Former SFA man’s book on the history of refereeing
Added: (Thu May 09 2024)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
After almost 40 years working for Scottish football’s governing body, Drew Herbertson is something of an authority on the beautiful game.
The 67-year-old from East Kilbride has now put all that experience and knowledge into a fascinating new book which charts the progress of refereeing since the Scottish Football Association’s formation in 1873 all the way through to 2023.
Football Refereeing in Scotland has already racked up a string of five-star reviews from captivated readers.
Drew hopes his well-researched homage to the men in the middle will prevent an important facet of Scottish football being forgotten.
He said: “Refereeing has been an overlooked subject amongst the vast number of books produced on football.
“Football Refereeing in Scotland seeks to redress the balance by offering an insight to the refereeing world in Scotland and how it has evolved.
“The story is told through the committee structures of the Scottish Football Association.
“The important contributions of various individuals who have played a hugely influential and pivotal role in shaping refereeing in Scotland, and further afield, are revealed as the story unfolds.
“It is ultimately a tribute to them and their commitment to refereeing and to football.”
Drew spent just over 37 years working as an administrator for the Scottish Football Association.
From his initial appointment within the then coaching section, the father-of-two headed the Disciplinary and Referee Department for 25 years.
For the final decade of his working life, Drew worked solely in referee administration.
After retiring in 2019, he delved deep into the Scottish FA’s archives to begin work on Football Refereeing in Scotland.
He added: “A great deal of research was required.
“I had easy access to the minutes of the Referee Supervisors’ Committees and spent a long time going through the Scottish FA minute books to find relevant information.
“Once the initial research was completed, I then spent a lot of time formulating the information into a basis to start the actual writing of the book.
“My hope is that the book, as a record of the development and organisation of refereeing in Scotland, brings knowledge of what has happened, and goes on, in refereeing to a wider audience.
“I think much of it would be unknown.”
Away from writing, Drew spends much of his retirement on the golf course, walking and attending football matches.
He is currently researching a follow-up book about the Scotland’s international referees, many of whom have made an impact on world football.
For more information visit Amazon and search for Drew Herbertson, where the Kindle and paperback versions of Football Refereeing in Scotland are available.
Notes to the Editor
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