Scottish referees have a rich history in international football, with the very best ranking amongst the world's greatest officials. The book tells their story, providing biographies of all the Scots who have handled international matches - from the early pioneers when international football first started in 1872 through to the current FIFA referees.
Many major international appointments have been received by Scottish referees. Their participation in the World Cup is featured, as is the European Championships and other competitions and matches. Tales are told of their little known involvement in Irish and South American football. A record of appointments in international club and country competitions is presented.
Insights are provided on the workings of FIFA and UEFA, to give context of the environment in which the referees operate, and on the evolution of the Scottish Football Association's selection process to decide which officials should be nominated for FIFA's List of International Referees.
International assistant referees are not overlooked. Career summaries are included for them in recognition the vital role they perform.
Referees are special people in football. At international level, the expectations placed on them to perform to the highest standards are huge. For as long as football has been played, Scotland's international referees have forged an excellent reputation for their capabilities and they have much to be proud of. Referees will generally fade from memory as the years pass by and perhaps only a few of the really famous referees will be recalled. They all deserve to be remembered and recognised. The book commemorates their careers and is a tribute to their achievements.
