KIDDERMINSTER referee Adam Watts has taken one of the top jobs in English football.
The Callow Hill whistle-blower has been appointed as the senior coach for assistant referees at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited — the official governing body for top flight men in black.
Watts, who started out refereeing matches in the Kidderminster League, begins the role in January and will be based at the FA’s new St George’s facility near Burton.
He has been the Referee Development Officer for Worcestershire FA since 2008 and made a significant contribution throughout the county during this time.
The Wyre Forest official is hugely respected for his work within the county and also well-recognised for his contribution to the professional game as a specialist assistant referee, on both the FIFA and the select list for the Premier League — from which he retired this season.
Watts will remain as an assessor and referee tutor for the county FA as well as actively involved with the Referee Development Group.
As an assistant referee he has had many highlights, including taking the line for the 2011 FA Cup final between Manchester City and Stoke. He has also been involved in the 2009 FA Trophy final, the 2010 FA Community Shield and the 2010 Football League Championship play-off final.
He started refereeing in 1992 and was promoted to the Football League in 2006.
He joined the Premier League the following year and became an international assistant referee in 2008.
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