The season feels even closer now with me now knowing my fixtures for August. Its a little less exciting these days as theres not a pack through the post. However given the number of strikes the postman have these days I would be only getting Augusts in September.
I start the season on the 18th August. Im a bit disapointed not to be out the weekend before, but that can change. I start with a middle on the Leicester Senior League with Thurnby Rangers against Hinckley Downes. Hinckley are a “new side” in name and have repalced Downes Sports from last season. They are effectivley Hinckley United reserves accordingy to local rumour.
I then follow up on Tuesday with Rugby vs Brackley.  This should be an interesting game as Brackley have just been promoted to the the Premier Division having won the midland division by a mile last year.
Saturday takes me to Ilkeston vs Ossett Albion. Im not sure if Ive ever had Ossett before to be honest. Ive been to Ilkeston a few times though and its only 30 mins away so its quite a nice game on a Saturday. The other assistant is a local official who is quite stuck in his ways and is allways good for a bit of banter, although ive seen some Referee’s start to panick when at 2.40 he is still in his shirt and showing no sign of getting ready :) Although he never lets anyone down.
This leads me now in the swing of things to an excellent game for Bank Holiday Monday, when i will go to Oadby vs Barwell. Thats a nice local derby and my a good test.
Its quite interesting to read through the supply league information. Our Assistants will now be assesed which is good news as some of them need the advice, and likewise some of them deserve to get some extra praise.  What is most interesting though is the Referee sheet has changed and we will now get our mark. The mark is made up a mark from 1-5 and then a weighting is used to multiple the number. You can get half marks, but if you do its rounded up. (it read on the letter the most complicated system ever) although when you look at the form it is straight forward enough and a good idea.
