“What is the worst thing you’ve ever said to a referee?”



It is a question that feels more like an invitation to make a confession and forms part of our introduction process at the start of a landmark two-day referee course for members of the Professional Footballers’ Association.



“This is something we’ve been trying to get off the ground for 25 years,” says Richard Jobson, who is the assistant chief executive of the PFA and has come along to see if there is another Howard Webb among us.



Nine former or current players have signed up for the course, which is being delivered by Dan Meeson, the Football Association’s national referee development manager, and starts with yellow and red cards being handed out, along with a whistle.



Three of the candidates have played the best part of 1,200 professional matches between them. Lee Croft made 391 appearances for Manchester City, Derby County and Norwich City...