Being appointed to take charge of The FA Community Shield supported by McDonald's has brought the new season into sharp focus for referee Jon Moss.
Premier League champions Manchester City meet Emirates FA Cup winners Chelsea in the season’s traditional curtain-raiser at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 5 August.
Moss was preparing for his latest piece of pre-season training when he received the call-up on Monday afternoon.
And the West Riding FA official, who refereed the 2015 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Aston Villa, said he now has even more reason to ensure he is in tip-top shape for 2018-19.
He said: “I was warming up for a run when I got the call from The FA so it was a good incentive to get around the track afterwards.
“You’d normally have a pre-season friendly the weekend before the season starts anyway so I’m sure doing the Community Shield at Wembley will get me right up to speed.
“It’s a great game to get and a great way to start your season off. They are two big teams, I’m sure it will be a fantastic occasion and I’m really looking forward to it.”
He continued: “Any time you get an FA appointment at Wembley it’s a huge honour.
“It has given me a real buzz for the new season. It’s the same as any player; to take part in any big match is something that you cherish.
“Big games at Wembley are the ones you want to have on your CV when you finish refereeing.”
Moss has enjoyed a summer away from the pitch, but that hasn’t stopped him from getting swept up in the euphoria of England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Gareth Southgate’s side take on Croatia on Wednesday night for a place in the World Cup final.
Moss said: “Gareth and the team have done a fantastic job representing the country. I’m like any other football fan, I’ve been glued to it and been shouting at the TV.
“It’s going to be a tough game against Croatia but I think we’ve got enough to get through. Wednesday will be our biggest test but if we carry on doing what we’re doing I’m sure we’ll come out on top.
“To get to a World Cup final would be a massive achievement for this group of players, who I think have conducted themselves brilliantly.”
Moss will be joined at Wembley by assistant referees Adam Nunn (Wiltshire FA) and Eddie Smart (Birmingham FA) and fourth official Paul Tierney (Lancashire FA). The reserve assistant referee is Dan Cook (Hampshire FA).
The video assistant referee (VAR) is Stuart Attwell (Birmingham FA) with Andrew Halliday MBE (Army FA) the assistant VAR.
David Elleray, chairman of The FA referees' committee, added: “Jon’s appointment to officiate in the 2018 FA Community Shield is a well-deserved honour for one of the country’s most respected referees.
“Having the VAR available for Jon and his on-field team demonstrates The FA’s strong belief that the VAR system, which can never be perfect or solve every dispute, increases the fairness of the game without over-intruding and disrupting the flow and emotion of the game.
“The 2018 FA Community Shield promises to be a wonderful occasion and Jon and his team will do everything in their power to enhance the game as a spectacle.”
If you'd like to follow in Moss's footsteps, get in touch with your local referee development officer and book yourself on a basic referees course.
