In all fairness Eagleman, I don't think I am 'off the mark'.

The number of 'I could have...' people in this country is staggering. For an anecdote, I was actually scouted by WHU and on the books/played a number of games but broke my arm quite badly whilst playing for Lewisham district, that ended all hope. I would never consider myself as coming that close, quite frankly my PE teacher at school also doubled up as a WHU scout and therefore I was quite fortunate in the first instance. I was the greatest footballer of all time of course however, life, you know.

As for your point apropos bias, I believe this backs up my poorly articulated point and have no problem accepting your commentary as truth. Same with footballers actually. Jamie Redknapp, Frank Lampard etc. etc. The list of footballing dynasties is quite long and I fail to believe that is a genetics and merit over connections 'thing' in fact quite the opposite.

I did say 'I am suspicious' so as not to put forth my little world view as an assertion of fact, it's just how it looks for me. I was sort of alluding to a quasi-cabal of referees, hence both the Madleys being one. That can't just be coincidence/free of other contributors separate from ability. That was sort of my point really, on top of the pool being a lot smaller, I fail to believe it is a pure meritocracy that resultantly produces PL referees.

Combined with poor leadership from governing bodies and a now impractical lawbook, I have very little faith in most PL referees. I therefore reject your attempt to nullify my highly subjective, ill-informed, immature, impetuous digs and belittlement of them! That is my right as a football fan