TheFA.com: Have you had anything new to contend with this season?

Chris Foy: There has not been any great change. What there has been is a three pronged attack from the League Managers Association, Professional Footballers Association and the referees to look at the two footed tackle, abusive and insulting language and to make sure instructions have been handed out over offside.

TheFA.com: How have you viewed the sendings-off which have been rescinded?

Chris Foy: When you get sent off in a game you can only appeal if it was for violent conduct. In other cases a video is sent to the Football Association and they pass it on to the referee concerned to have a look at it.The picture doesn't lie and we make mistakes. As Philip Don has told us 'We cannot defend the indefensible'. Normally I would say we get 99.9% of decisions right but we do make mistakes and I think it is right that we make it known because I think we get a lot more credit for it.

 

I know the Chairman of Birmingham City was a happy man after a decision concerning one of his players was overturned and the way it was dealt with.

TheFA.com: Are you conscious of all the attention on your decision making during a game?

Chris Foy: Well we are all accountable now. Players are accountable and so are we. In any walk of life your performance is monitored. We know we have to make decisions at lightning speed in the knowledge at the back of your mind that you may have got it wrong.With every game in the Premiership being recorded we know that our decisions will be on TV. The main thing is that you give your best.

TheFA.com: What made you go into refereeing?

Chris Foy: Personally I wanted to be a professional footballer but wasn't up to it so I decided to become a ref. It is enjoyable. For the first time I am being paid for something I love to do.

TheFA.com: Has going full time professional been of benefit?

Chris Foy: Yes. For me it is so much better. Before I had to train when I could - now I can train at any time of the night or day. I can now eat correctly and at the right times and I have more time to watch and review games that I and my colleagues have been involved in. I listen and learn more. I also think that having a select group of referees has produced a difference in that people in the game know we are professional. They talk to us more and that dialogue is important.

 

TheFA.com: How do you view relations between refs and clubs these days?

Chris Foy: This season I have been invited into a club to speak to the players and manager and then went out to ref an 11 v 11 game. I went in and talked to them and told them what to expect and that was good.

I am willing to do it if asked. Last season Graham Barber and myself went into Liverpool and gave a presentation. I have got time to do it and I am willing to do it. Clubs have only to ask.

TheFA.com: There has been a flurry of cards at the beginning of this season. Any particular reason?

Chris Foy: I did one game when I sent off one player and booked seven. Every offence was mandatory and I had to ask myself why are they doing it. At the start of the season Philip Don and Keith Hackett met at three venues up and down the country and gave all the clubs a presentation on law changes and interpretation. I think sometimes players are trying too hard.

TheFA.com: What are your personal aims this season?

Chris Foy: I want to ref 15 Premier games this season. Last year I did a Division One Play Off Final and was involved in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup. This is my second season and I think I have set myself realistic targets.

 

TheFA.com: Who do you most admire as a ref and for what reasons?

Chris Foy: Good question. Well there are three really. George Courtney, Philip Don and Graham Barber. They were and are very experienced refs who did it at the highest level and two have been to the World Cup.

Graham has also been my mentor and he has given me the benefit of his knowledge and advice over the last 12 months which has been invaluable.





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