Mike Caddick is another former player who recently joined the ranks of referees to put something back into the local soccer scene.

He has been very much a one club man, having been associated for over 30 years with Totterdown United, apart from one season away at Hartcliffe for a change of scenery.

But, as he likes to enjoy his Saturday nights out, his experience of Sunday football was limited to occasional outings for St Silas and SWGB in his younger days.

He joined the Totts after going to watch the reserves, who were short in numbers, so he found himself in the team!

He started in the usual "last man in" position of left-back but soon moved to the heart of the defence in the reserves side, before graduating to the first team when long distance runner Geoff Dinham was manager.

Mike also had a spell in midfield but didn't exactly shine in the role so reverted to the back four again.

"Mike's hero was Brian Robson, so he fancied himself as a midfielder and wore the same No 7 shirt," said Jeff Bryant, Totterdown's secretary since the club was launched in 1964.

Mike became a regular in the District League squad which gained promotion as champions of Division VI in 1978, Division III (1979), Division II (1980) and Division I (1987), before moving up to the Bristol Premier Combination.

"We never seemed to do well in cup competitions and I can only recall reaching a couple of semi-finals," said Caddick.

In the twilight of his playing days with the Totts he was challenged to take up the whistle and qualified in the District League three seasons ago, but he still turns out regularly in five-a-side games.

"I was told that I'd given refs enough stick over the years, it was time to take some back, and I am really enjoying it," he added.

"I am happy at the moment at this grade and know quite a few of the players, although I may go for promotion next year."

He has already been involved with the introduction of the FA's new Respect programme but feels that it could be quite a while before it is fully accepted by players.

"I know from experience that there can be a flare up in the heat of the moment and you have to calm things down."