Major in the middle

摘要

Having experienced the rigours of Army discipline during a 27-year career, Maj Danny McDermid (RLC) is well placed to control the prima donnas of professional football. The 43-year-old is a regular fixture as a top Football League referee, a role he successfully combines with Service life. Like many referees, McDermid turned to officiating after his playing dreams were dashed and it was the Army who introduced him to the black strip. "It came about from me playing. I got injured but kept going to watch," he told SoldierSport. "I ended up being given the flag and one of the referees said I had the potential to be good at this, so I went and did the Army course.