TODAY the Daily Echo poses the question: Will Keith Stroud soon have the hardest job in Hampshire sport?
The 34-year-old next month takes up his new role as the Hampshire FA's full-time referees development officer.
Stroud, who ran the line in the FA Cup final between Saints and Arsenal last May, admits his forthcoming role is filled with challenges.
The Echo can reveal that already this season there have been over 50 assaults on referees in grass-roots football in Hampshire - a figure up on the 2002/03 total.
Stroud's remit includes:
Attempting to bring more referees into the game. The Hampshire FA estimate over 350 matches a week take place without a properly qualified match official.
Keeping the referees they have got. Out of around 1,500 qualified officials, about half regularly fail to pick up a whistle any more.
Educating the thousands of amateur players in Hampshire that dissent - verbal and physical - towards officials won't be tolerated.
Full story in tonight's Daily Echo.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article