Former Scottish FA Grade One Referee, First Non-FIFA-Ranked Official to Referee an Old Firm Match & Co-host of ‘The Ref’s View’ Podcast

Steve Conroy is a former Scottish FA Grade One referee, widely recognised for his contributions to elite-level football officiating and his pioneering role within the Scottish game. During a distinguished 12-year refereeing career, Steve regularly officiated in both the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League, earning a reputation for authority, composure and professionalism. Notably, he made history as the first non-FIFA-ranked official to referee an Old Firm match between Celtic and Rangers, a testament to his credibility at the highest level. Today, Steve combines his sporting expertise with a respected career in medicine and media.

Steve’s career began in refereeing, where he progressed through the Scottish FA ranks to achieve Grade One status. Over more than a decade, he became a consistent presence in top-tier Scottish football, trusted with high-profile fixtures due to his decision-making and leadership on the pitch. His landmark appointment to officiate an Old Firm match marked a significant moment in Scottish refereeing history. After retiring from officiating in 2012, Steve transitioned into media, becoming co-host of ‘The Ref’s View’ podcast alongside Des Roache, while also contributing regularly to the ‘Get Involved Referee!’ podcast. Alongside his media work, he has built an accomplished parallel career in medicine.

Beyond football, Steve is a highly qualified medical professional. Originally working as a general practitioner, he now serves as the Lead Medical Practitioner for NHS Lanarkshire’s alcohol and drug addiction services. His work in this field reflects a deep commitment to public health and community wellbeing. In addition, Steve is the owner and director of Workwell, an organisation providing occupational health services to businesses, supporting employee wellbeing and workplace performance. His dual expertise across elite sport and healthcare positions him uniquely as both a practitioner and thought leader.

Steve’s broad experience allows him to offer valuable insights into performance under pressure, decision-making and resilience. Drawing on lessons from both football and frontline healthcare, he provides a compelling perspective on leadership, accountability and wellbeing in high-stakes environments. His ability to connect these disciplines ensures his content resonates across industries, from corporate audiences to public sector organisations.

Why Hire Steve Conroy?

Steve is hired as a speaker for his rare combination of elite sports officiating and senior medical leadership. He delivers engaging, practical talks on decision-making under pressure, resilience and maintaining performance in demanding environments. Through real-world examples from officiating Old Firm matches and leading healthcare services, Steve provides actionable insight that audiences can apply immediately. As a podcast host and experienced communicator, he presents with clarity and authority, making complex themes accessible. His talks are particularly relevant for organisations focused on leadership, wellbeing and high-performance culture.