Both members of the 21-strong Select Group, Durkin and Barber are two of England's best referees and between them have a wealth of FA Cup experience, each having taken charge of Finals.

Durkin, who will this year referee the Old Trafford Semi-Final between Sunderland and the winners of Tranmere and Millwall's replay, was in the middle for Arsenal's 1998 victory over Newcastle at Wembley. Barber officiated last season's climax when Arsenal again lifted The Cup, beating Southampton 1-0, and will once more be adjudicator when the Gunners play Manchester United at Villa Park. Both referees have nothing but affection for the world's oldest domestic cup competition.

"When I started refereeing I never dreamt that I would one day referee an FA Cup Final," says Durkin. "I think in my whole career, that has to be the high point."

"The cacophony of noise when we lead the teams out of the tunnel at Wembley was phenomenal. I also remember being hit by the heat as soon as we walked onto the pitch as it was about 100 degrees pitchside that day," recalls the Dorset official. 

"The game went well with no controversial incidents, so I have fond memories!"

With a place in The Final up for grabs for the winners of each tie, refereeing games of this importance, full of emotion, must be nerve-wracking, even for experienced professionals such as Durkin and Barber.

"By the time referees get to this stage in their career they've refereed so many big matches in the Premier League, the Champions League and internationals it's not a case of nerves," adds Barber. 

"It's a privilege and honour to officiate in any match in The FA Cup," said the Hertfordshire -based referee. 

"But to be involved in one of the Semi-Finals or the Final is the highlight of anyone's career."

Semi-Final Officials:

Arsenal v Manchester United
Saturday 3 April 2004, Villa Park		 Sunderland v Millwall/Tranmere R
Sunday 4 April 2004, Old Trafford
Referee: G P Barber
Assistants: M Tingey and K P Stroud
Fourth Official: S W Dunn 		 Referee: P A Durkin
Assistants: G Atkins and K Pike
Fourth Official: H M Webb


If you would like to be a referee, and follow in the footsteps of Graham Barber and Paul Durkin, why not get involved.  Contact your local county association to find out more about courses in your area, or visit our FA Learning section.