One door closes and another one opens, or so the adage goes.
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But what if the door that opens leads to a room full of people you have displayed an ongoing, long-term disdain for?
That’s the scenario Gavin Thompson is once again considering after stepping down as North Companions co-coach, following last season’s premiership triumph, and mulling a return to the Premier League refereeing pool.
He did that once before. When the 2015 season ended, he quit as Northies coach and utilised his referees licence to officiate 2016 Premier League games, a first for him.
“I might put my referees uniform on this year,” said the forensic investigator with Tamworth police. But he added: “The abuse you receive is not conducive to wanting to do it.”
On the subject of ref bagging, Thompson admitted that he was not “immune” to doing it – saying he had “given refs a gob full.”
“I don’t deny it.”
He added: “You can always say I was bias as a coach. But when you see blatant errors and bias [from match officials] … People put in a lot of time and effort, and to have some guy ruin your day on a single decision.
“It’s [refereeing] hard going – everyone knows it.”
Thompson answered “no doubt” when asked if, as a referee, he would be a target of abuse, adding: “I’m the first to admit that as a referee you get things wrong. But you’re right even when you are wrong.”
Thompson said he quit coaching because he could not devote sufficient time to it, mainly due to work commitments. He was also keen to travel to the World Cup in Russia this year.
But he flagged a possible return to coaching if his son, Jonah, 13, followed his older brother, Jake, and played Premier League with North Companions.
Thompson moved from junior to senior coaching as Jake progressed to the top division. Jake left the club after the grand final win and is in England chasing a soccer contract.
Thompson said: “I’m gonna and around and about [at Northies] and will be able to help where I’m wanted or required, but I can’t hold the reins.
“I don’t think people realise the planning and commitment that is needed to do the role. A lot of time goes into it.
“It’s very enjoyable and rewarding too. But it’s not paid employment, unfortunately.”
Thompson’s co-coach in 2017, Dave Palmer, has also stood down. Replacements are being sought.
Northies vice president Wayne Clarke said: “They [Thompson and Palmer] have done a fantastic job over the last couple of seasons and the club will be forever grateful for their dedication and hard work in that time.”
He added: “What this means is the club is after new [first and reserve grade] coaches for both Premier League teams for the coming season. Already a couple of club members have indicated their interest but nothing has been decided, so expressions of interest from outside the club are sought.”
