Bradford City skipper Stuart McCall has backed a possible plan by English football's top brass to introduce full-time referees.

The idea was part of an eight-point plan drawn up at this week's summit meeting about the fragile relationship between referees and the top managers and players.

Representatives from the FA, Premier League, players, referees and managers discussed a possible way forward to improve relations.

Goal-line cameras, an overhaul of the disciplinary process and man-management courses for referees were also suggested in the meeting.

McCall said: "I think referees being full-time would be a massive benefit. It would allow them to visit clubs during training sessions and get to know the players personally.

"That would help break down the barrier which occurs sometimes of an 'us and them' situation between players and referees.

"Of course, some of the referees have well paid jobs so the wages would have to make it an attractive profession."

McCall has been heartened by the more lenient approach adopted by referees in recent weeks which has seen the number of bookings fall dramatically.

He said: "The one thing players resent is being treated like a schoolboy. A man-management course would possibly help those officials.

"But the last few weeks have shown that if a referee is allowed to use his common sense then that can act as a man-management tool.

"A lot rests with the players though."

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