Hello, hello, hello - Policeman Webb gets his Euro 2008 debut

'If all referees were like Howard Webb I'd never get a fine,' said the Crystal Palace manager.

Having a ball: Webb and Swiss ref Massimo Busacca

This admiration is even more surprising when you consider Webb's unwitting role in the relegation of Warnock's Sheffield United from the Barclays Premier League at the end of the 2006-7 season.

On the advice of his linesman, Webb awarded West Ham a match-winning goal at Blackburn when Bobby Zamora's effort had not crossed the line, a turning point in the relegation battle.

Warnock said: 'I've seen him have bad games but he's the most complete referee I've seen in 10 years. He uses common sense, which you're not supposed to do as a referee.

'He understands the game, he's willing to talk to you and he'll put his hand up if he makes a mistake. He's always there or thereabouts. People might think that's luck but it isn't. He senses things.'

Perhaps this is Webb's policeman's instinct, fine tuned as a sergeant on Sheffield's notorious Manor Estate. After a daily routine of violent crime, drug abuse and inner-city deprivation, Austria v Poland in Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium today should be a doddle for the 36-year-old from Rotherham.

It is his debut in a big international tournament but UEFA plan to offer him a second group game, the importance of which will depend on how he and his English assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey perform today.

As one of the least experienced referees at Euro 2008, he is unlikely to be handed a game in the closing stages but, with England out, he has the added advantage of neutrality should he impress UEFA's assessors.

'If we can come away with our reputations enhanced, or at least still intact, then we will be pleased,' said Webb, who has eased through the ranks since his father Bill, himself a parks referee, persuaded him to take a referee's course as a teenager.

By the age of 32 he was in the Premier League, although Ron Skidmore, one of his early assessors at the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, can recall teething troubles. 'He had an annoying habit of pulling up his shorts,' said Skidmore.

'So I pointed it out in the assessment: "You need some strong elastic. See your mother".

'His use of the whistle was good but his voice was on the quiet side and I wrote: "You need to make more use of your voice. See your father". His father had a loud voice.'

Despite his success and the advent of professional referees, Webb continued his police duties until this year, working 20 hours a week, but opted for a career break because of the extra travel involved in being a top official.

Sheffield's district commander Chief Superintendent Jon House, who hopes Webb will return to the force when he stops refereeing, said: 'He would be out on Friday night dealing with difficult situations on the streets of Sheffield then go off to a Premier League game.

'His leadership skills are phenomenal and he is one of the coolest thinkers under pressure.' Webb helped police crowds at Hillsborough during Euro 96. Three European Championships later he is in charge of the teams.

He said: 'Some of the skills translate, like the ability to assess a situation fairly quickly and make a decision.'

At 6ft 3in and more than 15 stone, with head shaven and broad shoulders, Webb uses his physical attributes to control a game.

Neale Barry, the FA's head of senior referee development, said: 'Howard has a natural positive presence. He uses his stature to impose himself and show authority but he also has great empathy for the players and he doesn't think he is bigger than the game. 'But the most important thing is the level of ability.'

WEBB'S FACT FILE

Born: Rotherham Age: 36

Height: 6ft 3in Weight: 15st 7lbs

Occupation: Police sergeant, on
five-year career break

1989: Begins refereeing.

1996: Football League linesman.

2000: Football League referee.

2003: Premier League debut:
Fulham 0 Wolves 0.

2005: FIFA list. First international:
Northern Ireland 1 Portugal 1.

2006: First Champions Leaguegame:
Steaua Bucharest 0 Lyon 3.

2007: First major final, Carling Cup:
Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1.