Hams hailed by leading match official

Well known Ryman referee Reuben Simon has praised Walton Casuals manager Mark Hams for his conduct after red carding two of his players during their 6-1 defeat at Burgess Hill Town in Ryman South.

The 41-year-old match official, pictured, wrote to officials at the Waterside Stadium this week to express his ‘respect’ for Hams after the heavy reverse at Leylands Park, describing the Stags manager as a ‘credit to the club’ for the way he handled himself and his players.

Simon played for Feltham in the Combined Counties League before becoming a referee ten years ago. He qualified as a Level 3 official to take charge of his first Ryman League fixture more three years ago and is an ardent supporter of the FA’s Respect campaign.

In his letter the promotion hunting Stags, he wrote: "Both my colleagues and I were most impressed with the way your manager Mr Hams conducted himself after the game and what must have been a disappointing result from his viewpoint at Burgess Hill.

"There are few managers who will openly and honestly lay the blame squarely at their own players when they have received two red cards in the first half of a football match so please pass on my regards to Mr Hamms.

"He has my total respect for the way he conducted himself when he was invited in to our dressing room after the game and in my view he is a credit to your club. Good luck for the rest of the season."