STALWART ALLISON CALLING IT A DAY
TOP official David Allison is retiring at the end of the season after more than 40 years of service to the professional game.
Having begun his career as a match official in 1977, Allison started out as a Football League linesman, before being promoted to the referee’s list just three years later at the age of 31 and becoming a regular referee in the English First Division.
He went on to regularly take control of matches in the Premier League before retiring as an official in 1997.
Off the pitch, Allison held several roles at the Football League, namely as regional co-ordinator and referees’ coach before his appointment as PGMOL National Group Director in 2007 where he has provided support to all match officials throughout the Championship, League One and League Two, particularly on matchdays.
One of his key roles also been to oversee the professionalisation of referees in supporting the establishment of Select Group 1 and Select Group 2 and the introduction of new technologies such as goal line technology to the Championship in 2017 and VAR in the Carabao Cup.
The 70-year-old said: “The role of a referee has changed dramatically over the time I’ve spent in the industry. From the increased physical aspect, to the recent introduction of technology – the game is forever evolving for the better.
“Football owes me nothing, I’ve had a wonderful time throughout my career. I have memories and friendships that will last a lifetime and I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have been given.
“I would like to thank my family, my friends and everybody I have had the pleasure of working alongside over the years and wish them all the very best for the future.”
He will, though, take up an advisory position on a part-time basis.