Ex-official: Liverpool told ‘root and branch review’ needed as major Premier League news confirmed
Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League should be the subject of a “root and branch review” into refereeing standards when Howard Webb takes over as boss of the PGMOL.
That is the view of former of the organisation and ex-Premier League and Uefa referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after it was confirmed Webb will take over from Mike Riley at the end of the year.
The Premier League confirmed last month (24 August) that the 51-year-old will become the new Chief Refereeing Officer.
Hackett, who was Webb’s boss when he was a top-flight official, has welcomed the news but has warned major changes are needed.
He told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley: “I think it’s brilliant news.
“On the basis of Howard’s distinguished career as a referee and his ability to communicate.
“Having taken over Pro Referee in America, I think he’s enhanced the operation there. In particular, having a guy called Greg Barkey operating VAR.
“My view is well done, Howard. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it is a good move.
“But I think he’s got some tough decisions to make. When he comes in, he’ll be managing grassroots referees up to the top so he should be really good on succession planning.
“I think the organisation needs a root and branch review. He’s got to look at the expenditure level, £23million seems too much. That’s the first thing.
“He’s got to look at the management team. What I would do is reinterview everybody for the positions that they currently hold.
“He’s come in because the PGMOL is failing. Therefore, what’s not working, for me, is the coaching of referees.
“Coaches in football clubs can make players better through good coaching. The coaches in the refereeing fraternity are not good enough.
“There would be a line at the exit door, in all honesty.
“A change in management is done over time but I think he’s got to be pretty ruthless otherwise it’s an oil tanker that is going to continue to head toward the rocks. We’re not going to get what we want.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Liverpool are to cash in from a new deal “very soon” after a £428million U-turn.