Craig ready to build bridges with clubs

Craig THOMSON is hoping informal visits to clubs next season will help alleviate any existing tensions between referees and players and managers.

Criticism of referees and their assistants reached such a crescendo last season that the country's grade one officials went on strike for the first time.

As part of a Scottish Football Association initiative, grade one referee Thomson, who works three days a week as a lawyer, will job-share a new role as referee recruitment manager at the SFA with Steven McLean.

Part of their remit will be to visit grounds during the week and he is hoping that meeting managers, coaches and players in a more relaxed atmosphere will help break down barriers.

"It is very important that we have this opportunity to go in and speak to players and managers," said Thomson, speaking at Lenzie Academy yesterday where he was helping the SFA launch a new refereeing professional development award in conjunction with the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

"One of the biggest criticisms that we get as referees is that they don't know who we are, they don't understand or appreciate us. It is important that we become more familiar, raise awareness and understanding of the laws of the game and how we interpret them. People must have an awareness and understanding of the laws of the game before they can criticise."

"Thomson, though, is not as keen on speaking to the media immediately after games to explain contentious decisions.

"I don't see the benefit of that," the FIFA referee said. "There are channels through which we do that but I don't think there is any merit in me coming out immediately after a game to explain decisions."