Bilston referee misses out on long service award
A long-serving football referee said he has been left disappointed after his 25-years of service was not recognised by the FA – because of an error with his registration documents.
Errol Bryan, who referees in the Bilston Partnership Youth League, believed he was due to receive an accolade for 25 years of refereeing.
But because he forgot to hand back his registration form in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons, he said the Birmingham FA have declined to present him with the award.
Bosses at the football organisation today said the award was only given out for 25 years of continuous service.
Mr Bryan, of Claregate, said: "I accept there was an error on my part, but as requested I sent over a list of referees with my name on it from those seasons. The chairman of the Bilston Partnership League Graham Hodson has been very helpful in stating my case to the FA, but we've been trying to get a response since November with no luck.
"This isn't just about me, it's to show that long-serving referees will be recognised for loyal service in a job that most people don't last 25 days let alone 25 years, and I find it disappointing that they can't look past a small technicality."
The Bilston Partnership Youth League still wanted to to recognise Mr Bryan's service and gave him their own award.
Mike Perrick, from Birmingham FA, said the award was for continuous service and in 2007/8 and 2008/9 Mr Bryan did not register with the association.
Featured local business - AA Catering Equipment Services in Bilston
