The Lancashire born official started out in 1978 and progressed through the ranks from Sunday football to the Nationwide league and finally the Premiership. Now, having reached the peak of domestic football, he will say goodbye at the end of the season as he reaches the age of 47, when referees must hang up their whistle.

 

TheFA.com When you were starting out as a referee back in the 1970's did you have a refereeing role model?

EW Jack Taylor without a doubt both on and off the field. He was dignified, down to earth had a great personality and on the field was very calm.

TheFA.com How about more recently. Who do you think is great in middle?

EW In the modern era there would be a place in my book for George Courteney and of the foreign refs then the Swede Nilson and Italian Pierluigi Collina are both very good.

TheFA.com Just as you make it to the Premiership you have to leave after only a very short time. With that in mind what aims do you have for this season?

EW I try to aim as high as I can and that means in my last season to ref as many Premier League games as possible. I knew when I joined the Select Group my age would be a barrier. Last year I got on at 47 and then the goalposts were moved so I got an extra year.

TheFA.com What has been the highlight of your career?

EW Without doubt the play off game in 1998 between Charlton and Sunderland. The game itself was amazing- four goals each. Afterwards Bob Murray the Sunderland Chairman and the manager at the time Peter Reid said that result had cost the club £20 million but they could not hold me responsible. After the game the Sunderland midfielder Kevin Ball came up to me and asked me to ref his testimonial game which under the circumstances was absolutely brilliant.

TheFA.com You were the official that abandoned the game last season between Sheffield United and West Brom. What went through your mind.

EW In all honesty it was horrendous. I could see the game was boiling but I was determined to get the game finished and I didn't. I did not enjoy that. There was the double sending off and then another three went off and I was forced to abandon the game. I look back and try and see if there was anything I could have done to prevent it but not really. The decisions were straightforward. The players made the decisions for me. I had no leeway and I just carried out the laws of the game.

 

TheFA.com That was obviously a very unusual occurrence. What effect and impact did that have on you.

EW For three days continuous my phone did not stop ringing. The interest from the media and the press was enormous. I have to say that I was quoted word for word. I even had fans from both West Brom and Sheffield United write to me saying that they hoped that I was not too upset by the incident. They were very supportive. I have to say that I didn't expect anything like that and it never entered my head to finish the game.

TheFA.com After an incident like that how much does criticism hurt a ref whether it is justified or not.

EW Deep down if the papers criticise me and they are wrong then it doesn't bother me at all. But if they are right then I tend to dwell on it and I feel disappointed just like anyone else would. I recently did Derby v Forest and the game went fine and there were no problems. Then I get home and watched it on the TV and realised the Johnstone goal was on-side. At the time no one realised it. Hindsight provided that example and to be fair most managers do understand but deep down I was disappointed.

TheFA.com With so little time to ref on the Premier League were you surprised to get the call?

EW I have to say that at the age of 47 I didn't expect to get the chance. I was in China last June when I got the call and I have to thank the Premier League for the chance. It is brilliant.

TheFA.com What change would you like to see in the game?

EW To see if the ball crosses over the line or not. I am amazed it has never been done before. The Geoff Hurst goal in the World Cup is a great example where it would be useful.

TheFA.com What advice would you give to a young ref coming into the game?

EW Keep your feet on the ground. It is a great opportunity and it can be very enjoyable. Also don't let things bother you and allow yourself to block things out.

Lawrie Madden