Steve Baines - Refereeing Career

Refereeing Career

Baines remained in Chesterfield and worked in insurance. In a rare move for an ex-player he soon took up refereeing. He made good progress, reaching the Panel Leagues and becoming a Football League assistant in 1994. After just one year he was promoted to the Referees List. Only one other referee had ever been promoted that quickly - former Scottish League referee Joe Timmons, in 1987. Only two other referees - Bob Matthewson and John Lloyd - had previous professional playing experience but the pair only made five League appearances between them.

Baines had made the List after less than ten years refereeing. However he was still able to serve eight years as a Football League referee during which he had a low rate of red and yellow cards. He handled matches involving most of his former clubs although not Chesterfield, in line with League policy.

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