3 things Clattenburg could actually do at Forest as Liverpool fiasco shows issue
What's the point of employing anybody to do anything?
There must be a reason. Jobs and cash aren’t just handed out on the street, free of charge. Just why is it then, that Nottingham Forest have seen fit to employ Mark Clattenburg as a referees’ consultant?
For those who don’t know, the ex-Premier League official has been appointed as a go-between. A path-smoother, a schmoozer, a man who, with his elite refereeing credentials, can get to parts of officialdom that others cannot reach.
There has to be a reason for his role. It has come at a price. So, what is it? And what benefit can it bring?
Clattenburg’s first major walk-on in his new role was to explain to the media why it was that referee Paul Tierney erred last Saturday. He spoke eloquently just outside the dressing rooms at the City Ground - reciting the laws that the official for Forest’s home fixture against Liverpool, had trashed.
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The Geordie tried to get into the referees’ room. But failed. Not a great start. Furthermore, he’s also been seen brushing shoulders with Howard Webb, now a referees’ kingmaker, at the Professional Match Game Officials Ltd. Again, not a great look.
But is that it? Someone who can offer a first-hand explanation when required by Forest? Clattenburg's presence could hold up the club to conspiracy theorists - whenever a contentious decision goes in their favour.
However, the ex-ref could yet be a force for good. The initial reaction of this correspondent was that his talents could be used to positive benefit. The 48-year-old could start by explaining the offside law to everyone at the club. Then, he can come around to my house.
Forest were embroiled in controversy in their defeat to Liverpool on Saturday (PA)He could also run through the finer details of the handball law with the whole playing staff. Or, he may speak to Nuno Espirito Santo’s players. He could, for instance, talk to them about what constitutes excessive force in a tackle.
He may even be able to teach them the correct way to approach a match official. All of these would add value - and provide an understanding. But after the events at the City Ground last weekend, those looked like side orders to the main course.
He is there to influence, even unknowingly, a way through to those who make the toughest decisions in the game. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is keen to cover all the bases as far as his club is concerned.
A few months ago, he was getting upset about the fact that no set-piece specialist had been appointed to the coaching staff. And, by the way, he got what he wanted.
Marinakis has become increasingly miffed at a few issues - matches against Manchester United at Old Trafford and Newcastle United and West Ham at the City Ground - where calls have gone against his club. Not without justification, it must be said.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis couldn't hide his frustration at full-time (MI News/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)So, if this is an insurance policy, can it work? Tierney closed one door to Clattenburg last Saturday. If the north-easterner is going to earn his keep, Marinakis will want to see tangible results.
But how, without arousing the suspicion of every other Premier League club? Forest might think they’ve got the bases covered.
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But the events of last Saturday showed the difficulty they have in achieving that.
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