From SFA whistleblower:-
Mike Ritchie
Date of Birth: 20 September 1959
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 12 st 7 lb
Profession: Risk Trainer for Moving & Handling for NHS Grampian
First ever match: Banff Academy v Milnes Academy
First international match: Scotland v England schoolboys U-16
Career highlights Playing in and Refereeing the Qualifying Cup Final North. Refereeing all the schools cup finals in area at all levels. Refereeing several schoolboy internationals at various age groups.
What does being a football referee mean to you? Enjoyment
Why did you become a referee? To put something back into the game. I had enjoyed playing for several years in the Highland League.
Would you have wished to become a full-time referee? No
Any pet hates in football? Unsportsmanship
What Law of the Game would you change? None, they are all there for a reason to govern the game.
The most difficult Law to apply? None of them, The Referee’s decision is final.
Your best memory in football? Making my Highland League debut for Deveronvale against Inverness Caledonian at Inverness and keeping a clean sheet against the champions in a 1-0 victory. A first win for Vale at Inverness.
Other sports or hobbies? Snooker, volleyball, swimming, darts, table tennis, badminton, crosswords, quizzes and collecting football memorabilia
Your main strength? PLAYING EXPERIENCE.
And main weaknesses? Age
What's in your car CD player? Willie Nelson
Beer or wine? Neither
Favourite film? Shawshank Redemption
Tastiest food? Indian Curries
Favourite holiday destination? Turkey
Luck or judgement? Judgement
Dress up or dress down? Down
Whom would you most like to meet? Would have liked to meet Bill Shankly
Ambitions? To live happily
Any advice for young referees? Be your own person. Be the best you can be.
Crikey, he hates us already