Whistle of the Month - February

February's Whistle of the Month as chosen by editor Aaron Dine was the article below written by former Society Chairman Neil Hawkins on his views on refereeing:

Views Of The Hayling Hawk

A belated Happy New Year from the Hawk.

Firstly a review of last month’s meeting. I seemed somewhat alone in issuing yellow cards for tackles that most felt were not reckless. Perhaps times have changed and under the new regime referees are more tolerant, or am I simply out of touch?

I recall in my last season before hanging up the whistle I averaged 5 cards per game but still noticed a lack of respect to officials. Nowadays there is even less respect, but referees, especially at the top level, are content to allow players and team officials to abuse authority without taking action. No disrespect is intended to current referees; it is the system that is wrong. It is a very brave official who referees properly...they will no doubt be taken off their next game!

Unfortunately, I cannot make the meeting where Mike Riley is the speaker.I would love to ask him how he proposes to tackle the problems caused by his referees ignoring dissent and showing unbelievable tolerance especially towards the big clubs.

Portsmouth FC - My team is staring bankruptcy in the face, but nobody in authority seems to care. The influx of foreign investors, managers and players have ruined our lovely game. They have no feel or passion for the area; they bleed clubs dry of money and then leave as quickly as they arrive.

Football has been high jacked and true fans are powerless to take any action. Marches, petitions and campaigns draw attention to our plight, but unless the fans can raise £100 million they will have no influence.

I would rather be in Division 1, under the control of a Pompey fan and with players who want to play for Pompey than watch the demise of my team in the Premiership.

In March I will be attending the Pompey Hall of Fame Dinner to celebrate players who really cared about our club...Len Phillips, Duggie Reid, John Milkins, Mick Tait and Andy Awford. Bring back the good old days!

If you are interested in contributing to the magazine then please send your articles to the Magazine Editor, Aaron Dine: ajd77@cantab.net