Aston Villa idol issues ‘perfect’ claim after official news
Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Howard Webb is the “perfect” candidate to be the new head of the PGMOL.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer claimed Webb was a “top, top referee” and a rare official who communicated effectively with players.
As per the Athletic last week (25 June), the PGMOL released a statement confirming Mike Riley will leave his role at the top of the organisation in the 2022-23 season.
His role will be split when he leaves into a chief refereeing officer, in charge of developing match officials, and a chief operating officer, who will manage the organisation.
The Telegraph reported the same day that Webb is set to take up the post of chief refereeing officer and he is currently in a similar role with MLS and is under contract until December.
“I think Howard Webb is the perfect ex-referee to be the operator, 100 per cent,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“He was a top, top referee who had respect for players. You could talk to Howard Webb, from hearing from other people their experiences as well as mine, he would talk back to you.
“Unlike other referees who are very rude, like Mike Dean, he was the opposite. He would talk to you and explain a decision.
“For me, one of England’s best-ever referees and he would be perfect for the job. I hope they make the right decision and give it to him.”
Riley has been in the boost since 2009 when he took over from Football Insider columnist Keith Hackett.
Webb had 12 months with the organisation in 2014 after he retired but left to take up the position in the USA.
In other news, Aston Villa are willing to listen to offers for a ‘whinging’ star.