Northampton Town boss Kevin Nolan wants referees at club training

Kevin Nolan has called for referees to join club training sessions to break down the “them and us” relationship with players.

The Northampton Town manager believes an unhealthy distance has developed with officials which is not helping either party.

He feels that a system whereby referees work with specific clubs, but do not take charge of their games, would develop more trust.

“I think we can do more to help them, I really do,” the former Bolton and West Ham midfielder told BBC Radio Northampton.

“I always remember when I was playing in the Premier League, we always had referees come in and train with us and officiate and get to know how players are, which gave them a really good opportunity to see the craic and banter around training grounds. I think that’s important. There’s too much ‘them and us’ now.

“It’s not just in League One. I was assistant coach to Moysey (David Moyes) at West Ham and I thought then it was becoming ‘them and us’ and it didn’t feel right.

“If you’re doing training ground games and even just five-a-sides I think it would help.”

Nolan was dismayed at the decision-making in the Cobblers’ midweek defeat at Reading and made his point through the official channels but he feels a closer relationship will improve refereeing standards.

“[Former referee] Mark Halsey was with us for years and I know it helped him,” Nolan said.

“It gives an insight into what goes on in the week and the work that goes in from coaches, managers and players.

“Would that be allowed now? I’m not too sure with Premier League teams but I’d be open to referees coming in on a daily basis, a couple of times a week, because I feel there’s too much detachment.”

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