Army Referee rounds off 40 year career with dream Wembley honour

Warrant Officer Class Two Andy Halliday has been given a prestigious role at today's FA Cup Final.

He will deliver the iconic piece of silverware to the Prince of Wales in the Royal Box at Wembley, prior to the winners being presented with the trophy.

The cup final is extra special occasion for Andy, who will officially retire from a military career spanning four decades on the same day.

The dad of two has also enjoyed a very successful career as an Army referee, who went on to officiate at the highest levels of professional football.

“It’s the icing on the cake really isn’t it,” said Andy, 60 who hails from Dumfries in Scotland.

“I’ve had so many highlights during my time officiating in the game and this really is the perfect way to complete my career in uniform, as part of the military ceremonial team for the cup final.”

Andy has previously officiated at the 2016 FA Cup Final as a linesman, as well as the Carabao Cup Final three years later, both matches at Wembley.

In 2018 he was awarded an MBE by King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales, for his services to football refereeing.

So how did Andy become involved in this weekend’s match?

“I got a call from the Army FA’s chairman saying he had an offer for me and would I consider it?” said Andy.

“I was told it was being part of something on Saturday, May 16, to which I said: ‘Do you realise that’s my last day in service?’”

“And then to be told what it was, well, what an honour indeed.

“I’ll be representing the British Army in service dress as part of the military ceremonial team, with representatives from the Royal Navy and RAF, and will present the FA Cup to the Royal Box.”

Andy began his military in the mid-1980s with the Royal Signals and then spent nearly a decade in Germany. 

He then transferred into the Royal Army Physical Training Corps where his association with football refereeing began, going on to reach the highest echelons in the game, both domestically, as well as in Europe, with involvement in UEFA cup matches. 

In total, Andy officiated in 338 Premier League matches.

“If it wasn’t for my military career I would not have achieved what I have in refereeing,” said Andy, whose most recent role was as Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.

“The Army opened so many opportunities for me and has given me so much.

“I’ll still be involved in football, supporting the Scottish Football Association in the development of referees and a few other things.

“But on Saturday I’ll present the trophy to Prince William before cutting away into the sunset after a fantastic 40 years in uniform.”