Monday was a bit special for popular county referee Scott Taylor – he was back at work.
Scott, the county FA’s part-time referee development officer has returned after a long absence of sick leave.
He successfully underwent major heart surgery for a dilated ascending aorta in August at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
In May 2024, he had major surgery there to remove a cancerous tumour on his pancreas.
Scott said: “Knowing a returning to work was imminent has been really good for my mental health as it’s been five months of stop/start recovery, which has been tough at times both mentally and physically.
“My progress and return to fitness was hampered a little during this period as I was also diagnosed with rare Type 3c Diabetes linked to my body’s limited capacity to produce its own natural insulin. Thankfully that is now monitored and under control allowing me to manage my body better.
“For the past two months I’ve been back running and I’m now visiting the gym doing fitness classes regularly as I work towards being fit to make a return to the National Group list of Assistant Referees at the PGMO.
“I’m also looking forward to another new year and a fresh start in 2026 having had the time to reflect and take stock while away from the pressures of working in football.
“The 2025/26 season starts now for me so I’ll be playing catch up for a few days with all the emails and messages, but I can’t wait to get back out there and support the referee workforce and grassroots game in Cumberland!”
Everyone at the Cumberland FA said they were pleased to have Scott back and wished him a healthy 2026 and all the best with his fitness goals.
