In the first of a new series this season we will be meeting various people and asking their views and opinions. We kick off with our new Chairman, Eddie Tarry.

Alan: Now you are installed as chairman, what are your aims for the society in the next two years?
Eddie: Like most Chairmen in the past I would like to increase our membership, in recent years we seem to have been stagnant at around 40-45 members. I would like to increase our Sponsorship deals and be able to give back to the members' items of kit, this may have a knock on effect to get more members. But at present we have a long way to go before that date.
Alan: So how are we going to increase our membership and go about promoting refereeing locally?
Eddie: Obviously we will carry on with the previous ideas like attending newly qualified referees courses and by having posters in changing rooms and public places, I believe we should be attending each leagues meeting at least once a season, and also visiting high schools. But I am open to suggestions.
Alan: So then, what made you start refereeing?
Eddie: I stopped playing at the age of 25 due to my work, I then had two seasons completely out of the game. Then I spoke to a referee called Colin Bishop he gave me Bob Coopers number, the rest is history.
Alan: How did you rise through the leagues to the dizzy heights of the football league?
Eddie: I went onto the Mid-Cheshire league within 3 months of passing the course in 1985, in 1987 I went onto the Mid-Cheshire Division 2 Referees List. I gained my class one in 1990, I then went onto the NWC linesman's list in 1991 and was promoted to the referees list in 1993. I then received a double promotion in 1996 to the referees' list of the panel leagues and the football league line.
Alan: In all that time, what's the most prestigious game you have refereed?
Eddie: There have been many games that I regard as prestigious, the Edgar Webb cup final in 1989, 4th official Man Utd v Liverpool 1995, linesman 1997 3rd round Coca-cola Cup Huddersfield v West Ham and finally I got a great buzz from the CCFA Sunday Cup Final.
Alan: and the worst?
Eddie: Fortunately I have only had a couple of games I did not enjoy, the worst being NWC Darwen v Bootle 1994, I sent off three players, booked eight and reported the Bootle Chairman. Since then we have got on very well (ha ha.)
Alan: Yes, I remember being on the line in that unfortunate encounter. On a brighter note, any funny moments?
Eddie: Last season during a NWC game I asked a player to pick a pocket as I was going to caution him he asked 'why?' I explained because one is red and one yellow. He quickly replied "can I phone a friend?"
Alan: Being on the national list of referees, you will see them operate at close quarters, what do you think of the standard on the football league?
Eddie: I believe that our national list officials are still amongst the best in the world. They are scrutinised by up to 16 cameras on every game and I believe the percentage of wrong decisions is only small. Always remember that from grass roots to the Premier League it is not the referee who commits the offence he just acts on how he sees it.
Alan: and the state of football locally?
Eddie: I think the standard in local football has dropped over the last 5-10 years. There may be many reasons but I just can't put my finger on any significant one.
Alan: Thank you for your time Eddie, and I hope you managed to achieve your ambitions as Chairman.
Eddie: Thank you, being elected chairman in this our 80th anniversary is an added bonus to being chairman it is a great personal honour one I did not really relish when it was put to me, now I am really looking forward to the coming season with great enthusiasm.