Steve Parsons is putting a wealth of experience in local football to good use, after deciding to resume a career as a referee this season.

He was a founder-member of Shireway as a player then had two long spells as manager of the club completing the league and GFA Cup doubles on several occasions with both the first team and reserves.

He also recalls Shireway winning the Bristol Sunday League's Charles Finch Trophy when he was joint manager with Andy Matthias, who went on to become boss of several Western League clubs.

He also led Tormarton to promotions in the Bristol & District League but the team had to disband after losing players to teams from the same area at a higher level, including Yate Town.

He took over the reserves at Pucklechurch when Chris Belcher was in charge of the first team and admitted he learnt a lot from him during his three seasons at the Recreation Ground.

In between, he qualified as a referee at Bath in 1987 but soon returned to football management, following a short stint as "the man in the middle. I just did not enjoy refereeing at that time but it is totally different know", said the level 7 official, who later moved on to Chipping Sodbury Town where he spent seven years working with first team manager Jeff Clarke.

"We took the team from the Bristol Premier Combination to the Gloucestershire County League then it all went wrong at the club so we both left and Jeff is now working in France."

After more than 20 years in football management, having started at an early age, Steve decided to take up the whistle again in grass roots football last October.

He kicked off in the District League and has since re-qualified after attending a referees' course and has no regrets about his change of direction in the game.

"Although I am 46, I am applying for promotion and would like to reach the Gloucestershire County middle, although I am happy at my present level" said Parsons, who has also been assisting the County League's secretary Ron Holpin.

"I am pleased with my progress as a referee because I believe I was eighth out of 73 on marks in the District League".

He is also a supporter of boys' football and is manager of St Nicholas Under-7's where his son Toby is a member of the 23- strong squad, playing friendlies, with the intention of joining the league next year.

Steve is very much in favour of the FA's Respect programme, which has meet with a mixed reception from officials and teams.

"I think that it is working as there has been more respect from players but it is most important for clubs to choose the right captain and we can work together.

"I have seen signs of an improvement in behaviour although it will take time."