Stafford ref calls time after 40 years

Stafford's stalwart referee Jim Ellis today reflected on hanging up his whistle after 40 years of tireless service to the area's youth leagues.

The 72-year-old blew for full time in Friday's under-11 Sub Shield final at Rowley Park, as Stafford Soccer School beat Eccleshall Eagles 8-0.

His swansong saw the retired steel engineer's career as the man in the middle come full circle with him officiating Eccleshall winger Sam Carson.

The youngster's great-grandfather, Bill, helped Mr Ellis get started as a referee in the 1970s and the married father-of-two, who has five grandchildren, has never looked back.

Mr Ellis was born in Glasgow and came to Stafford to live with his family aged 21, meeting his wife Cynthia as he settled into the town.

The veteran official will now take a backseat and is taking up bowls, enlisting with an academy at Amasal Sports & Social club.

Playing table tennis will also fill the void for Mr Ellis, who lists wine making and gardening among his hobbies, but he will remember his send off.

He said: "I was treated like a lord. They got me a litre bottle of whiskey but they made sure they gave it me after the match!

"It's one of my tipples, especially on a Sunday when I get back after a match and I have an aperitif, after a shower and Sunday roast.

"The last game was funny as Chris Carson was running the Eccleshall team, I knew his father but his grandfather got me going as a referee!

"That was Bill Carson, his son Cyril played a decent standard of football and Chris' son, Sam, was also playing in the game.

"That's four generations of that family I have come across through football."

Mr Ellis also believes he may end up immortalised through the game at Rowley Park, who are about to put down an all-weather pitch.

He explained: "In a few years, there will be a pub quiz question, who was the last referee to officiate on grass at Rowley Park.

"And, of course, it was me!"