The Toolstation NCEL sends its congratulations to former president Howard Webb who is set to take over a major role within English football.

Howard, who was our president for ten years from 2011 until he stepped down in 2021 due to family and work commitments, will become the Chief Refereeing Officer at the body responsible for match officials in English professional football, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).

He will take on the new role once his current contract as General Manager of the Professional Referee Organisation (PRO) in the United States and Canada comes to an end, with an official start date yet to be confirmed.

He said: "I am looking forward to returning to England and starting this new challenge when I have fulfilled my contract with PRO - it's an excellent opportunity for me.

"I am very proud of what has been achieved during my tenure here and I aim to have a similar impact with PGMOL, using the Elite Referee Development Plan as a real driving force.

"I know I will be inheriting a strong foundation laid by a lot of good work over a number of years.

"It is about maintaining these standards and then enhancing them to grow and positively impact the game in England."

PGMOL Managing Director Mike Riley, who is leaving his role this season, said: "This is welcome and hugely positive news for PGMOL.

"Howard's return is a major coup and this is a fantastic opportunity for Howard and the new Leadership Team to build on the strong foundations in place and to implement the Elite Referee Development Plan.

"I am looking forward to working with him and providing as much support as possible before handing on the baton to both Howard and the new Chief Operating Officer later this season."

The photo shows Howard Webb (right) with then-NCEL chairman David Morrall after he had been sworn in as president at the 2011 NCEL AGM.