Busy week before the big day?

I had a two-day training camp at Warrington University and was fourth official at Middlesbrough’s FA Cup fifth-round replay against West Ham on Wednesday night. Training on Thursday and Friday — speed work, agility, getting physically and mentally tuned in — before travelling to London on Saturday morning.

Will your family be at Wembley?

Yes. My wife, Beverley, and 15-year-old daughter, Melissa. It’ll be my fifth visit to the new stadium and it takes your breath away. It’s absolutely magnificent.

You assisted in the introduction of the “Respect” programme at the start of the season . . .

I delivered a presentation to 450 referees and assistants, explaining what was going to happen. It’s not easy talking to your peers, but someone had to do it and I was more than happy to.

Is Respect working?

It’s gone very well. We can’t referee alone, we need help and we’re now getting that. The team captains have been getting involved, taking responsibility. They’ve been excellent.

Your first job was as a bricklayer, wasn’t it?

Straight from school, for five years. It was hard work. You certainly appreciate the finer things when you come home after a hard day’s graft covered in sh**.

Any anecdotes with the whistle?

I went to caution a player many years ago and his twin brother, on the same team, came up to me and said: “Don’t book him, ref. Send him off. He’s rubbish.” I just laughed . . . and just booked him.

Getting away from it all?

Watching St Helens and talking about rugby league, too. Keeping fit and eating out.

How would you like to be remembered after the final?

I don’t want to be remembered. I just want thousands of people to remember a memorable match and a fantastic spectacle. If I’ve been anonymous, perfect.

Interview by Russell Kempson