Pic: Andy Nunn
PAUL COX believes the time is right for the Football Association to add a more professional approach to refereeing outside of the Football League.
The Barrow manager's grievance comes after seeing two of his players sent off in a thrilling game with Aldershot last Saturday and another at Macclesfield last Wednesday.
Full-backs Shaun Beeley and Nick Anderton were dismissed late on last Saturday, but that didn't stop the Bluebirds plundering a point through two sensational goals from Shaun Tuton and Ross Hannah.
Not helping the situation, midfielder Akil Wright was red carded as Barrow pulled off a vital 1-0 win at Moss Rose last Wednesday night.
Cox says now is the time for the FA to look closely at officiating in the National League – and he says his views are shared by his fellow managers in the division.
“There's been a lot of hot air and wind lately,” the former Mansfield manager said. “There wasn't much common sense taking place at Aldershot last weekend.
“It's tough, without the officials of course we haven't got a game. But I've thought this for a long time now, this league is getting stronger and stronger.
“It needs proper, proper officials who are going to come in who are up to scope with everything, and are really professional in the way they do things. I'm not the only one who thinks that.
Confused
“There have been too many times where I have walked off the pitch at the end of the game and thought to myself ‘he's made some strange decisions out there today' – it needs to be looked at.”
On his own team, the manager is perplexed.
“This group baffles me sometimes!” he said. “We've handsomely beaten Lincoln, who currently are the best team in the league after losing at home to Southport, who are in the bottom four.
“We need to show more consistency and get rid of some of the skeletons in our closet. Our results have been erratic to say the least, but Wednesday was huge with ten men and we're showing strength of character.”
Cox had to call for reinforcements with the club's suspension problems coming to a head – but it may cause issues going forward.
Defender Matt Platt, 20, and full-back Connor Thomson, 21, both arrive from Blackburn Rovers. Another full-back joins as Barrow welcome Luke Burke, while Southport have been allowed to borrow Bluebirds midfielder Lindon Meikle.
“We've got eight loan players in our squad now, but rules state that we can only name five in a matchday squad so we'll be looking at things closely,” Cox added.
Totally agree. They want respect but have to earn it. Also in the Vanarama North. Many baffling decisions and little protection for players. What is the pont in having referee assessors if nothing gets done?
Whilst I agree that refereeing standards do need improve in the league, Mr Cox’s words are rather disingenuous. I was at the Aldershot game and had the refereeing been a bit stronger his team would have been reduced much earlier in the game – there looked to be an obvious straight red a few minutes in, and another mid way through the second half. His team lacked discipline, and frankly played a dirty style of game.
So Mr Cox, be careful what you wish for.