RateTheRef

I'm probably a bit more relaxed about the refereeing appointment than some.

At the start of the season, I'd have envisaged Kavanagh for the EFL Cup final but he's not had enough appointments to make that viable and has only just returned.

I mentioned Coote/Hooper/Madley as being possibilities in a recent thread. In a sense, I'd say it was a bit earlier for any of them than would have been ideal but that's where we're at once you rule out those who've done it before.

I can't really comment on recent times but when Coote was an EFL referee he was good in quite a few matches that I saw and a few times not so good. I'd say there have been better referees promoted to SG1 but also worse.

In his first few seasons I'd say Coote did pretty well as a PL referee on-field - much less so as a VAR! I think he was promoted at the same time as Hooper and I'd certainly say Coote settled the quicker of the two. I wouldn't say Coote was outstanding but probably better than I expected at the time, and I'd say officials like Jones and A Madley maybe took a bit more time to settle subsequently in the PL.

It seems Hooper has improved a lot and done well in many of the higher profile games he's refereed this season. You could say that means he should get it just based on this season's form but as I say I do wonder if he'll benefit from another year or two of building up his experience. The same is probably true of A Madley, who seems to have struggled a little in some of his higher profile games this season, although I'm sure he'll be in a stronger position in the next few years.

I'd have more concerns about Bankes' appointment as VAR, who I've generally felt is one of weaker VARs in terms of when perceived mistakes occur.

For what it's worth, I think Attwell or Tierney will get the FA Cup final. I'd maybe make Attwell the slight favourite given he's still a FIFA referee.