George Reader

George Reader moved from Nuneaton to Exeter in 1919 to attend the St. Luke’s teacher training college, which is now part of Exeter University. Having played for Nuneaton Town while still at the local grammar school, Reader continued playing at St. Luke’s and was spotted by Southern League club Exeter City. He played one match for them, against Southampton, and impressed “The Saints” so much they bought him. He played just three games for his new club before ending his playing career at Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, in 1930. At that time Reader was an assistant schoolmaster at a school in Southampton and after finishing playing took up refereeing. Within six years he was appointed to the Football League’s linesman list, and in the 1939/40 season joined the referee list, but the War intervened when the season was just three matches old.

Despite the hostilities, Reader continued refereeing in war-time league and cup games, and also international matches. Having reached the Football League age limit, he was forced to quit the League list in 1944. Despite the restriction on him in England, however, he was still much sought after on the continent, and in 1947 was in charge of the Spain - Argentina match at Barcelona. He then officiated in one match at the London Olympics and, following England’s qualification for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, Reader was called out of retirement and was one of the British officials to make the trip to Brazil. Reader had the honour of refereeing the final match of the tournament between Uruguay and hosts Brazil, and became the first Englishman to referee a World Cup final. At the age of 53 years 236 days he was the oldest ever World Cup final referee.

Reader retired from refereeing after the World Cup and ten years later, in 1960, quit his post as a Southampton headmaster. He became a director and then chairman of Southampton FC and had the honour of being their chairman when they won the FA Cup as a second division side in 1976.