Hackett let down by Poll's exit
Graham Poll will leave a sense of betrayal among referees when he
blows the final whistle on his career at Wembley today in the
Championship play-off final between Derby County and West Bromwich
Albion. It is not his premature departure at 43 but rather the
manner of it that rankles with Professional Game Match
Officials.
Keith Hackett, the general manager of PGMO, wanted Poll to continue
even though the official is ranked only sixth on his performance
markings in his final season. However, now that Poll has decided to
retire early, Hackett, it appears, has been left out of the
loop.
The PGMO, comprising the FA, the Premier League and the Football
League, shares that feeling of indignation over the way Poll failed
to confirm plans that became public several weeks ago. A refereeing
source said last night: "What would be nice is if Graham could
respect the organisations he represents and let them know his
intentions before commercial agents and journalists."
Hackett, who stood by the Tring official during the most difficult
moments of his career, is thought to feel let down by the way Poll
managed the announcement. Poll wanted to retire after being
pilloried for showing three yellow cards to Croatia's Josip Simunic
at last year's World Cup, but Hackett persuaded him to continue.
However, senior figures believe he is far from irreplaceable. Alan
Wiley has taken over as England's top official based on the
referees' marking system. Also above Poll in this season's rankings
were Mike Dean, Mark Halsey, Steve Bennett and Howard Webb.
The referees' table suggests Poll has timed his exit about right
having always desired to leave when his career had passed its peak.
He leaves with respect from managers and players for his fearless,
forthright handling of the Premiership's most combustible matches -
and in particular for facing the music as he braved another season
to restore his reputation after his World Cup ridicule.
West Bromwich's captain, Paul Robinson, expects Poll to preside
over a tough game at Wembley today. Robinson, who has been sent off
twice and booked 11 times so far this season, said: "I did not
realise it was Graham Poll's last game until someone told me the
other day, but I think it will be a great way for him to
retire.
"Hopefully he will make sure it is a good game of football and
everybody can enjoy it. But there will not be anyone pulling out of
tackles - we have a game of football to win against Derby. The most
important aspect of the game is that we win it and if that means an
ugly game then we are prepared for that."
