believe that referees should be beyond criticism - when it is justified. To maintain and indeed improve performances there has to be some form of assessment of performance.
TV evidence is great, it gives the viewer the chance to look at incidents over and over again from a variety of angles and in slow motion and freeze frame. These are facilities that are not available to the ref when making an instantaneous decision.
As a former referee who is no longer involved in any official capacity, I have the right to have an opinion. Those within the game and who are still active don't have.
Referees do face action after poor decisions, rather than performances. One important decision in a game has the ref branded as "useless" whilst his overall performance may well have been very good. Referees are not appointed to games if the authorities deem them to have erred and some have been demoted permanently.
My argument is that over a season, and indeed during a game, there are many eventualities that determine the results of games and indeed championships etc. Some managers choose to remember some and not others.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Gary Parle, 22nd May 2008
Hi Jeff, if a player goes down injured and has to leave the field of play when up on his feet again, how come the goalkeeper doesn't have to leave the field of play and wait to be waved on again?
Am I being cynical in thinking that it would look like a stupid law if the keeper was on the sideline watching the ball being lobbed into an empty net but it doesn't matter about outfield players because there's ten of them?
Jeff's reply
Again I see your point. The problem is that the Laws of the Game state that each team must have a goalkeeper. So if the goalie left the field someone else would have to don the gloves. That would mean even more stoppages to the game when the keeper returned.
Also being a cynic, could I suggest there would be a few more fouls on goalkeepers on the chance that he would be sufficiently injured enough to have to leave the field, giving their team an advantage of facing a non-specialist keeper for a few minutes.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Gary Parle, 21st May 2008
Jeff, my mate and I came up with a suggestion over a pint because we, like all true fans, are sick and tired of the way the game is going with the win-at-all-costs strategy employed by all Premiership teams. We are also sick of the cheating, diving, swearing, abuse, harassment, feigning injury and dissent and these are quickly becoming accepted as part of the game.
What we suggest is this. Instead of giving players yellow and red cards during/after games, give the cards to the team. Make a yellow card worth one point, a straight red three and two yellows in the same game three also. Include managers and team officials in this too.
When a team reaches twenty-one points, dock them a League point immediately. Thereafter, every time the team hits or goes over the twenty-one point mark, another point is docked.
Don't wait until the end of the season to dock the points, do it straight after any card appeals are heard.
Don't send players off for a single red or two yellows in the game, it is spoiling the game for the fans. Only send players off for malicious, dangerous tackles but do not ban them for the next game(s) - they should only miss the remaining minutes of the game they are in. The three point penalty should be applied against their team.
This season is a prime example with the title going to the wire. Imagine what Ferguson would be saying to his team before the game knowing that two more yellow cards in this game would send them over twenty-one points and incur a one point penalty?
Fines and bans are not working, docking league points will work and the more ill-behaved you are the more your team suffers where it hurts.
This isn't as far fetched as it sounds but you need balls to implement this and the eunuchs in charge are still lookng for theirs.
All the best
Gary Parle
Jeff's reply
You have been thinking haven't you? Irregardless of what you or I think, the simple fact is that the "Big" clubs would not agree to it. Anything that would result in them losing points or players they would fight against and win.
Your theory though would allow more fouls per game and that could lead to more injuries to players. Also, whereas now a player is dismissed for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity, under your system he would stay on. That would possibly lead to more cheating and if the team that benefits from that situation by getting all three points instead of one eventually does lose a point, they are still one point better off.
I respect your views but my answer is simpler than that. Stronger refereeing and stronger actions from the eunuchs in charge would mean that the message might come across and behaviour would improve.
Your idea of docking points, the ultimate sanction, would see clubs taking the FA to court and then the biggest clubs with the biggest financial clout would once again win. That system would also put the refs under even more pressure because the ref who makes the last caution that leads to the team totting up twenty-one points would be the one who got the blame.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Stu, 20th May 2008
Hi Jeff, I'm an Aussie and obviously have only seen you when you used to ref in the games shown here.
I've always wanted to know what you consider to be your worst moments, y'know mistakes made that you immediately regretted.
Also do refs have the odd "even-up" moment?
Good on you for going down the media career route - we don't get to see all that stuff here but who can deny you if the opportunity is offered?
Jeff's reply
During my career I obviously made mistakes. That is the nature of the beast as despite what people think, refs are human. I was very fortunate that during my career I did not have one of those "decisions" that haunts you for ever more.
From my experience, the old conspiracy theory that refs "even-up" their errors is just not true. During the course of the game, you just give what you see and it is important that you are consistent in your decision making. So if you have awarded a penalty or sent a player off then if a similar incident happens again, you must do likewise. That is consistency, not evening things up. As to regards my media work, many like yourself say "good luck to you", especially as it adds another dimension to the debate. Others though take any opinion badly if it goes against their side. That's life though, once a ref always a ref and an easy target for some.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Eric, 19th May 2008
Jeff, we all tend to look enviously at the 'Big Boys' in the Premiership and wish we were in their shoes but I have been reading about their real financial situations and in reality their respective positions may not be as desirable as we might think.
(a) Man U are in debt to the tune of almost £800m which the club (not the Glaziers) are stuck with. Repayments alone amount to something like £45m per annum.
(b) Liverpool have debts of almost £350m and are already experiencing serious internal problems concerning ownership.
(c) Both Man City and Newcastle United have large debts and owners with a big '?' over their motives/loyalties.
(d) Both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United spend way above their means in an attempt to try to make up some ground on their London rivals.
(e) Arsenal have huge debts mainly due to their new Emirates Stadium and, by their own admission, no longer have the spending power necessary to keep up.
(f) Chelsea have huge annual losses which appear to be underwritten by Roman Abramovich but the club are totally dependant on either his not losing interest in the club or him not upsetting his Russian Masters!!
The main problem is that, although the income of all Premiership clubs is quite substantial, the bulk of the money is spent on enormous transfer fees and huge players' wages in order to try to keep one step ahead or simply just to survive. This, in any form of business, is a recipe for disaster as eventually these debts have to be repaid and logic says that, in the not too distant future, the bubble will burst for at least one big club, who will be dropped right up to their necks in debt and trigger off a football tsunami.
Their 'owners' will be able to walk away with at least their bank accounts still intact!!
Do you agree with my thoughts Jeff or do you think that I am just being a 'doom & gloom merchant'?
If you do agree with me, what do you think the answer could be?
Regards
Eric
Jeff's reply
I think your points are excellent Eric yet all fans would welcome an investor to bring short term success. As you correctly say though, the long term effects may end up being disastrous.
I don't know what the answer is though - perhaps wage capping - but the clubs will not allow that to happen.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Matthew, 18th May 2008
Hi Jeff
I spoke to you after the Darlo home game about the idiot shouting abuse at Penney.
Today, I'm devastated. I don't think I have ever cried over a football game before. It hurts like hell and normally I'm a happy guy, always cracking jokes etc but I've barely said a word all day. I'm devastated, really gutted. It's so hard to take. Probably because we've been top three for most of the season.
Penney NEEDS to stay, we can't let him go. He is a winner and we need winners.
It'll take a while to get over this but we can and will bounce back.
Thanks Jeff.
Matty
Jeff's reply
I am sure that the idiot was probably shouting "Penney Out" at the end of the game.
Only true football supporters can describe and understand how you feel. I have been there many times before. The players did themselves and the club proud on Saturday. Without doubt a fully fit squad would have seen Darlo get promotion automatically this season.
As to DP's future, he did say that "WE" must prepare for next season - that sounds hopeful.
Everybody at the club is devastated. The unfortunate thing is that the general public of the area have not supported the club. The 2,000-3,000 real supporters have been fantastic.
The Chairman I know is well miffed that fans have not come in greater numbers.
It will be very interesting to see what happens over the next few weeks.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Sam, 16th May 2008
Jeff, I'm a big fan of the show.
I am just writing to inquire: Why has there been no big build-up in the papers this week about the Darlo game? Surely the papers and the PR department at Darlington should be doing everything they can to get the whole of Darlington behind the lads as we are only ninety minutes from Wembley.
We at least need to sell out our away allocation.
This is the only big thing happening in the North East at the moment, so why is it not generating bigger interest?
Finally Jeff, what do you think Darlington's chances are of getting up? I wake up every morning nervous at the prospect of this Saturday. What do you think?
Would love to hear back from you.
Sam
Jeff's reply
Perhaps they are showing the same apathy as the general public of Darlington. I find it amazing that only 5,000 Darlo fans bought tickets for the first leg and that the tickets for the away leg have not yet sold out. I am sure that they will though.
If Darlo progress on Saturday, I am sure that the media interest will heighten and, hopefully, so will the interest in the Town.
Unfortunately though, Wembley will attract a lot of people who will enjoy the occassion, rather than people who are likely to become regular supporters. But what the heck? As long as Darlo go up, we can worry about that later.
I am glad that you enjoy the shows, we will be back next season.
I think Darlo can get a draw on Saturday. My tip is 2-2. I then think Darlo can win at Wembley.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Jim, 15th May 2008
Morning Jeff
Well, after complaining about how the players were performing, Danny Wilson/HUFC are keeping the nucleus of the squad that finished just outside the relegation zone. This is hardly a sign of moving forward or of ambition, particularly as next season will be the Centenary Season.
Jeff's reply
Players on contracts are not easy to get rid of unless someone is prepared to buy them. I am sure that every player has his price. We may see this if, in the future, a substantial bid comes in for Brown or Liddle.
Looking on the negative side, you could say they finished just outside the relegation zone. On the positive side, you could say that with a much better goalkeeper and a couple of more new signings, they are not far off the play-offs.
Hartlepool finished in their fourth highest ever League position last season. The club will not finance major signings if the town will not support the club. It's a vicious circle I know.
Be positive. Football fans are becoming more and more unrealsitic and the clubs with money will usually win the day.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Mark Forster, 14th May 2008
Hi Jeff
I am 24 years old and have been playing football since I was eight. I am really interested in becoming a ref. I have just finshed playing Sunday league football.
I have been on the North Riding website to see about courses but could not find any. I have reffed a few matches before when the ref has not turned up and it really interested me.
I think I have a really good knowledge of the game and I was wondering if you could help. Do you know how far I could go and am I too old to make it far as a ref?
If you could email me back that would be great.
Kind regards
Mark Forster
Jeff's reply
I did not start reffing until I was almost 24 although nowadays many are starting much younger. You certainly could go a long way in the game if you started now, subject to your ability and a lot of luck.
If you contact the North Riding CFA and ask to speak to Ross Joyce, he will be able to help you.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Peter Owen, 13th May 2008
Well done to Gareth because he deserves that accolade.
I hope Darlo take advantage of Rochdale's weakness in the centre of defence and gain promotion, because they are the best team and they just need to believe that fact.
Peter
Jeff's reply
It was a brilliant day for Boro but at the press conference afterwards, Gareth was fully aware that this result does not paper over the cracks. He is going to make changes this summer and I am even more confident than ever that he is the man to take us forward.
How much further he can take us though, is the million dollar question as other clubs seem to be prepared to face bankruptcy by spending beyond their means on the strength of foreign investment. Sooner or later a club will go tits up when a foreign investor decides that he has had enough.
Let's hope Darlo can get through, it will be difficult but I think they will draw on Saturday and win through.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Paul Jones, 12th May 2008
Jeff, as a referee you may have made a mistake in your time. You may have made a couple in one game.
But who on this Earth hasn't - be they football referees, the local school teacher, the Verger in a cathedral (like I was) or a Member of Parliament.
Common sense has to come into it at all times. When there was a ban on away fans at the old Roker Park between us and Newcastle, my dad was in hospital so I took a mate along with me. Okay he supported Newcastle but living in Gateshead and going to school in Newcastle, that isn't hard to believe!! The only thing I said to him was that he was to wear NO colours and if Newcastle scored then he must wait until we got back into the car to celebrate.
As to your eyesight, well I am sorry but you were always a respected referee - just like a fellow ref who I have contact with who resigned from the Football League last year. Anyhow hope to see you at the Football Masters at the Metro arena later in the year - at least the policing will be better then.
You are a miss to football and I hope that you still are on the lists for local games.
Paul A Jones
Jeff's reply
For some bizarre reason I am not reffing at the Masters in Newcastle but I am going to Glasgow, Cardiff, North West and Merseyside instead. That is the only reffing I do nowadays as my media work takes up my Saturdays now.
I recall the last derby at Roker, with no away fans allowed in. I was the ref and there were thirty-five arrests I seem to recall as some Mags were not as restrained as your friend.
Best wishes
Jeff
Paul Jones responds:
Jeff, you will get sick of me replying I know so this will be my last one so as not to take up much more of your time.
May be there were arrests at that last game at Roker Park between SAFC and that lot but that happens every week. As to my mate - like most of the Newcastle fans who were there that day - they were a credit to their club.
Banter between fans will happen all of the time, no matter which team they follow. I remember going to one match when Sunderland's game had been called off and we (five of us after a party) went to Norwich v QPR. I can't remember the year mind you, but we had a right laugh with both sets of supporters as we were wearing SAFC tops at the start of the game.
It was great when they asked why we were there and one of my mates said: "Is this not Wolves?" and "Sorry our driver has a problem with reading the road signs". They laughed and so did we but that is the way that football should be. It is called respect.
As to you not getting the chance to referee at the Masters, I am really shocked and VERY disappointed. As I have said, you are a respected referee and it is sad to hear that you only do games like that.
Many local Sunday or Saturday teams would welcome you with open arms I am sure. Like Graham Poll, you are a loss to football.
Paul A Jones
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From: Robin Rumble, 11th May 2008
Well Jeff, I hope you enjoyed our little bash on Tuesday night. The Borough Hall isn't a bad place for a Player Of The Year do.
Did you like the speech from the editor of Monkey Business?
I hope seeing some of your callers in the flesh didn't put you off your supper. Looking forward to next season both on the pitch and on air.
Still waiting for our round of drinks on table 18 mind!!
Jeff's reply
I thought I was on radio because of my looks but having seen some of you lot, I now think perhaps a career in TV is calling!!
It was a great night and it was good to see so many of the former players there. There were quite a few comedians as well!! We will no doubt be seeing a thriving growth of After Dinner Comedians from Hartlepool in the near future.
I am looking forward to doing the shows next season. I am going to have to put a complaint in about the waitresses at the Borough Hall, I am sure I ordered a round of drinks for your table!!
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: George, 10th May 2008
Pools must clear out the rubbish sooner rather than later. We all know who we are talking about.
George.
Jeff's reply
No sorry George, I don't know who you are talking about. Different fans have different opinions.
I also think that your term "rubbish" is out of line. Yes, I agree that some players may have to be moved on to allow Danny to bring in some new faces to strengthen the squad. However, to describe professional footballers who have had successful careers and in many cases have served the club very well as "rubbish" is bang out or order.
Football must be the only industry on earth where people who have never done the job think that they are far more qualified to judge selection, performance and tactics than the professionals who actually know and understand the game.
Hartlepool, backed by around 4,000 loyal regular supporters, are not in a position to go out and spend a fortune on players an that is likely to continue in the immediate future.
This season the club finished in their fourth ever highest League position yet it is still deemed as a season of failure to many.
Fans at all clubs have to take a touch of reality when assessing how the club is faring. The years of constantly applying for re-election to the Football League have long gone, we hope.
Keep the faith
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Paul Jones, 10th May 2008
Jeff
As a Sunderland fan, I have to agree wholeheartedly with your comments over the so called policing at the Sunderland v Boro match. But to be fair, it has happened most of this season and ones in the past as well.
I was due to meet up with a member of my family who supports Boro but wasn't allowed to get near to her. I did ask one of the policewomen if it would be okay to speak to her and I got a very strict "NO".
I had a package to give to her and foolishly I told the police officer this and asked if she could pass it over to her.
So I was searched until "the package" was found, which took all of three seconds as I had it in my hand!!
As you will expect, it was opened to reveal some of my mother's rings, a letter from my Dad and a copy of my mother's death certificate as she does work on our family tree.
I wouldn't have minded at all if I had been asked but it was demanded. Did she get the rings - NO! Instead I had to walk back to the car and lock them away.
And by the way neither of us were wearing any colours and were hardly likely to cause any problems.
As one of the on-field Law Inforcers, you could really teach the police a thing or two.
Paul
Jeff's reply
I sometimes wonder if we are living in England or some Eastern European country.
I fully appreciate the need for the police to keep law and order but if you are a football fan it seems that you can be treat however they like.
I don't know if it will change. I doubt it.
I only hope that the more publicity cases like this are given, then someone will eventually sit up and listen.
Despite my perceived eyesight difficulties, I can still have a good guess at whether or not a person is likely to be a football hooligan or just a law abiding citizen and I have not been to police training school.
Best Wishes
Jeff Winter
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From: John MacWillson, 9th May 2008
Petrov was unlucky to be in the way of the ball. His arms were in a perfectly natural position for his stance. How many human beings run around with their arms clamped to their sides? It is not a natural stance when doing physical activity.
There was no clear attempt by Petrov to handle the ball. He was doing what comes naturally to anyone - that is using his arms as a counter balance when the ball struck him. The ref was spot on.
Jeff's reply
Hi John
I don't know if you really want an answer or whether you are just telling me the way you saw it.
Your points are very valid but this season more and more players are taking a leaf out of John Terry's book and deliberately making themselves bigger to prevent the ball going past them. This act is deliberate and therefore should be penalised as a handball.
Even more so now than in the past, every time the ball makes contact with the hand or arm, the crowd and players scream penalty. Some are and some aren't and as usual the ref gets it in the neck either way. I have seen some given this season that in my opinion were very poor decisions and many others not given that should have been.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Gary Nolan, 9th May 2008
There have been numerous calls for penalties by Everton this season and none have been given. Can you shed any light as to why?
Jeff's reply
I suppose you would love a conspiracy theory answer Gary, however the fans of most teams will highlight the fact that they too feel aggrieved by referees' decisions. If you read my League of Injustice column in Zoo Magazine you will see that I have corrected decisions as I saw them and shortly a revised League table will appear. Mind you, you may not agree with my decisions either.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Donna Marks, 8th May 2008
There was 25,000 at the last Boro game.
I heard on the grapevine that the Boro Community Team went around schools in the area prior to the game offering kids tickets for £20 if they could get an adult to go with them. I did not read this in any of the media.
This is a disgrace and MFC will not get my season ticket money or my three friends. Good riddance.
Donna, Ripon Reds
Jeff's reply
Hi Donna
Keep the faith. I don't know if what you said is true but the club are trying to fill seats and get kids interested. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
You will be back, it's in the blood. Having said that I can't think of a good reason other than for convenience to buy a season tickets nowadays. You get your regular seat and don't have the hassle of booking a seat for games you want to go to but if you can put up with that and the obvious demand for the odd game then why buy one?!
But then without the season ticket revenue up front, can we afford to commit to buying players? Vicious circle!!
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Annie, 8th May 2008
Boro have stayed up but the management team need to change next season. The fans are thinking that we can't go through another poor season like this one. Southgate is a nice guy but he can't motivate and change games when it's needed. Sorry but it's true.
Annie
Jeff's reply
Calm down Annie.
Keep the faith with Gareth, we are not likely to get anyone better. Fans have to be realistic - we cannot compete financially with the big money clubs.
We missed out on a fantastic opportunity in the FA Cup this season but it's gone now. Even Sunderland are talking of having £60million to spend.
We can't even fill our ground to give the revenue to spend. It's a vicious circle and sacking the manager is not the answer in my humble opinion.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Phil, 7th May 2008
Southgate sometimes has me perplexed with his team selections. He played Boateng out wide right on Saturday then at the end brought on Cattermole to replace him whilst all the while Adam Johnson was kept warming the bench.
I'm sure the majority of fans would have preferred him and Downing taking the full backs on and switching wings. If I was Adam Johnson I would be asking the same questions as James Morrison did.
Playing non-wide players out of position doesn't work as we've seen many times with the Boro. I hope next year is a better one.
Phil
Jeff's reply
I agree that Johnson would have provided more width and flair but with Arca, Rocky and Downing in midfield we did need a ball winner and this was provided by Boateng then Cattermole.
This close season will see massive changes to Boro's midfield with the likelihood that Rocky, Arca, Boateng and O'Neil will be on their way.
Perhaps Aliadiere will be used on the right but then that once again leaves no room for Johnson. As you say, he could well end up being like Morrison and have to move away to get regular first team football.
Let's hope we get some good signings, starting with Paul Robinson.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Captain Parmo, 7th May 2008
Now then chore
On a different theme, I am writing about the Boro "away" games. We saw howe many Charlton brought in the FA Cup with "free travel" and the same was true with Bolton the other week. If Boro offered free travel to away games I'm certain they'd be guaranteed 6000 nearly every game (allocation permitting).
To a man, my mates and I agreed that the Riverside is a morgue and that away games are 100% more enticing and enjoyable. Would the Boro chiefs have the foresight to adopt this scheme?
I do feel that their priorities send mixed messages to their "fans". On one hand Gibbo says the fans are everything, yet they pay players for sitting at home!!
I see the club are offering "away" season tickets next season. Whilst in Alkmaar, we chatted with their fans and they couldn't believe the prices we paid for home and away games. This 6'6" Dutch gadgie told us that their 180 Euro season ticket covered them for away games too!!
Shabba
Captain Parmo
Jeff's reply
Come on Captain, you are living in a dream world. Boro are running a business and giving things away, no matter how grateful us fans would be, does not make good business sense. I wonder if one day a "free coaches" offer could be used for a match when support was vital and the cost or date and time of the game made it prohibitive for supporters. Let's wait and see, perhaps the likes of myself could lobby for this if the occasion was right.
Other countries do seem to have it better for the fans but I don't ever see that happening over here. In fact, the cheaper seats for kids is probably as good as it gets.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Ian, 6th May 2008
Jeff, just a quick note. A few weeks ago my girl and I went to the Darlo game! We don't get to many because of work. This year I have been to about four or five.
Anyway, we got tickets and sat in our seats but halfway through the first half, four men behind us start calling people "part time supporters".
Thinking they were getting at us, for the second half we moved, yet they sat where we were! We must have got the wrong set number or something like that! This really got to me as since 2000, I have had three or four season tickets but a new job has changed this!
I know that you keep on asking us Darlo fans where we are!! This sort of shit does not help!!!
Ian
P.S. UP THE DARLO COME-ON!
Jeff's reply
That is pathetic Ian. Yes I know that there has been general apathy but people such as yourself get there when you can. Just see what will happen if and when Darlo get to Wembley - every Boro, Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester United resident of the town will be on the bandwagon.
Their mates will know exactly who they are but will welcome them for the "jolly" that is a day out.
With all the empty seats in the ground, I suggest you sit away from the idiotic few who caused you grief and just support the team.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Robin Rumble, 6th May 2008
Well Jeff, it was a good draw under the circumstances but I am wondering how our fourth highest league finish in the club's history can leave me so frustrated. We remain in League One though and wait for Darlow to join us.
Robin
Jeff's reply
Yes it would have been disappointing to end the season with four straight defeats.
You make an excellent point about the final finishing position, let's hope that with a few astute signings in the summer, Pools can push even further on next season.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Peter, 5th May 2008
Hi Jeff
Please can you explain, as near as damn it, why we seem to have had a season of handball weeklies?
Regards
Peter
Jeff's reply
I firmly believe it is because players, just like goalkeepers, are deliberately making themselves bigger to act as a block for goal-bound shots and crosses.
They are working under the principle that if the ball hits them, the ref will not penalize them as the act was not deliberate. My take on it is that if the hands or arms are lifted then it is a deliberate act and as such should be penalised.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Steve, 4th May 2008
Gary O'Neil is on his way according to the papers. If it's true, it was not really worth him coming in the first place.
Steve
Jeff's reply
I have not heard that one. I know he has been struggling with injuries but I think he will have a part to play next season.
But hey, if he is not what the manager wants then get rid. Not every signing settles and rather than keep a player who does not perform or fit in, then a club is better off without him.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Graham, 2nd May 2008
Jeff, I am in Australia and love watching the Premier League each weekend.
However, two things have stood out to me through the years. I always considered refs and goalkeepers in England were the best in the world of football. Sadly, while the game has gone to a level as good or better than the rest, these parts of the game have been left far behind.
Also, too many results are now decided by officials and this needs to be fixed and quickly.
Jeff's reply
You make a very good point Graham.
With goalkeepers, the attraction of foreign keepers to the League has, like with outfield players, made the chances for home grown players to shine very difficult.
Regarding refs, we cannot use the same excuse. We still have some outstanding officials but we don't have the quantity that we used to have.
This is down to a combination of things. Firstly the mis-management of the bosses not to bring through younger officials to replace the vastly experieneced guys that everyone knew would eventually retire.
Also the lack of support given to officials when dealing with the big clubs has left us with many refs who are fearful of their futures and are therefore weak when dealing with top players and top clubs.
You will get the jist of my feelings on this matter if you read the many articles on my website.
The big problem is that I don't see things getting any better in the immediate future. At present, out of our entitlement of ten FIFA refs we have only seven and with the retirement of Riley and Styles from that list at Christmas, next year that number will drop to five.
They are currently giving a couple of refs a few Premier League games and they are likely to be thrust on to the International list before they have even proved themselves domestically.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Gerrard Houlier, 2nd May 2008
Jeff
This web site I have stumbled upon proves to me what I always thought when you were officiating You are caught up in the world of a wannabe celebrity and made desicions to get yourself noticed.
Jeff's reply
Thanks for stumbling over me, suppose that's a penalty is it? I will take on board your comments and change my life immediately.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Ged 1st May 2008
Hi Jeff
Please could you solve this one for me. I know the laws on the pass back and how to circumvent those laws but I am unsure on something that happened at the weekend.
The goalkeeper was taking a goal kick (all nice and legal). He kicks the ball in the air (deliberately) to his defender who is unmarked and he heads it back to his 'keeper who then catches it and then kicks the ball upfield.
I'd love to know your views on this.
Many thanks and keep up the great work.
Jeff's reply
As far as I am aware this act is legal but I do know that if a player deliberately kicks the ball up and heads it back to the keeper to circumvent the Laws, he is guilty of unsporting behaviour.
If it is a deliberate act to waste time then it would be penalised. I must admit I have never heard of what you have quoted happening in a game.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Gareth, 1st May 2008
As a Sunderland fan I am so sick of complaining about decisions. So sick in fact that I have recently subjected to chortle at the poor decisions we have suffered. In no way am I suggesting a conspiracy but I've never known a season like it.
What was Roy Keane like as a player on the pitch? Was he more or an inspiration/motivation to his fellow players or an annoyance to you as a ref? If so, do you feel other refs could hold a grudge on Keane and could this have a bearing on their judgement of our games?
Jeff's reply
Oh the conspiracy theories!!
If you look at my League of Injustice column in Zoo magazine, I correct all errors I believe have been made. Before last weekend, Sunderland would have been 12th on 39 points. You might not agree but just to show you I am fair, Boro were 16th on 36 points and Newcastle 10th on 45.
Sunderland are one of the teams who should have had more points along with others such as Arsenal and Everton.
Significantly Chelsea, Liverpool, Boro and Reading should have had less. Now I know the fans of some of those clubs might find that hard to believe.
It's only my opinion anyway but it will be interesting to see what the final League table looks like.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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