Cumberland FA were pleased to learn that Carlisle-based Referee John Mulligan (34) recently made his well-earned EFL debut following his promotion this summer to the National Group List of Referees at the PGMOL.

On Saturday, John was the match referee for the League Two fixture between Port Vale v Fleetwood Town. Earlier this month he took charge of the EFL Trophy midweek game between Morecambe and Nottingham Forest U21s alongside fellow Cumberland FA match official Scott Henry, who acted as John’s Assistant Referee.

Scott Taylor, the Referee Development Officer at the Cumberland FA, caught up with John over the weekend and put a few questions his way about the recent experience.

Scott: “Firstly, huge congratulations John on your EFL League 2 debut between Port Vale v Fleetwood Town on Saturday. How did you feel when that appointment dropped in your inbox?”

John: “Well it came as a fantastic birthday present! As you know, our appointments aren’t released by the PGMOL until 4pm on a Monday and as I was out for a late lunch with my wife Alex, so I was blissfully unaware. However, those who I’m close to soon notified me! And once I had managed to log in to see it for myself, I was quite emotional. It’s a culmination of 16 years of dedication, sacrifice (both personal + professional) and ultimately hard work, all to purse the dream that every referee has when they first start, which is to referee in the Football League. When that settled, it was all about taking it in, who the two teams were, which for my debut was a complete shock (as Port Vale were top of the League 2) and then respond to all my messages!”

Scott: “Briefly tell us about your refereeing journey to this moment?”

John: “Well you’re the one responsible for setting me on this path as you were my FA Tutor when I took my referee course all those years ago and I’ve still got my certificate that Colin Seel (ex-Football League Referee) presented me with in the Ex-Servicemen’s Club! I started out at Melbourne Park in the Carlisle City Sunday League, refereeing Sunday morning men’s football to begin with, coupled with lining in the Northern Alliance on a Saturday. This provided strong foundations for both aspects of the refereeing pathway. Then it was onto refereeing locally in the Cumberland County League and Northern Alliance before working my way through the footballing pyramid in terms of the FA National League System (Steps 6 to Step 2) gaining refereeing promotions as a Level 4, 3, 2b, 2a and now as Level 1 National Group Referee with the PGMOL. It certainly hasn’t been an exponential rise as there have been many bumps and challenges along the way. However, having the right people to support me (there are too many to name individually but they know who they are) helped when times were tough. Without all of their help, I wouldn’t have reached this milestone and I will be forever grateful for their time, expertise and belief in my abilities. At this point I can’t not mention Fred (Conway). He was hugely influential when Chairman of the Cumberland FA and someone who continued to push me to be the best I could be!”

Scott: “What advice would you give to our young referee workforce who are just beginning their journey?”

John: “I would say listen to those around you as everyone has something that can help your development. If not as a referee, then as a person. I would also encourage them to use the Cumberland FA Referee Mentor programme as this will provide them with access to experienced referees who can help support their development. Finally, enjoy the ride. It’s a bumpy one but the rewards are there if you want it enough!”

Scott: “Finally, and as one of our County CORE Group Coaches, what three traits are you looking for in those who’ve been identified as having the potential talent to follow in your footsteps?”

John: “Firstly, have commitment (both on and off the field). Secondly, develop resilience, and thirdly, show the desire to want to succeed. Display those three things along with a strong work ethic and you won’t go far wrong.”

Scott: “Thanks John, great advice! Good luck for the rest of the season”.

Photo Credit: Adam Gee Photography (@adamgeepics)