THERE is a TV series starring Ricky Tomlinson called "Nice Guy Eddie" and it is a title that sits well with East Lancashire's top referee.

As he prepared for his final season as the man in the middle I spent a pleasant two hours with Eddie Wolstenholme where we talked about all aspects of his job, including how refs appear in the press.

I came away wondering whether I am ever unduly critical of the men in black, men who are vital for the game to survive.

Never mind a players' striker, if the officials were to walk-out, sick and tired of the abuse from players, managers, fans and, yes, the media it would be anarchy.

I have played Sunday football with the archetypal man and his dog taking charge and it is not a pleasant experience. Often the dog seemed to have a better grasp of the rules.

So, as I looked back on 12 years of reporting at all levels of the game I felt quite satisfied that I was not one of those who could not wait to damn the officials, blaming them for all that is wrong in the game.

Then, seven minutes into the Clarets match at Wolves, Jeff Winter chose to show Paul Cook a straight red card for a late challenge on Alex Rae.

Okay, it was a Virgin Trains tackle - very, very late - but the red card popped out of Mr Winter's pocket quicker than toast from the toaster.

That meant 25,000 people were deprived of what could have been a proper footballing contest, the Clarets were condemned to a second successive defeat and the travelling supporters were left fuming.

In my conversation with Eddie I admitted that there were some officials that got my back-up.

The type who strut around, puff their chest out and revel in being centre stage.

Fortunately I believe they are in the minority but I confess that, in my opinion, Mr Winter is one of them. Others would have taken a deep breath before producing a card and, although it may still have been red, it would have been a more considered opinion instead of a knee-jerk reaction.

Now I do firmly believe that refs are allowed to make mistakes and only on the day that strikers stop missing chances and defenders stop missing tackles will that change.

But officials can help themselves by not playing the big "I am" and just doing their job the best they can.

And any referee who sees fit to at least leave Burnley with 11 players on the pitch is sure to get a standing ovation from Clarets fans!