As per Jeffrey Carlisle (ESPN) on twitter: Hearing that Peter Walton is out at PRO and will be replaced by Howard Webb. Note that CBA with PSRA expires in 2019.— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) January 18, 2018 (quoted below, just in case)
Announcement: http://proreferees.com/2018/01/18/pro-promotes-howard-webb-to-general-manager/ It will be interesting to see how Webb will make game decisions by OTHER referees somehow about him.
I think this was always the plan and in the works. It was probably either officially or unofficially (wink, wink you'll get the job next) on the table when he first applied and was offered the VAR role.
PRO just announced that Howard Webb has been promoted to GM while Peter Walton will continue as a consultant. Greg Barkey will deal with VAR and will also be the Manager of Senior AR’s. Thoughts?
I like Howard. That's my most qualified opinion since I have no idea how PRO functions day to day and what if anything Howard can do that Peter couldn't. Also, I think Howard is better on a microphone and in front of a camera.
I eagerly await seeing how he handles his first opportunity to defend Mark Geiger the next time Geiger disinterestedly runs past an onfield corpse.
Webb came from Saudi Arabia I thought prior? And Walton came from the PGMOL which sounds right. But he came and retired... Bibi is still on the FIFA list for Germany.
Neither Webb or Walton came here to referee. Although Walton was an active EPL referee and resigned/retired to take the PRO job. Webb has been retired for a few years and has held several different jobs during that time, none of which have seemed to last very long. Alan Kelly was still on the FIFA list for Ireland but came here for better opportunities. Bibi was reportedly in a close personal relationship with Webb which would be a good reason to come here. Not sure if it is still in effect. PH