63 years on, the landscape of football has seismically changed.

One person who has seen it all is Keith Greensides, 88, Norfolk's oldest referee who is rapidly approaching the astonishing feat of 3,000 games refereed in English football.

Keith Greensides, 88, has been a football referee for over 63 years (Image: Denise Bradley)

And as he prepares to officiate Ormesby Vikings U9s against Martham Eagles U9s in Ormesby St Margaret on Sunday, November 8, he has shared his secret tips in refereeing and thoughts on how the football world has changed.

Mr Greensides, a former postman who started refereeing as a fresh-faced 25-year-old, said: “It is a great achievement considering the age and I had a good career.

Keith Greensides has been a referee for over 63 years (Image: Archant)

“I had one or two ups and downs along the way. My wife Hazel pushed me along and said you have to keep going.

“It is the camaraderie with people and I really enjoy it.”

Keith Greensides preparing to officiate Martham Reserves VS Feltwell United in 2013 (Image: Archant/Antony Kelly)

Football referee Keith Greenside shaking hands before Martham Reserves VS Feltwell United in 2013 (Image: Archant/Antony Kelly)

Mr Greensides – who was also a cricket umpire for 32 years – took charge of his first match in Martham in October 1963, kicking off an officiating career spanning seven decades.

In the 1970s, he officiated games at grounds including White Hart Lane and Craven Cottage as a linesman for the Football Combination, a competition for the reserve teams of English Football League clubs.

Keith Greensides had his first game as a referee back in 1963 (Image: Archant)

In his time, he has seen the game he loves and the profession of refereeing evolve in ways he never could have imagined when he first started.

He said: “It has changed so much nowadays. Players only have to look at each other and get a yellow card.

Keith Greensides thinks players today are booked too easily by referees (Image: Denise Bradley)

“I don’t think the standard of football is as good as it used to be.

“The eyes are on these top boys and now and they have got so much pressure.

“I am not a fan of VAR and it is making referees lazy.”

Football referee Keith Greenside refereeing Martham Reserves VS Feltwell United in 2013 (Image: Archant/Antony Kelly)

Football referee Keith Greenside keeping a close eye on Martham Reserves VS Feltwell United in 2013 (Image: Archant/Antony Kelly)

Mr Greensides is sympathetic towards today’s referees – often the target of abuse from the stands and on social media – but has offered some pearls of wisdom to current officials in the game.

He said: “I never see a smile on their face, looking around and enjoying it.

“They have got to be impartial. Put a smile on your faces and be positive in your decisions.

Keith Greensides wants today's referees to smile more and enjoy officiating matches (Image: Denise Bradley)

“Don’t listen to players now because they can influence you.

“You can get a lot of control in a football match by using your whistle and your mouth.”

And what about the future for the seasoned official?

Keith Greensides is not calling time on his refereeing career just yet (Image: Denise Bradley)

“My legs could be a lot better", he said.

“When I realise when I am not doing my best I will finish.”

He is not hanging up his whistle just yet.