MARK CLATTENBURG: Having Premier League referees train with clubs is a great idea

As Sportsmail exclusively reports, referees could soon start training with clubs, thanks to a proposal put forward by Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Amid concerns from top-flight managers over the performance of officials, the German has suggested that the relationship between players and officials could be improved if refs went through their paces with the stars at Premier League training grounds.

Rangnick told a recent summit between managers and refs’ boss Mike Riley that officials should train with clubs to allow players to get to know them, rather than only seeing them during matches.

Sportsmail columnist Mark Clattenburg gives his view on the proposed changes…

Sportsmail columnist Mark Clattenburg backs the idea of top-flight referees like Anthony Taylor (pictured) training with teams

This was floating around back when I was a Premier League referee. The idea was we’d go to a local club – someone whose games we weren’t allowed to oversee. 

For me, that would be Newcastle United. So I’d go in, train with the squad, referee their small-sided games, sit down with the players, listen to feedback and give them feedback of my own.

I thought it would improve our relationship and I still think it’s a great idea now. 

Referees know the laws of the game inside out but this gives them the chance to understand the game from the players’ point of view. 

The only problem with this plan, however, is the fuel it would give to conspiracy theorists

The only problem with this plan is the fuel it would give to conspiracy theorists. 

Say Michael Oliver trained with Newcastle then made a controversial call that went against one of their relegation rivals, there would be an outcry.

Likewise who would Anthony Taylor train with? He’s from Manchester but supports Altrincham.

If he trains with Manchester City, would he be allowed to referee their games? Again, the first decision that helped City would be scrutinised.