What its like to be a the made in the middle - Rated 
Jeff Winter is one of the more well know referees in the public domain and has never been shy to air his points of view.
In this book the one time Premiership ref tells his story in his own words and begins by explaining to the reader about his early days as a ref in Sunday leagues and at the same time growing up and following Middlesborough FC.
Jeff finishes off by discussing his retirement from premiership referring in 2006 and matters that affect the national game today.
Jeff is a Middlesborough born lad and comes across as an open and honest bloke and this is proved in my opinion by him openly admitting to being a boot boy whilst following the fortunes of his beloved Middlesborough FC in his younger days.
Jeff gives a full insight into what it was like being a referee and explains how he overcome his early doubts about his own ability whilst taking charge of lower league games to eventually join the elite Premiership list.
Jeff got the chance to finish his career by refereeing the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Millwall and this in my opinion was a privilege he earned.
Who's the B? Who cares? - Rated 
I note that one of the favourable reviews is by someone who doesn't read books! Nobody who does could enjoy this self-obsessed tosh by a ref who wasn't good enough to make the international list. There are much better books by much better refs available -- Collina, Poll, Elleray.
The self importance of being Jeffrey - Rated 
They say that you can tell when a football referee has had a good match when you forgot he was there. Jeff Winter didn't seem to believe this adage. To me he seemed to enjoy getting himself noticed, as if the crowd had paid to see him, as well as a game of football.
This may be unfair, but this book does little to dispel these feelings. Instead, Jeff Winters overwhelming feelings of self importance radiate from almost every page and 'Who's the b******' turns into a bit of a tedious read.
It is largely a recounting of matches that he has officiated in - Jeff Winter's greatest hits? - but there is the occasional gem thrown in. The one that stands out in my mind is the anecdote about his last game at Anfield. He recalls that after the final whistle had been blown the crowd burst into a particularly rousing burst of applause. He speculates that this was directed at him, as an appreciation of the career as a referee. This may be so, but I think that it is most likely done because the home team had played excellently, winning 4-0!
One day someone will write the definative book about being a referee. It hasn't been written yet and and this certainly isn't it.
An unironic title - Rated
As an avid fan of all sport biographies, you sometimes have to take the rough with the smooth. I had really enjoyed David Elleray's autobiography on life as a ref so was keen to read Jeff Winter's account.
Ultimately, this was a disappointing read. Winter clearly rates himself both as a top referee and as a comedian. The book is littered with "end of the pier" quips that just aren't funny. Moreover, his account of life as a top referee suggest an arrogance that may have made him so unpopular with players and managers.
Interestingly, Winter writes of his admiration for my beloved Liverpool and his good relationship with Steven Gerrard. A very different account of that relationship is given in Gerrard's own book where he questions Winter's attitude and ability as a ref.
It gets two stars for offering some insight but, if you want a decent book on top level refereeing, then opt for David Elleray's more insightful, better written and self-effacing "Man in the Middle".
A++ - Rated 
As somebody who hardly ever reads books, I was a bit sceptical about buying it. But, as I am currently on a refereeing course I thought I would give it a shot. After starting to read this book I couldn't put it down! I would advise this book for anyone wannabe referee's like me (yes there are people who are that loopy!!) as it is a good read and shows what Jeff Winter did in certain situations and dealt with players and high profile managers. This book was truly fascinating and I would advise this for any football fan or anyone involved in football.
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