Andy Butler wants his own 'ref justice'

Respect for referees has been known to be as fragile as Walsall's survival hopes.

Criticism, abuse and the constant questioning of their authority makes for a lonely profession.

The dwindling numbers of grass roots officials is testimony to that, but the challenge doesn't faze Walsall skipper Andy Butler.

The defender is eyeing a life after football and wants to become one of the new breed of referees once his playing days end.

Butler and his colleagues have been on the end of 'ref justice' this month after gaffes from officials against Bournemouth and Colchester cost them vital points.

And it has resonated with the defender, who is preparing for tomorrow's visit of Rochdale, as he looks at his future career.

"It's something I'm looking to do, the FA are trying to fast-track playersand I don't think I'm going to be a coach! It's something that always interested me," said Butler, who spent time training at Spotland last year following his release by Huddersfield .

"Only the top players will retire with no money worries at the end of their career so it's something I've got to look at.

"A lot of people have been saying they want ex-professionals as referees so it's not just stemmed from the Colchester or Bournemouth games, it's something I've been thinking about.

"I had a course booked in Sheffield the day of the Dagenham game so I had to cancel it but I'm looking for one around Walsal now.

"I did a child safeguarding course at Birmingham University in Perry Barr with a chap called Tom Stack and he's going to help me get a referees course round here."

The 27-year-old must officiate six games during the three-week assessment — three organised by himself and the others by the FA — before a written exam to gain his Level One qualification.

It would leave him on the bottom rung of the ladder but give him a foot in the door as he bids to improve player-referee relations, one of the main reasons for his choice.

And Butler feels more professionals should consider a career in black as it would fix the fractured bond between players and officials.

"I find it interesting. From the officials I've had, you want to put your experience and knowledge into the game to help ref it," he said.

"Sometimes they can be a bit stand-offish — I'm going to get every referee against me now! There have been times when referees don't like talking to you but as a whole they are pretty good.

"It's not about making decisions better — it's about making sure you understand the players and their frustrations. That's a big thing, to be able to talk to players and have a bit of banter with them rather than being arrogant or shooting off straight away."

Tomorrow's official — Gary Sutton — has dished out 53 yellow cards and three reds in 18 games this term but hasn't taken control of the Saddlers since their 1-0 home defeat to Yeovil a year ago.

Walsall are yet to be awarded a penalty this season — despite strong claims — which has hampered them in their bid to escape the League One drop zone.

And Dale, unbeaten 2011, stand in their way of leaving the bottom four for the first time since October.

Butler spent time training at Spotland last year following his release from Huddersfield but insisted he doesn't bear a grudge after moving on.

"I had operations on my bunions just before the play-off final while I was on loan at Blackpool last year, the surgeon told me six weeks and I was out for almost five months," he said.

"I then trained with Rochdale for a few months and I've got to say a big thanks to the physio Andy Thorpe. Things didn't work out but they don't for a reason, I came here and I love it.

"They didn't want me. I can't grumble, it's their decision and they have done well this season. They came up last year and are a good team with good players. I wish them all the best but just not this Saturday."

Spotland boss Keith Hill won League One Manager of the Month for January and Saddlers chief Dean Smith insisted the hosts are out to end their unbeaten run.

He said: "They had their game called off against Southampton last weekend so they've had an enforced breather but Keith has done a fantastic job there. They are unbeaten this year and the carrot is there for us to be the first team to beat them."