Terry Whittaker, 85, has officiated 2,082 games in 67 consecutive seasons and is still going strong

One of Britain's oldest referees has no desire to step away from grassroots football after recently taking charge of his 2,082nd game.

Terence Whittaker, 85, from Shipley – a small village in the south-east of Derbyshire – qualified as a referee in 1968 before going on to officiate at the highest level.

Then, after reaching the Football League as an assistant, he featured in a number of memorable fixtures, including the infamous clash between Derby and Leeds in 1975 [just Google it].

Later on in life, Whittaker made the transition to officiate in the Midlands Regional Alliance league across Derby and Derbyshire, where he still makes his distinctive voice heard on a weekly basis.

Speaking to SPORTbible after running the touchline for a game between title rivals Mickleover Athletic and Bargate Rovers, Whittaker delivered a tongue-in-cheek assessment of his no-nonsense style.

“My reputation precedes me," he says. "The first player I see with his mouth open, even if he is gasping for breath, is cautioned!”

Terence, or 'Terry' as he is more commonly known, also speaks to us about studying business at Loughborough University, where he published a 345-page dissertation comparing the roles of being a teacher and a referee.

He went on to become a Senior Lecturer in Business Management after leaving Rolls Royce in 1978 but throughout this time, the Marlpool-born referee would also show great dedication to his one true love; officiating.

So what's the secret behind his longevity? “I have always maintained that God gave me two great gifts," Whittaker says. "The ability to eat and sleep."

He goes on: “I have porridge every morning, made overnight with water, then add fresh fruit, honey and yogurt. I rarely eat at lunchtime and always have good evening meal."

After reaching out to both the Erewash Valley Referees Society and the Derbyshire FA for comment, it was soon made clear that Terrence's peers have great respect for his influence at grassroots level and beyond.

Andy Page, who is President of Erewash Valley Referees Society, said: “Terry is out every weekend without fail - even when he’s not got a match.

"If he’s not got a fixture of his own, he will turn up at a grassroots game to watch the officials, offer them advice, and be there as a silent supporter in the crowd.

"Terry has been a valued member of Erewash Valley Referees Society for nearly 50 years now, and with the overarching Derbyshire FA for over 45 years.

“He is a real asset to our society. We have some youngsters with us that are just starting out in their careers, and Terry’s stories and advice from what he’s learned over his career is invaluable."

He added: "To have that kind of experience means a lot to us all, even our more experienced referees who might just want to talk a decision through.

“It is absolutely great to see Terry out on the lines at the young age of 85. He’s following in the footsteps of Harry Hardy, who was England's oldest referee and officiated up until he was 88.

"The two were great friends and I know Harry would be laughing at Terry’s dedication all these years later. Keep up the good work Terry.”

Reece Davies, a National League match official, described Whittaker as a "dedicated and distinguished individual" who has accomplished a lot in the game, adding: "He continues to support the grassroots game in our county at 85 years of age."

So what does Terry think of the modern day player compared to 50 years ago?

“Players nowadays are unruly," he says. "They tend to see what happens on television and copy it. Also the introduction of VAR and the alteration to the handball and offside rules has, in my opinion, ruined the game."

The 85-year-old maintains that he will "pack football in" if he stops enjoying it.

That day hasn't come just yet.

Featured Image Credit: Derbyshire Live/Twitter - @Mickleover_AFC

Topics: Non-League

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_