Local ref relishes the big stage

Howard hit the Football League list six years ago - within three he was the youngest Premiership referee at 31 years of age. Having started out on the parks at under 10 level, he takes charge of the Carling Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday.

In an exclusive interview with The Star, he explained about his life, current times and where he started out. "It was an under-10s game. I borrowed the shirt from my dad and awful it was too!!. The collar and cuffs had to be attached because they were taken off to be washed separately from the shirt. Bit different to today's kit.

"I'm still learning all the time but it's about being strong and having belief in the face of a lot of flak. The key thing in refereeing is about management and communication. But even that is different here and in Europe.

"Here, there is greater encouragement at verbal communication with players - in UEFA competitions, it's not encouraged. Communication is in different ways, a smile perhaps.

"The cultures are different, we have to adapt. But referees can be accused of talking too much and getting too close to players. Don't talk to them and you can be accused of being aloof so you can get mixed messages".

Juggling his career can prove difficult, but also very challenging, as he continues: "Both jobs involve managing excitable people under stress and so there are similarities in handling certain situations."

No doubt nerves get to even the top officials, but the cup final and beyond is where every referee wants to be. "It's a thrill and the sort of appointment you always dream of but never reckoned on all those years ago when I started out," Howard adds.

"I've had a lot of support from a lot of people - my family, at work, other referees, colleagues and others. I shall spare a thought for everyone in a quiet moment on Sunday."