Be our guest!

Occasionally we'll be inviting a guest writer to share their views on life, Rugby League and everything. First up is our good friend and Swinton fanatic John Spellman. As he points out, John's already seen more of Hornets games this season than most of the population of Rochdale will in a ifetime, and he's ideally suited to offer his view as a 'neutral'.

Hello there!

I'm not an 'Ornit, but I do watch 'em more than probably 99% of the entire 01706 population, so I reckon I'm entitled to a piece of the action in this rag! Even if I do say it myself!

When I come to Spotland, I sit next to the tunnel with Jim and his mates, and it¹s a real education, especially when they all "have a go" at our beleaguered officials! But they¹re not that bad, I assure you! Why not? Read on dear reader, read on!

In my humble opinion, it’s totally impossible to judge a ref or tj’s performance when your own team is playing, as the bias is always there. And before you jump down my throat, I’m as guilty as the rest when my beloved Lions are in action!

But when your mob¹s not involved (and I watch as much "neutral" football as I can) the "iffy" decisions can be viewed with an un-prejudiced eye, and believe me the refs get it bang-on 95%+ of the time! They see and give what they see, a fan sees what (s)he wants to see!

Let me ask you this (and be honest!) When did you last shout "FORWARD!!!!" when a pass from (say) Phil Farrell to (perhaps) Radney Bowker looked a little "adjacent" and the ref missed it? Similarly, what was the last occasion you berated a touch-judge (no, they¹re not linesmen!) when (possibly) Phil Cantillon may just have knocked-on at dummy-half and got away with it? I¹m sure the answer is "never" and the same goes for me with Swinton! Just face it, as supporters, we¹re all bloody biased coz we want our team to win!

I know I’m in the minority (and no, it’s not the first time!) but I reckon our officials are great! And do it for not a lot of dosh! I wouldn¹t have their job for a gold pig! They¹re not bent, they¹re not cheats, and they're not blind! And there'd be no game without them would there?

I know it’ll be difficult (or is "impossible" the word I’m looking for?) but whoever the whistler and flag-wavers are today, try to give 'em a fair crack
of the whip! Just do it for me!

Controversial moi? Mes non mes amis!

Yours in sport,

Spelly.