27.10.07
Posted in Rugby League, Ashley Klein at 12:18 am by Ashley Klein
The off-season has started for most players and officials. For myself and a few others however we’re a few weeks away from actually getting into the off-season. I’ve been appointed to matches right through to the middle of November, which is great as there are quite a few important games that I’ll be involved in. Starting tomorrow night as the video referee for the Gillette Fusion Test Series between Great Britain and New Zealand.
My next match refereeing will be on Friday next week, Lebanon v Ireland in a World Cup qualifier. This should be an interesting match and I’m really looking forward to it, the importance of the match has been supported by Sky Sports and their decision to show all the qualifying matches held within the UK.
Last weekend was really enjoyable to be part of such a special occassion. The match was good with some fantastic tries scored by both teams. This match was also the first time I was using some of the products from Body Science (BSc), it’s the little things that can sometimes help give you the edge over your opponents and the compression gear and Ecoade energy drink have definitely assisted me during the match and post match, so a big thank you to Martin at BSc for his assistance.
Now on to some comments from the last post
Harry AA said, Hey Ash, I see you’re down as the video ref or reserve ref - can’t remember entirely - for Saturday’s Test. Is that good news or are you gutted not to get the chance to referee an international? That said, you’re probably knackered and coiuld do with a breather!?
No, this is definitely good news. Stuart Cummings is a big advocate for the use of neutral referees wherever possible, with my position within the RFL I am considered as a British referee which I fully believe I am, having been officiating here for over 6 years now. So with that understanding I knew I was never going to be considered to referee the match and fully support Tony Archer’s appointment as the top official within the game in Australia, having refereed the Grand Final. If only I could have a breather…I’m not done till the middle of November, with four more games to referee, three within the World Cup qualifiers and the Test match between France and New Zealand in Paris. By that stage, I will definitely be ready for that breather!
Madge said, Does your boss give you a bit of a break then in the summer or do you still have to keep on training full-time to keep up your fitness levels ahead of next season? Also, do you find you miss the action when it comes to the holiday break…?
Yes, we do get a break though mine won’t start to the middle of November. The training is reduced, I won’t totally switch off but the intensity will be very light and involve non-impact activities and lots of swimming. The body gets enough of a battering during the season so it’s important to rest the legs, particularly if I want to be running around in another 15 years time. No, I won’t miss the action, as the off-season is a good time to spend with my family, there are a lot of sacrificies made during the season. So I’ll be going away for a holiday to relax and treat the family, as we can’t get away during the season.
StaceyJonesFan said, Was it emotional to watch a player like Stacey Jones play his final game - that boy’s a legend? Also, is that the best player you’ve ever seen in action? Who would be the other contenders in your top player list?
It wasn’t emotional for myself. I was honoured to be involved in the match and to referee Stacey, who I said in my last blog that he was one of my idols as I grew up, made it even more special to me. It’s a tough question to answer as there are so many great players involved in the game, but the best three players that I’ve refereed, in my opinion and in no order, are Andrew Johns, Stacey Jones and Darren Lockyer. All three have that special quality and the ability to turn any game at any point.
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19.10.07
Posted in Referee's Assistant at 8:00 pm by Ashley Klein
Another season is finished and I must agree with a lot of the experts that have commented on this season’s engage Super League. Yes, it has been the best that I’ve been involved in, Super League XII has had many highs and lows, myself included in both categories! The important thing, however, is we have ended it with a high.
Old Trafford truly is the “Theatre of Dreams”, it’s a fantastic stadium and the atmosphere was electric last Saturday night. The pleasing thing for all the officials involved in the game is it was incident free and everyone is talking about the players, job complete.
This week has been one of relaxation, recharging batteries and getting ready for the next assignment. The Centenary International between the Northern Union and the All Golds. It was an absolute an honour to receive this appointment, I’m a big fan of international rugby league and the history behind the game. So, to be appointed to officiate a game that historically means so much is beyond description. It’s important to remember that without this tour by the All Golds, rugby league may never have found it’s way to Australia and New Zealand, therefore I wouldn’t be involved!! Not that many people would mind however!
It’s also special on another count, Stacey Jones is playing his last game and to be a part of this as well is an added bonus. I’ve watched Stacey since I was 16 years old and he was one of my idols growing up, to be able to referee him has been fantastic and I’m looking forward to refereeing him one last time.
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10.10.07
Posted in Rugby League, Ashley Klein at 10:18 pm by Ashley Klein
It’s now Wednesday and 6pm at that, only three days to kick off and I can’t wait.
It’s been a busy week already, starting with the Man of Steel dinner at Old Trafford on Monday night. Steve Ganson won the award for the engage Referee of the Year. A well-deserved award and caps off a good season for Steve, who is now in transit to New Zealand to referee the Test Match between New Zealand and Australia. Yes, I was disappointed not to receive the award, as I’ve said in previous posts, no matter what it is whether it’s a match or an award, I want to be the one refereeing or receiving the award, but it wasn’t to be. So, that’s for next year now, I’ll look to improve certain things and ensure that I’m hopefully receiving it next year. No doubt the other four officials that missed out also will be of the same mindset and Steve himself will be pushing hard to win it again. This will no doubt improve performances as we all strive to achieve.
I didn’t find out until Tuesday that I was refereeing the engage Super League Grand Final on Saturday. It’s an honour to receive the appointment. I’ve been pleased with how I’ve been refereeing over the last couple of months and look forward to the challenge ahead on Saturday night. This will be the second time I’ve refereed the Grand Final and also the second big final this year having already officiated in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final. I’m grateful for the opportunity, we are a close knit group of referees and work and train extremely hard as a group and, to be chosen as the representative to officiate in this game, is very special. I won’t let the guys down and will be out there doing my best on Saturday night, as will Steve on Sunday morning as he represents the group in New Zealand.
Old Trafford is special, I still remember the 2005 Grand Final vividly, it really is a “Theatre of Dreams”, words can’t describe what it’s like. The atmosphere will no doubt be electric and, for those that managed to witness the Grand Final qualifier between these two teams two weeks ago, I’m sure we will be in for a fantastic spectacle.
Now on to some of your recent questions.
NickC said, Nice one on your appoiinment for Saturday. Well deserved, now don’t mess it up!! No pressure…
Yes, no pressure at all, only 70,000+ fans and many more watching at home through Sky Sports…none at all! Thanks though and all the officials involved are very much focused and prepared for the game, just like the players will be. Pressure is something that you can put on yourself, but come kickoff, I’ll solely be focused on the players and the field and will be able to block out everything else, it will feel just like any other game.
Caz said, hiya, i’ll be watching at the w’end - sadly only on the telly mind. Just wondered if there were players you look forward to refereeing and whether you’ll be nervous. I refereed some under-tens the other day and I was nervous just with a dozen/ parents on the touchlines. Not sure how you do it mate.
I don’t really pay any attention to the players that I will be refereeing, I don’t look forward to any, just like I don’t dread refereeing any on the other end of the scale. This is important as you can only referee what is in front of you and treating all players equally is the key. I won’t be nervous, the important thing for myself now is I’ve been here before. I know what to expect in the build up, on the day and the atmosphere during the game. What I do feel is excitement. I can’t wait for the match. The other buzz I receive is when arriving within the vicinity of the ground when you start to see the jerseys of the spectators walking towards the ground. It’s like an adrenaline rush and gets me ready to go out and referee. That’s great that you referee, you don’t need to be nervous however, the thing you must remember is that you know the laws, you know how to apply them and someone has appointed you to the match because they know you can do it. Once you remember those few things just go out and be confident, the rest will fall into place.
Damian said, Hi Ashley, I don’t suppose you’ve watched any of the Rugby World Cup. If so, what did you make of Wayne Barnes’ handling of the New Zealand-France quarter-final? Do you have sympathy for other referees when they have a ‘bad day at the office’? Cheers, Damo
I haven’t watched much to be honest, I even missed the England and Australia match, however yes, I did watch New Zealand and France. I do have sympathy for other officials if they have a ‘bad day at the office’, they are out there doing there best and I fully appreciate what they are going through, they are making decisions live without use of a replay and just like players making errors though dropping balls, missing tackles, officials are bound to make errors also. I did play union when I was in school, but have very limited knowledge on the laws of the game but, from my understanding as a spectator, I don’t think there was anything wrong with the performance of Wayne Barnes. Like any game and my own included there are things that are probably wrong and even Wayne himself would probably agree, but as I stated earlier, officials are only calling things as they see them at the time. Personally, I think Wayne communicates well with the players and is breaking the mould as he is also one of the younger officials and has many years ahead of himself. In my eyes, the best team won on the night and the opposition had numerous chances to win the match but didn’t perform to their high standards. As I said however this is from an extremely limited knowledge of the game and I congratulate Alain Rolland on his appointment to the final.
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27.09.07
Posted in Rugby League, Ashley Klein at 10:59 pm by Ashley Klein
Tom S - No, Ron Laughton also refereed a Super League game during the year. Though Gareth off memory ended up doing about four matches. Yes, presently there are six full-time officials and there is room for more but, like everything, finances will always be the biggest factor. I think we all welcome the competition, as I’ve said previously competition is healthy. It keeps you on your toes and demands performance, so bringing in more fulltime officials would in essence only create more competition and hopefully better performances with it. Having been involved in the development structure previously, there are quite a few up and coming referees in the ranks. I’m sure you will start to see them in the next few years, as they make there way through the National Leagues.
Hendo - No, it doesn’t enter my mind at all. Yes, we are aware of all implications, as the rugby league community is very tight knit, so unless we are totally away with the fairies it would be hard not to be aware what everything means. Once that whistle goes to kick off however, just like every game, it is purely a matter of reds v blues, or whatever colours are being worn. Then it’s judging everything as you see it! I approach every game with the mentality that it’s important to perform to the best of my ability. As for me, each weekend’s fixture is my one opportunity to go out and perform to show why I should be getting the games at the end of the season. That’s the exact approach for this weekend. In regards to the competitiveness there is no aggro, as I’ve said previously there is naturally disappointment as we all want to be refereeing the so called “top” games. We do have a bit of banter and it’s all good fun, but it’s my job to perform to ensure I stay there, just like it’s the other officials jobs to go out and perform to get there. No different to any team…performances will get you the rewards.
Block - In short, no. Being totally honest I never used to watch Super League at all, the only game I would see was the Challenge Cup Final, which was where I got my fascination with the English game. As for the NRL, when I was younger I used to like the Balmain Tigers. They’ve gone now having merged with Western Suburbs and I never supported the merged team. I just enjoy good rugby now and spend most of the time watching the officials on the field and their decision making.
Jonathon - Yes, it’s been a long season, but I’m actually feeling fresh again. After the Cup Final I was able to have a week off, which has worked out really well. In a sense it’s recharged myself for the run into the playoffs. Not sure what my plans are for the offseason, will try and get away and have been looking at going back to Australia for Christmas, will depend on the kids though and school. Failing that, you will find me on a beach somewhere in the Canaries.
RafaRef - No, it very rarely happens. This has a lot to do with the culture, which rugby league can take a lot of credit for. We really are a family sport. It’s tough and uncomprimising but everyone is fully aware of the boundaries. Players, coaches and officials. Yes, there are times when coaches and players are upset, but the majority of times the correct procedures are adhered to when airing a grievance. Stuart Cummings, has also created an Ask Stuart page on the RFL website, which allows fans to write in for any queries on the Super League games each weekend, so we are accountable. As for any coaches that might fit the bill of a Mourinho, Ferguson or Wenger, I’ll leave that to you to decide.
Fiona - Definitely not! I don’t know and don’t really care. My only goal is to go out and perform to ensure that I’m there refereeing, everything else to me is irrelevant.
Harry AA - I haven’t watched much at all, I will probably start watching some of it when the games get a bit better.
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24.09.07
Posted in Referee's Assistant at 1:27 pm by Paddy O'Brien
It’s the end of the third week of the Rugby World Cup and our referees have so far managed to avoid the headlines which is how you want it to be. But that can all change come the elimination stage of the tournament - I guess we’ve got that to look forward to.
I’ve been really impressed by the standard of refereeing in the tournament so far. We’re always striving for perfection and we’ll still be striving for perfection in 100 years time and still not achieve. You’re never going to get 100 out of 100 in every game.
All the referees have got things to work on in the tournament and that’s not being harsh. For example, even if Dan Carter were to put in a man-of-the-match performance for the All Blacks, his coach Graham Henry would probably take him aside and say “look, there are still a couple of things we could work on”. It’s exactly the same with our referees - there’s always the odd tweak here and there that can be done.
It’s been a hectic time out there. I have one of my selectors at every game and they give an official report on every referee while I give my own unofficial report - basically I watch the game like a rugby fan so easily spot things I think are wrong or right.
As a whole, the guys have taken any criticisms on board pretty well and reacted to them. And I already see them improving. I don’t think it’d be fair to say this is the best level of refereeing that we’ve ever had at a World Cup as I’m not sure my predecessors would see it like that. All I can say is this is my first World Cup in this role and I’ve been very impressed by the standard of refereeing.
People ask me if there’s competition between the referees and I’d say “no, not really”. They’re just all very competitive within themselves and are all striving to referee one of the four quarter-finals. Sadly 12 into four doesn’t really go so we’ll have some tough choices to make.
I can’t say I have a clear idea in my head of who will referee the final for example. I meet with the selectors in a weekly meeting and we talk about each referee then. But the simple fact is you can’t pick something like that - as you just don’t know what’s going to happen in the remaining matches. And the 12 referees know the window is wide open for all of them to play a part in the quarter-finals onwards. It’s a bit of a challenge ahead of me really.
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11.09.07
Posted in Rugby League, Ashley Klein at 11:08 pm by Ashley Klein
I’ll start of by answering another comment from a previous post,
FazFan - I’ve decided to wait until the disciplinary panel met before answering the post, but I guess the answer as to whether I was right or not is vindicated by the decision to find Adrian Morley guilty and also suspend him for a match and a £300 fine. To be totally honest, I was more than comfortable with making the decision to send Adrian off on Friday, as I did clearly see the incident. Yes, it’s a big call to dismiss a player but if we aren’t certain about something we have the on report system available, but in this situation I was certain and with the decision by the disciplinary they agreed with it.
That’s an interesting question about regrets and, to be honest, if I’ve made a mistake, I don’t know if regret is the right word, but yes, I’m disappointed. I strive for perfection and the goal is to get every call right and be consistent to both teams and I do my best to make this happen but, as you know, rugby league is such a fast game, mistakes are going to occur as, even though there are three officials out on the field all doing their best, we are human. This isn’t a cop out, it’s just the way it is. I’ve always said that, as soon as I have an error-free game, the so called “perfect” game, I’ll give it up. So yes, I’m annoyed with myself when I make errors but it’s about analysising why this occured and most importantly ensuring it doesn’t happen again.
It’s the final week of the engage Super League regular season and there’s some big games to be played as well. With the top six yet to be decided, it’s important that all the officials are on the ball and we have been working hard already this week ensuring that we are all firing on Friday/Saturday. Gareth Hewer, one of the Grade One officials outside the full-time environment has been appointed to the game between Catalans and Harlequins. Gareth, who refereed a few Super League games in the middle of the season, is an up-and-coming referee who will no doubt go out and do a great job…might have to give him a call and prepare him for the hostile environs of Stade Gilbert Brutus, not the friendliest of places to referee.
For me it’s Wigan v St Helens at the JJB Stadium. In what is looking at being another sell-out, it’s going to be a cracker with plenty to play for and it’s important that come 8pm Friday, the officiating team are on the ball. I know I will be!
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05.09.07
Posted in Rugby League, Ashley Klein at 8:19 pm by Ashley Klein
Wow, rather amazed at the level of interest, so thank you to everyone who reads the blog and enjoy it. So to answer more of your questions.
Bullpen - You’re right. It is a weird feeling. No, we don’t get the chance like the players to celebrate and nor should we, as it’s about the players. However, the appointed officials do still celebrate among themselves, as it is a honour for ourselves to be appointed to a big game. After the Cup Final we all went into Chinatown and had dinner as a group with family and friends. It was after this that the night quickly went downhill for ourselves as we ventured to Yates in Leicester Square. Plenty was drunk at London prices too! So we had a good night together for a job well done. Looking back at the game now it’s more satisfaction for achieving a goal, but that is all quickly forgotten now, as it’s back on track with the Super League competition now. You should take it up or even consider doing the course, a greater knowledge of the laws will no doubt give you a better outlook on the game.
Mitch - Yes, I believe it has made a big difference. I am a lot fitter and stronger this year. When I say stronger I mean the body feels great even though we have been training since the first week of December. I don’t really feel tired during games because of the added fitness which no doubt assists my decision making, as with fatigue mistakes do occur. I think the additional free time helps as well. No longer am I worried about a work deadline or having to leave work at 4/5pm to get to Lancashire for a Friday night kick-off. My matchdays are relaxed, I don’t have any external pressures which will effect me, so all this has helped me personally. A lot of the benefits will come in time however. The biggest benefit that can come from the fulltime environment is a consistency amongst officials. As we are with each other during the week, talking about issues and discussing various things, we can adopt a common approach that can be applied through all games. This is the major benefit, as no matter what referee is doing a particular game, coaches, players and spectators can expect the laws to be applied consistently. The benefits will come in the next few years as a result of this. We will make mistakes however, we’re only human and you have to remember most of the calls that we make are on one viewing and require an immediate decision. I’m positive, however, we make less mistakes per game than the players!
Bazza - Will do, I’ll write one during the off-season!! Not far away, so really looking forward to the break.
Charlie - That’s a tough question to answer! I’m sure they do and, to be honest, I hope they do. If they didn’t care they probably shouldn’t be doing the job. It’s no different to teams in my opinion. All the teams compete to play in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final or the engage Super League Grand Final, we’re the same. It is a competitive environment and, if I’m not doing a big game, I mind. I missed out on refereeing one of the semi-finals of the Cup, so the whole focus for myself between missing out and appointing the referee for the Cup Final, was making sure that I was refereeing as well as possible over those weeks and putting the extra effort in at training. So it’s a case of not sitting around sulking wondering why and blaming everyone else. It’s all about ensuring that next time a big game comes around, you’ve done everything you can to put yourself in the frame.
TT - I always make sure that I’m not too close to the centre. If I ended up taking one of the punches particularly from one of the players involved last Friday, you would probably find me somewhere underneath the surface of the JJB as a result. To get the best view of what is happening it’s always good to take a step back, it expands your view and you can see what is actually going on then. The only time I will ever get in the middle is if I think I can get there before it starts, once they start swinging you won’t catch me anywhere near the middle. It’s all about watching and seeing who comes in and make sure we get the correct people and deal with them correctly. It’s never straight forward but between myself and the two touch judges you hope that we can come up with what exactly has happened, though if we miss anything there is the Match Review Panel that will look into it also.
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01.09.07
Posted in Rugby League, Ashley Klein at 11:03 pm by Ashley Klein
Thanks for the comments so far…In order.
StuartV - Thanks. The one memory that will sit with me forever, was entering the field at the start of the game. This is probably when the atmosphere was at it’s best. This was immediately followed by the loudest rendition of God Save the Queen. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing as everyone in the crowd gave it there all.
Matt - There is more pressure on. It’s a huge stage and the crowd is immense, but what I find is most of the pressure is in the build up. I don’t get nervous as such, it’s more an excitement or anticipation of the big game. Once the appointment comes you just can’t wait to get out there and referee. There is pressure, but once that whistle blows to start the game, it’s all gone. It’s something that I feel I am able to do really well, which is block out all external factors, at Wembley last week, it honestly felt like just myself and the players on the field and no one was there. The closeness of the game doesn’t make the pressure any greater, last years Tri Nations Grand Final went into Golden Point extra time, I didn’t want the game to end it felt that good. Yes, that’s the aim to be anonymous. Though a lot does depend on the players and what they do, sometimes they leave you with no option but to step in.
Warriorz - Glad you enjoy it. To answer your first question, there have been times when I wished I was playing. I started refereeing when I was 14. At the end of every season I actually thought about giving it up and going back to playing, as I did miss it. It wasn’t till I was about 17 that I decided that I enjoy this and I might be able to make it to the top. That’s when I really switched on and became very committed. As for being a top class player, somehow I can’t imagine myself tackling the likes of Stuart Fielden, Jamie Peacock etc. So I’m now doing the next best thing, being out in the middle with them. As for your second question, No, your not too old. An example is Ian Smith who is presently one of the fulltime referees. He didn’t actually start refereeing till around 29 and within 4 or 5 years was refereeing in Super League. It’s all a matter of how much you want it, just like players the ones who are dedicated will always rise to the top. Get in touch with one of the RFL Match Official Development Officers, they will be able to put you in the right direction. The e-mail is matchofficials@rfl.uk.com Good luck and hope to see you refereeing soon.
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27.08.07
Posted in Rugby League, Ashley Klein at 3:14 am by Ashley Klein
Well the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final has been and gone and I’m now back at home. It’s always a weird feeling after officiating in a major game. How was it? is a question that I am always asked and, to be totally honest, it’s a hard one to answer. Mainly as I am not sure of the answer.
This may sound strange, having just officiated in what was such a major game on what is probably the biggest stage in world sport. The reason why it’s hard to answer is that there is so much focus put into ensuring that I am in the right frame of mind come kick-off, that I don’t really get the chance to take in the atmosphere or enjoy the day.
It’s all about being switched on and that starts during the week, ensuring that I am fully prepared for that kick-off at 3pm. Focus is important so that I don’t get distracted or more importantly allow myself to get distracted before and during the game. So with this heightened level of focus and concentration, unfortunately I then miss out on experiencing the actual occasion in the build-up and during the game.
Immediately after the game it’s a sense of achievement and relief - that the hard work and preparation during the week has paid off. I am pleased with how the final went and everyone is talking about one thing and that is the players, exactly how it should be every week.
Did Wembley live up to my expectations? Yes, every bit and more. It was truly a magnificent stadium, facilities second to none. The pitch very bouncy and fast, and I even got a close look at it, tripping over Stacey Jones as St Helens went over to score early in the second half!
How did the Challenge Cup compare with the Super League Grand Final or the Tri-Nations final? Well, it was different and the all are equally as special as each other. The Super League Grand Final is about the end of season. It’s the culmination of 27 rounds and ends with the most consistent teams over the course of the season, it’s an evening kick-off which always brings a different type of atmosphere. The Tri-Nations final was fantastic, it brings together the best players from each country and the final, which I had the pleasure of refereeing, ended up with a golden point extra time winning try to Darren Lockyer.
To me, the Challenge Cup is about the occasion and what it means to the people. It’s the weekend away, back at the spiritual home, Wembley. It differs to the Grand Final as the players and officials are presented to the dignitaries before the game and the National Anthem is played.
So you can’t compare, as they are all important in my eyes and I plan to do my best so that I can get the opportunity to officiate them all over again. Now that it’s all over and done with, it’s now time to focus back on the engage Super League. So it’s business as usual, with a few days off and I am going to make the most and recharge my batteries for a big run in to the end of season.
If you have any questions, feel free to add some comments and I’ll answer anything general.
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23.08.07
Posted in Rugby League, Ashley Klein at 7:24 pm by Ashley Klein
Thursday now…only 48 hours to the big game. All our work has been done and I am heading down to London tonight, though haven’t started packing yet (for those that don’t know me, I always wait for the last minute)
This week has been extremely busy as we prepared solely for the one game. The main focus throughout the week has been to distance myself from the occasion and the game. Which I have managed to do, with countless hours of watching tv and movies. My usual distraction from the world of Rugby League.
Today, the whole team got together, with James Child and Stuart Marshall joining Phil, Richard and myself for a closer look at the match. The main focus of the meeting was looking at the occasion and to prepare as best as possible. For all of us, it will be our first time officiating at Wembley. We were lucky enough to hear from the experiences of our coaches, Stuart Cummings, Ray Tennant and Tony Brown, who have all previously officiated at Wembley. From their accounts the venue is as special as everyone makes it out to be. I’m sure the new Wembley is just as special.
So, we looked at strategies to ensure that the occasion doesn’t get to us, as it is important that we still perform to the best of our abilities on the day. Taking into account all the official events on the day, which don’t usually take place, like the singing of Abide with Me, the National Anthem and the meeting of the dignitaries. It’s important that we are prepared for these little events. So that come kick off, we are ready to go.
My main focus on Saturday pre game will be to just chill out. Listen to some music, it’s what I like to do before kick off and gets me in the right frame of mind. Just working on the playlist for the day, I might publish it next week.
Enjoy the game, I’m sure I will.
Ash
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