After becoming the first woman to referee an English league match, Amy Fearn said Wednesday she hopes the feat will promote more female involvement in the game.
The 31-year-old Fearn was a touchline assistant before being required to replace injured referee Tony Bates in the 70th minute of Coventry's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the second-tier League Championship on Tuesday.
``Last night will, of course, raise the profile of women,'' Fearn said. ``It can only be a good thing for encouraging more women into the game.''
Fearn knew she would be replacing Bates when he strained his calf muscle, because the issue of a substitute is made before the game.
``It felt very surreal and then started sinking in,'' Fearn said. ``The game stepped up a level when I entered the pitch. Going from the line to the middle is very different.
``There is a great relationship between male and female officials - when the referee came off he told me to stay calm and do my best.''
Fearn, who has refereed in the non-league FC for almost seven years, has higher ambitions as a match official.
``It would be nice to referee in the Premier League one day, but obviously the competition is harder,'' Fearn said. ``My next promotion target is running the line in that division, but I started out as a ref and that is what I love doing. I want to continue being a referee.''
