Referees set to train with Premier League players as part of new regime proposed by Man Utd interim boss Ralf Rangnick
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REFEREES are set to train with Premier League players in a bid to improve relations, according to reports.
The proposal was put forward by Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
He feels the performances of top-flight officials could be improved by the refs going through their paces with clubs in the week.
And it would also help build rapport between the two groups come matchdays.
As reported by the , the suggestion was largely supported when Rangnick raised it at a recent summit involving managers and referees.
The PGMOL, who organise the refs in the Premier League, are said to be keen to have their whistlers use the elite-level facilities at clubs.
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It is thought the new idea - dubbed the ref revolution - could come into force as early as next season.
Rangnick's suggestion would also help players get a better understanding of the referees' roles and break down misconceptions.
One way that could be done is by the likes of Michael Oliver, Anthony Taylor and Co taking charge of training-ground matches.
Elsewhere at the summit, Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp, Norwich's Dean Smith, Everton's Frank Lampard, Brighton's Graham Potter and Rangnick all voiced their desire for designated VAR officials.
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The terminology of "clear and obvious" when overturning decisions and the delayed offside flag also need looking at, the gaffers said.
Smith and Lampard want the opportunity to talk with referees 30 minutes after full-time to return amid Covid restrictions loosening.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey's view
Premier League referees training with clubs isn't anything new.
I did it for 12 years with Bolton at their Euxton training ground during the majority of their Premier League days between 2001-13.
I would fully back officials to restart this approach because it certainly made me a better referee.I lived in Bolton so I felt it was common sense to use their facilities and I contacted then manager Sam Allardyce.
He welcomed me with open arms despite the fact I had previously sent off his striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.
I also spoke to former PGMOL manager Keith Hackett and he did not see a problem with the arrangement.
Working and training alongside top-flight players added to my personality as a high-level referee but also improved my relationship with players. Even now I am good friends with Kevin Nolan and Kevin Davies.
I would join in with their pre-season programme which helped me get fit. Sometimes I even beat a few of the players in running tests and they weren't happy!
Then during the season, I would referee any training matches, 11 a-side or smaller sided games.
At the same time, because of my background as a non-league goalkeeper, I would also take part in the drills undertaken by Jussi Jaaskelainen and Kevin Poole which were led by Fred Barber.
Training in that environment also aided my understanding of the game and it became a real benefit for me on a matchday.
Due to my locality to Bolton, I did not referee them in the Premier League.
But my experience working with them meant I knew what was coming from top-flight rivals, especially their moans and traits as how they behaved in training was replicated on a matchday.
It definitely helped me in my decision-making and therefore I would have no issue with the likes of Michael Oliver training with Newcastle or Kevin Friend at Leicester.
Yes, there will be conspiracy theorists but they need to be ignored. Once a referee crosses the white line they make a decision based on what is in front of them. No one should ever question a referee's integrity.
