When all around you are losing their heads, it’s vital you keep yours
“I would also want to pay particular mention to ex grade one referee Mr Dougie Yeats.
“He has taken a keen interest in my career from the beginning, always advising me soundly and encouraging me when I’ve maybe experienced disappointment.
“To have a local individual like that to mentor me has been invaluable and I will be forever indebted to Dougie for all his support.”
Not everyone can be supportive and Gordon is no stranger to the expletives aimed in his direction from managers, players and from the terraces.
He admits his receding hairline comes in for particular stick.
Gordon said: “My nature is probably to care too much about what people think of me.
“When I started refereeing I was probably guilty of trying to explain decisions too often because I wanted players and coaches to understand my rationale for giving them.
“I quickly realised that I was never going to keep everyone happy. Abuse is part and parcel of the game unfortunately.
“But it always amazes me how a referee can be pilloried for making two or three mistakes in a game, meanwhile players can be misplacing passes, making wrong decisions and missing good opportunities at goal without receiving much flak.
“As a referee you need to quickly learn to develop a thick skin – try not to take anything said too personally.
“Treat players and coaches with respect.
“You might not always get it back in return but it’s important to maintain standards.
“I’ve found that players generally respond favourably to being talked to with respect though.
“They are just passionate for their team and I can understand that, even if it is my job to remain impartial at all times.
“As an assistant referee we can sometimes bear the brunt of the abuse even although the fans may be upset with something the referee has done.
“That just comes with the territory and it’s essential that I don’t respond or get involved with comments aimed at me because I need to keep my concentration on the game at all times.
“Above all else, as the old saying goes: ‘When all around you are losing their heads, it’s vital that you keep yours.’”