South Yorkshire Times, May 16th, 1970
Finale In Italy
The final whistle will blow on the Football League career of popular Denaby referee Sid Jackson in Italy tomorrow, when he comes off the League’s list of linesmen after the Fiorentina-Wolves match.
An appointment to run the line in the Anglo-Italian tournament match on the Continent is the League’s way of saying “thank you” to Sid for 10 years of service. He went to Italy yesterday (Thursday) and returns on Sunday – the spare time will be spent sight-seeing.
Sid also came off the Yorkshire League referees’ list this season after 18 years, and he was given the Yorkshire League Cup Final between Rawmarsh Welfare and Emley in appreciation of his services.
His time as man-in-the-middle isn’t up yet, for Sid who reckons to have whistled his way through 1,500 games and 135,000 minutes’ football in 21 years as a referee, will continue to control local games.
Instructor
A Cadeby colliery deputy, of 45, Maltby Street, he is chairman of Mexboro’ Referees’ Association and a committee member with the Sheffield and Hallamshire Referees’ Association and the Mexborough F.A. He has also had over 40 referees coming under his guidance as instructor for the Mexborough Association.
Sid’s many honours include refereeing last year’s Amateur Cup semi-final between Skelmersdale and North Shields, and running the line in this season’s F.A. cup-tie between Burnley and Chelsea, and the League Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers.
So when the final whistle blows at the Stadio Comunale on Saturday night, it will be a moment charged with emotion for Denaby’s best-known referee…but at the age of 45 he’s still got a lot to give to local football.