Steve Binning, Matchday Officials Liaison

What is your connection to the club?
I look after the officials and visiting directors on a matchday for the Club, among many other things.

What does the role involve?
I meet the officials when they arrive and give them a matchday briefing, telling them whether we have had any police intel on visiting spectators, or whether the match is segregated. I talk to them about expected attendances and so on. I also liaise with the directors of the opposing team.

I liaise with the safety officer during the match in case there have been any issues and ensure the travelling directors and any league observers are being looked after.

I also try to keep the dugouts separated if it gets a bit heated and ensure the managers stay in their technical areas!

How did the role come about?
I have been in the role 19 years now. I was invited to a match and later asked if I’d like to assist behind the scenes. I’m a people-person and really enjoy the role and talking to everyone.

Any favourite memories?
The best moment for me has to be the promotion into the National League. They were great times to be part of.

What’s your take on the team today?
It’s a young team and the players need the support from everyone. We need to get behind them and try to keep the criticism to a minimum while they are growing into the team and their roles.

Any favourite players?
I like the players who wear the badge on their heart. As long as they are giving their all, that’s what I want to see.

I try to build a rapport with all the players and management and the rest of the team. At the end of the day, we are all members of the team and we will perform at the best if we are all in it together.

Hopes for the season?
I would love to win the league outright and avoid another play-off. It’s going to be difficult, but it’s very early days.