Callum Parrish Saves the Day

Callum a 16-year-old, sixth form student at Madeley Academy, acted as linesman for the best part of an hour in the 4-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers.

He saved the day after linesman Derek Hill collapsed through dehydration and had to be carried away on a stretcher.

He has only been a qualified referee since March but he also coaches, specifically with goalkeepers, and is a club volunteer as well as officiating at Academy matches.

He said: "I didn't see what happened, to be honest, I was in the stand and, all of a sudden, I saw people screaming and pointing at the linesman.

"I had discussed with the club at a fans meeting what they would do if something like this happened, so I just ran straight towards the tunnel.

Although only a Level Seven official Callum was allowed to take up position as linesman for the game, a position usually filled by a more senior official.

"I am only allowed to do Sunday League fixtures and I have only done four so, as you can imagine, it was quite a jump up from what I was used to.

"It was nerve wracking, at first, I was shaking and the Blackburn fans were shouting at me, but we had a bit of banter and that gave me a bit of confidence.

"The Blackburn manager, Gary Bowyer, said I did well after the game as did a few of the players, like Jordan Rhodes and Grant Hanley.

"It's given me encouragement to try and make refereeing my full-time profession. I want to make the football industry my career."

Madeley Academy would like to say a big well done Callum on this achievement and we are sure to hear more from this young man in the future.

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