THREE Forest referees have been rewarded for dedicating a total of 70 years to the beautiful game.

Max Morgan, of Mile End, Spencer McNaught of Lydney, and Geoff Prosser of Sling, were presented with certificates at the Orepool Inn last Monday.

Max has been refereeing for 40 years after he swapped his football boots for a whistle on the advice of his fellow work colleague Gordon Osbourne.

Max said: “At the time I was playing for Ellwood when Gordon encouraged me to referee. He was what you would now call a mentor and gave me a lot of advice and encouragement.”

Until 1982, Max was appointed to the middle of the Gloucester County League and Southern League Line but family commitments saw him step down and concentrate on the North Gloucestershire League.

Between 1985 and 2006 he did a stint in the Hellenic League before returning to referee North Gloucestershire League and County Cups at the age of 60.

He said: “I love refereeing and will continue doing it for as long as I can. I’ll never forget Gordon telling me ‘you will make more friends than enemies’ which turned out to be very true.

“One thing I’ve learnt over the years is to treat players with respect and they will treat you the same.”

Also celebrating 25 years of refereeing is Geoff Prosser, who like Max referees on the North Gloucestershire League, while 19-year-old Spen­cer McNaught has spent the last five years refereeing on the Gloucestershire County League.

Spencer, who is a Supply League referee, said: “My father was a FIFA assistant referee in Wales and Contributory League referee in England briefly. I’m hoping to advance to the highest level possible with all these people’s assistance to professional status one day and a FIFA official.”