Roy McKay of Forres Mechanics made a good point about linesmen a couple of weeks ago.
I agree with him that they are not sufficiently strict in insisting that throw-ins be taken from the correct place on the touchline.
There was a classic case in Locos’ match with Rothes last week. The referee pulled up a couple of players early in the game, but it didn’t last, and late on the stand-side linesman physically marked the point of the throw-in on the grass with his foot, and then allowed the Rothes full-back to “steal” several yards.
I’m not picking on Rothes – all players take advantage and you can’t blame them if they get away with it. Surely a good linesman, in tandem with the referee, could make it crystal clear early on (reverse the throw-in?) that they won’t tolerate it, and without disrupting the flow of the game.
But – linesmen generally, in my opinion, do not have the courage of their convictions. When a ball goes out of play, and there is some dubiety as to whose throw-in it is, they often wait and watch for the referee’s decision before flagging in agreement.
Why are they there? Are they afraid of the referee? Are they trying to score rating points by being seen to be in accord with the ref?
In my view they should be encouraged to make their own mind up and flag immediately. If their decision differs from the referee’s view (and there will always be some measure of dubiety after tackles), it doesn’t matter. The referee always has the casting vote.
Having said all that, I appreciate it’s not an easy job. But the key to such issues must lie in both the referee and linesmen putting down early markers. The players soon get the message.
In Locos’ Scottish Cup tie with Hurlford United in October, referee Graham Beaton allowed some early tough tackling by both sides to go unpunished. That’s not a criticism as he was consistent and fair, and it allowed the game to bowl along quite nicely. The players picked up on that very quickly, although unfortunately for Locos, the physically stronger Hurlford lads used it to better effect.
And that brings me to offside… but I’d better get off my soap box and leave that for another day.
After my comments last week about the young lads at Locos getting their chance, I can’t finish without mentioning Martin Laing’s four goals in seven minutes at Grantown on Saturday.
Apart from his strikes he was assured and classy throughout and looks like a very astute signing. 18 year-old Ryan Keir marked his first start with the opening goal and worked tirelessly with a good first touch and excellent positional sense. Definitely two to keep an eye on!