FORMER Premier League referee Bobby Madley delivered some wise words of advice to Essex officials ahead of their upcoming county cup finals.
The professional referee, who has been officiating in the Championship this season and started out in the EFL in 2010, presented a development workshop to attendees at the County Cup Final Match Official Appointment Evening.
Madley shared his knowledge and experience and covered topics including confidence, concentration and ambition, as well as speaking about how to approach a big game and keeping focus during a match.
Danny Cowley reveals points tally U's may need to make play-offs
The West Yorkshire official explained how much of a privilege it was to be part of the celebration of refereeing.
He said: “It’s an honour for me to be in this room tonight.
“These referees have been giving up their Sunday or Saturdays every week to go out in the rain and the snow when it’s much easier to stay at home and not do that.
“The contribution that they make to football eclipses what we do in the professional game.
Selecting County Cup Final officials is never easy, with so many referees performing at a high level across #Essex football. Appointments are earned through commitment, development and consistency. Find out more: 🔗 https://t.co/slbBUcQbog #GrassrootsReferees @GoCardless pic.twitter.com/pkZK5DQhy1
— Essex County FA (@EssexCountyFA) February 16, 2026
“To see them be recognised for that, it’s really special to be able to share it with them.”
Match officials, dates and venues for each of the Essex County Cup finals from the under-12s through to the Veterans age groups have recently been announced.
“Just soak it up,” added Madley, who refereed the 2021 League Two Play-Off Final between Newport County and Morecambe, at Wembley.
“It will pass them by so quickly.
Ex-Colchester favourite David Perkins has new EFL coaching role
"Every one of those players will walk out there and it will be their World Cup Final.
“For some of those players, it will be the only final that they ever appear in, in their career.
“We’ve got to recognise how big that is as referees, but we’ve also got to recognise what an achievement it is to have been appointed.
Colchester United youngsters suffer heavy defeat at QPR
"Don’t fear the game. Be nervous. That means you care.
“Go out and just deliver the best performance you possibly can. Be proud of your team around you and just wear that Essex County FA badge on your chest with pride.”
To discover more about refereeing in grassroots Essex football, or for an update on the County Cups, visit essexfa.com.
You can also interact with the Essex County FA on social media.
Share