Season 2015/16 was an outstanding year for Lancashire Referees on the field.  88 referees received promotion most notably; Paul Tierney has been promoted to the Select Group of Referees operating on the Premier League.

Additionally, Michael Salisbury has been promoted to the National List of Referees operating on the Football League and Scott Oldham has been promoted to 2A Panel Select Referee operating on the National League.  They will be joined by assistants Natalie Aspinall and Michael Barlow who have been promoted to the Football League and National League respectively.

Next season will see the introduction of Select Group 2 – a group of officials who will operate on the Football League Championship.  We are delighted that both Darren Bond and Jeremy Simpson have been given full time contracts on this list.  They will be joined by assistant referees Phil Dermott, Nick Greenhalgh, Paul Hodskinson and James Mainwaring.

Furthermore 81 Lancashire officials received cup finals this season, and no less than seven of those were appointed to Wembley cup finals, including Neil Swarbrick (FA Cup Final), Lee Mason (FA Trophy Final), Paul Marsden (League 2 Playoff Final) and Gary Hilton (Football League Trophy Final).

Referee Development Manager, Steve Stewart said ‘It has been an unforgettable year both on and off the pitch for our referees and referee development.  It is with a deep sense of pride that James, Eddie, Lindsay and myself are allowed to manage the referees department here at Lancashire FA.  Every day is a challenge but every day brings its rewards.  Sincere congratulations to all referees who have received promotion, cup final appointments and referee of the year awards’. 

You can see the full list of finals and appointments by clicking the link below.