Ex-footballers becoming referees: ‘We are trailblazers – others will follow’

And then there is the negativity.

Abuse and criticism of referees is a constant at every level, with debate around player and manager behaviour, and warnings of a ‘crisis’ at amateur level coming in regular waves.

In the introductions at the start of the course, one of the 16 admitted to getting a suspension for five bookings, all of which were for dissent.

Yet Vincenti doesn’t feel it will be as big a problem as some might think.

“We have already experienced that in our playing careers,” he said. “You have situations as a player where your form dips and people are on your back.

“You know it [abuse] is going to happen but we have a thick skin. It’s not at the forefront of my mind, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. I prefer to look at the more positive aspects.”

The aim is for the experiment to become the norm.

Anthony Griffith, with more than 500 games at various levels, is one of the 16 and has been waiting for his chance since 2014 when the first planned initiative fizzled out, as it did again during the Covid pandemic.

The close relationship between Webb and PFA chief executive Maheta Molango – plus the Premier League’s funding – should provide longevity this time around.

The hope is if the current cohort excel, more will be encouraged to apply.

“We are going to get scrutinised more than most because we are ex-players coming in and it is going to be publicised a lot more,” said Birchall.

“But we will lean on each other. We are the trailblazers and I can only see it being popular with ex-players.”