As the 2022/23 Season is coming to a close please see the below updates from Association Manager Martin Clark:
Retirements
As an Association Manager, it is always a very sad occasion when you lose one official through retirement at the end of a season who has officiated at the top level but losing three in the one season is both unprecedented in my time and extremely sad given the amount of experience amassed between all three officials.
Notwithstanding, it is only correct that we reflect on the achievements these three ambassadors for the EDRA enjoyed whilst representing this association.
Graham Chambers
Graham enjoyed three seasons aa a Cat3 referee before going on to spend a similar time as a Cat 2
He then dropped back to Cat 3 status before being appointed to the newly formed category of SAR where he spent 14 seasons. During his time as an SAR, Graham officiated at games at the highest level on a domestic basis the highlights of which are as listed below.
The 2011 League Cup Final – Celtic v Rangers.
The 2014 Scottish Cup Final – Dundee United v St. Johnstone (Graham was AR1, Michael Banks was AR2).
5 Old Firm Games.
5 Edinburgh Derbies.
1 Dundee Derby.
Graham was appointed to the FIFA list of SARs where he spent a total of seven seasons.
During his time on the FIFA list, he managed to squeeze in an unbelievable 86 European appointments consisting of 74 games as an SAR and 12 as a 4th Official.
Although the appointments at FIFA level involved fixtures in The Champions League or Europa League, the highlight of his career was undoubtedly as 4th Official on 2015 European Super Cup Final – Barcelona v Sevilla.
Since stepping back from officiating on the field of play Graham has been involved as an AVAR during this the inaugural season for VAR.
It is unfortunate that Graham found it difficult from a logistical and employment perspective to attend our training sessions since the Edinburgh and West Lothian training centres were combined to train at our current location at the Oriam. However, this had no negative impact on his fitness level passing all requisite fitness tests with flying colours.
I am confident that Graham’s name will figure high in the history of this association, and a hard act for anyone to emulate, well certainly in my time.
Michael Banks
Michael hung up his flag for the last time after officiating as AR2 on the final day of the season at the St Mirren v Rangers game on the 27th of May where he was joined by his family to celebrate the conclusion of an excellent career. It was also pleasing that an excellent performance produced (Not that this was of any great surprise).
It is worth noting that Michael commenced his career as an SAR in season 2012 and during the 11 seasons has officiated in games at the highest level on a domestic basis the most prestigious of these being as listed below.
Due cognisance should be taken of the fact that it was not normal practice to appoint an official outside the FIFA category to a major domestic final.
2011 Challenge Cup Final – Queen of the South v Ross County
2014 Scottish Cup Final – Dundee United v St Johnstone
2016 League Cup Final – Aberdeen v Celtic
Michael also officiated in 1 Dundee Derby
Michael has also been, until his recent retirement, a part of an excellent double act where along with Gavin Ross they were the Coaching Team presenting (with great humour) the coaching clips at our association meetings. Although both have now stepped back from this role, the positive news is that Michael will continue in a pivotal role involved in the development team where he will be instrumental in guiding our new referees. Michael certainly has all the experience to pass on to those looking to achieve a similar pathway and ultimate career and success that he has enjoyed.
David Doig
David achieved SAR in 2018. His final game took place on the 20th May as AR2 on the Celtic v St Mirren fixture, a venue and fixture David was extremely pleased to bow out on.
However, it is worth noting that during the six seasons as an SAR he officiated at the following games,
2016 Junior Cup Final – Beith v Pollok
2016 South Region Challenge Cup Final – Edinburgh City v Whitehill Welfare
2019 Challenge Cup Final – Connah’s Quay v Ross County
David also enjoyed 25 European Appointments – (Europa League, UEFA Youth League, U19 Tournaments etc.).
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Stuart Wallace/BPI/Shutterstock (10558178cj)
As intimated at the outset, it is extremely sad to see all three officials retire at the one time, they have all enjoyed an excellent career and I wish them well and hope that in some way they will remain in contact with this association and will always be welcome at any association training, meetings, or social functions.
Please note the Management Committee plans to mark these retirements at the upcoming Annual Dinner and details will be announced in the coming weeks
Promotions
George Calder
I was delighted when the referee committee accepted our nomination and promoted George to Category 1 from the season ahead.
George is extremely fit, has performed well and now can officiate at a higher level.
I know I speak for everyone involved in offering our congratulations and wishing George further success in the seasons ahead.
George was also appointed along with Steven Wilson to the televised Scottish Junior Cup Final between Cumnock and Rutherglen Glencairn played on Friday 2nd June where both did well in representing the association in such a prestigious fixture.
Well done, George and Steven.
Ryan Lee
Ryan has been promoted to Category 1D and again it was extremely pleasing to see him being given the opportunity to officiate at a higher level.
Ryan is a fit individual whose talent I had the opportunity to see at first hand some seasons ago when he was seeking advancement to the senior list.
I am confident that with further experience gained in the season ahead, Ryan will have all the important characteristics and make the final step to Category 1.
I know my thoughts are shared with many who have been lucky enough to have watched Ryan mature in terms of his refereeing over the previous seasons.
David Gallacher
David has been promoted to Category 3D and I am confident that with careful guidance and positive performances, his upward trend will not stop at this level.
David Dickson and Michael Dixon were also promoted to Category 4 at the recent grading meeting.
New Observers
It was pleasing to hear that both Gavin Ross and Ralph Gordon have been appointed as Observer and AR Observer respectfully for the season ahead. Both Gavin and Ralph have amassed some excellent experience over their years on the senior list and are now well placed to assist and coach young referees going forward.
