Allan Spalding interviewed Willie on his special appointment
Willie. Firstly – and I am sure I speak for all from SFA Referees in Fife – many congratulations on being appointed to the Scottish Cup Final for season 2012/2013.
“Thank you very much indeed, its very much appreciated".
Can you tell us a little about how you found out about the appointment?
“Yes. Drew Herberston from the Scottish Football Association phoned me with the good news. He informed me I had been appointed to the 128th Scottish Cup Final between Hibernian and Celtic at Hampden Park on Sunday 26th May”.
How special was that feeling in amongst all the other prestigious appointments you have received in your career to date?
“This is the pinnacle for me so far. I am so proud to have been selected to officiate at the Scottish Cup Final. It will be an especially enjoyable day for my family, several of whom will be at the match”.
Who will you be officiating with on the day?
“The referee will be William Collum, myself and Martin Cryans will be Assistant Referees, Alan Mulvanny will act as Fourth Official. Also, for the first time ever at a Scottish domestic match Bobby Madden and John Beaton will operate as Additional Assistant Referees as has been the case for a couple of years now at European and International competition level.
Am I right in saying that this team has worked together before?
“Yes, William, Martin and myself are regularly on games together as a team domestically and all six of us have worked together since we had our 1st Champions League match at the San Siro (Milan, not Thornton!!) so we are familiar with how each other operates”.
Have there been any pre cup final duties to perform to date?
“Yes we have had our new referee suits fitted. The teams contesting the final had to decide which kits they will play in & both wanted to wear home kits. Due to them both being green and white this was not possible. Hibernian will play in their home kit & Celtic in the away Black kit.
Before any talk of the Scottish Cup Final we have an SPL game to officiate in this weekend which requires our full attention.
After your SPL game this weekend, what kind of things can you expect in the week leading up to the final?
There will be a photo shoot for the match referee to publicise the sponsors, Specsavers. We are invited guests at the SSFRA Gala Dinner on the Friday and for me personally, a game of golf on Saturday morning. I'll take the family out for dinner on Saturday night and then an early night as Cup Final Day will be a long one!!!
Can I take this opportunity to thank all referees in the Fife Association who have sent me best wishes for the final & for the continued support I have received from these people, due to the numbers I couldn't possibly name them all.
A very special mention to my wife Fiona & daughter Chloe for their continued support & to my bosses at Victoria Carpets who have been fantastic to me over the last few years with my time off.
Thanks Willie, and on behalf of all of the Referees in the Fife Association, I wish you well in your game
Willie and his fellow Referees in the San Siro Stadium, Italy |
