One of the proudest men inside Wembley at next Saturday’s FA Vase final will be Tommy Sampson, who earned himself legendary status in the last showpiece to be played at the old stadium 13 years ago.
Tom Killick hasn’t much enjoyed the Southern South & West league this season. The Poole Town manager has been enviously peering over the garden fence and thinking what might have been.
It’s the new weapon in a referee’s armoury. Whistle? Check. Stopwatch? Check. Notebook? Check. Pencil? Check. Yellow and Red cards? Check. Can of magic spray…?
Retiring from playing football at whatever level is tough, the question of how to fill that void come 3pm on a Saturday afternoon is a hugely emotional, personal poser.