SUFFOLK’S Jon Block has spoken of his ‘enormous pride’ after his debut as an assistant referee in the EFL Championship.

The 34-year-old, who lives near Bury St Edmunds, was an assistant referee at Tuesday’s Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers at Hillsborough, which the visitors won 1-0.

Jon’s first experience of officiating at Football League level came last November when he was an Assistant Referee at the Charlton Athletic versus Sutton United match at The Valley in the EFL Trophy.

He described his feelings after receiving his first Championship appointment.

“I was really proud and pleased to be given the opportunity following lots of hard work, dedication and sacrifices.

“We receive our appointments at 4pm on a Monday afternoon, and I happened to be travelling back from work on the train at the time when I received the notification.

“After a period of reflection, attention then turned to my preparation for the appointment in eight days’ time,” he said.

Since making the step up to EFL League One and Two a year ago, Jon said he had been fortunate to officiate in front of bigger crowds and in matches where there is more atmosphere.

These included two recent live TV appointments in the FA Cup First and Second Round Proper, where there is more scrutiny on decisions and performance in managing an event.

The attendance at Hillsborough of 22,703 was the biggest crowd that Jon had experienced so far.

“The largest crowd I have had in my career before Tuesday evening, was at Reading versus Wycombe Wanderers in EFL League One on Saturday, March 9th 2024, with a crowd of 15,038 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, with Wycombe winning 2-1.

“Reflecting back on Tuesday evening, being given the opportunity to be involved in such an event and match was special for me and my family.

“I was fortunate to work with an experienced team of match officials, who made me feel very welcome and supported me on the day.

“I think the stand-out memory would be walking down the long tunnel at Hillsborough, an iconic stadium in English football having hosted many FA Cup Semi-Finals over past times and coming out under the lights to the roar of the crowd, something which gave me enormous pride.

“Once the match kicks off, it is a normal game of football between two teams and 22 players, and you forget the occasion for 90-plus minutes.”

Jon (pictured above) said his next target is to continue working hard and being consistent in his performances over the coming months of the season, to hopefully give himself the best possible chance of another opportunity at Championship level.

He said: “My long-term target is to officiate in the Premier League, however I know I have a lot of hard work to continue putting in to develop my game and prepare myself for the challenges that would bring.”

Jon also reflected on the support he has received from his family to get to where he is now in his career as a match official.

“I would like to thank my Mum and Dad, who have supported me from the very beginning of my career and still attend matches, although they unfortunately couldn't make it to Hillsborough on Tuesday evening, so had to settle for watching it on TV!

“My wife and young daughter are also a tremendous support to me, allowing me the time and commitment which the role requires,” he added.