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#Post#: 105330--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: olliebcafc
Date: May 5, 2026, 9:15 am
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--- Quote from: elbee94 link ---
>
> [quote author=olliebcafc link=topic=7977.msg105312#msg105312
date=1777976123]
> Happy with that although I expected Kirk on the L1 final.
Struggle to see how it can be anyone other than Lewis Smith now
considering VAR is in use
>
--- End Quote ---
I think they seem quite happy to give VAR non-regulars the
opportunity given that Ben Toner and (I think) Will Finnie have
had playoff finals in recent years. I guess they’ll have a short
crash course and of course they’ll have an experienced voice in
their ear.
[/quote]
Yeah you’re probably right to be fair! Tom Nield got one too.
#Post#: 105331--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: May 5, 2026, 9:15 am
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: elbee94 link ---
>
> [quote author=olliebcafc link=topic=7977.msg105312#msg105312
date=1777976123]
> Happy with that although I expected Kirk on the L1 final.
Struggle to see how it can be anyone other than Lewis Smith now
considering VAR is in use
>
--- End Quote ---
I think they seem quite happy to give VAR non-regulars the
opportunity given that Ben Toner and (I think) Will Finnie have
had playoff finals in recent years. I guess they’ll have a short
crash course and of course they’ll have an experienced voice in
their ear.
[/quote]
Tom Nield has also had it with VAR in operation.
#Post#: 105340--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: HChip
Date: May 5, 2026, 10:41 am
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The entirety of SG2 and a handful of National List referees are
trained in Video Assisted Refereeing.
Anyone that has been a Fourth Official in the Premier League or
matches where VAR has been in operation will be trained in the
use of Video Assisted Refereeing.
#Post#: 105341--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: Claretman
Date: May 5, 2026, 10:50 am
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I hear loud groans from accross the river humber.
Good appointment for Richard Woodward who seems to moving up the
ladder as quickly as he drove his patrol car when in pursuit.
Sensible sg1 appointments for second leg ties in the
championship.
Reckon finals will be Gillett, L Smith and Reeves as others have
posted.
But for injury think Harrington, Hooper and Brooks would have
been in with a shout.
#Post#: 105352--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: Hendo
Date: May 5, 2026, 11:26 am
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Does anyone recall the days - probably 20 or so years ago at
least - when the 15 play off matches were refereed by the same 6
referees? Each would get 2 matches and then 3 would be selected
to referee the Finals with the other 3 as 4th officials.
Don’t know why but I seemed to prefer that to the current format
#Post#: 105354--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: RCG
Date: May 5, 2026, 11:42 am
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Showing your age Hendo!!!
That was pre SG2 which changed the landscape somewhat
#Post#: 105355--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: RCG
Date: May 5, 2026, 11:43 am
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Has young Reuben fallen off trail? I would have thought his name
would be mentioned
#Post#: 105358--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: SuffolkRef
Date: May 5, 2026, 11:52 am
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--- Quote from: TA_Ref link ---
>
> Good choices in L1 semi finals.
>
> Experience with Martin Coy and Charles Breakspear and then
strong SG2 with Josh Smith and Tom Kirk.
>
> Does that rule Tom Kirk out the L1 final? It probably does I’d
imagine. If Hallam is unlikely due to having the FA trophy, then
is possible we could see Lewis Smith?
>
> No real surprises in L2 in my opinion. I’d say Tom Reeves is
the favourite for the final there.
>
--- End Quote ---
While there were still some Covid restictions in place, Tony
Harrington was appointed to the FA Trophy and League One finals
in May 2021. The 2023 and 2024 League One finals had a referee
that was appointed to a Championship first leg. Andrew Kitchen
didn't follow that trend last year although that could have been
due to Sunderland's presence in the Championship play offs. I
wouldn't rule out Farai Hallam but Lewis Smith is a good call
though.
In recent years the League Two finals have gone to National List
referees with some Championship experience. Along with Tom
Reeves others in contention would include Benjamin Speedie and
Elliott Bell.
#Post#: 105359--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: HChip
Date: May 5, 2026, 11:54 am
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Part of me suspects Lewis Smith is in contention for a final as
his usual assistant Alex James is also nowhere to be seen.
#Post#: 105362--------------------------------------------------
Re: EFL Play-Offs 2026
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: May 5, 2026, 12:14 pm
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--- Quote from: HChip link ---
>
> Part of me suspects Lewis Smith is in contention for a final
as his usual assistant Alex James is also nowhere to be seen.
>
--- End Quote ---
Also, Lewis Smith did have a complete dead rubber at
Hillsborough on Saturday and wasn’t anywhere close to the
spotlight which could also mean playoff final involvement.
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