I'm so proud of Howard, by wife Kay Webb: EXCLUSIVE

These were the words of World Cup final ref Howard Webb’s wife as she welcomed home her husband with a big hug this week. Kay Webb (39) said that she and the couple’s three children were “overjoyed” to have Howard home after “bursting with pride” watching him take centre stage during the World Cup.

And as the official finally arrived home from South Africa on Tuesday, he was met with big hugs from Kay, Hollie (12), Jack (9), and Lucy (7) and an even bigger “Welcome Home Daddy” banner in the front window of their house.

Kay said: “We’ve all missed him loads and the children are so excited to see him. “I’m overjoyed to have him back home and when he has recovered we will have some kind of celebration.

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“The kids were in touch with him through Skype and I texted him every day, he was always upbeat and excited to be there.

“Every time I saw him come out of the tunnel, I thought I would burst with pride.”

The Rotherham official—who has faced an unprecedented amount of media attention following the fiery final between Spain and Holland—arrived back to a huddle of reporters outside his house.

After the father-of-threewho turned 39 on Wednesdaywas reunited with his wife and children, he told the Advertiser:

“I’m so delighted to see my kids again. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and watching my son at his school sports day.”

Just hours after walking through the front door, it was back to life as normal for the official as he fulfilled his promise of paying a visit to youngsters at Sitwell Junior and Infant Schools on Wednesday.

He showed off the gold medal he was given for reffing the final, signed autographs and answered questions about the World Cup.

It wasn’t only Howard who found himself in the media spotlight during the major tournament as TV crews and reporters were eager to find out what life has been like for the new WAG on the scene.

Wife Kay (39) said:“It has felt like being on a roller coaster and we didn’t expect to get this much attention.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support of the media and everyone we have been in contact with has been so lovely and supportive. “We want to thank everyone for their messages of support.”

Kay, who is a football fan and enjoys watching Rotherham United with the children, said that she found it hard watching Howard referee games. “I love watching big matches and Rotherham,” she said:

”But I can’t watch Howard. I do love watching him come out of the tunnel though.”

On Howard’s performance in the final she said: “It was lovely to see that all his hard work and dedication paid off, I thought he looked calm and in control.

“I don’t feel angry about the negative criticism but I get frustrated when the criticism is unfair. “Howard is someone who cares passionately about everything he does, from his family to his career. We are just so proud of him and what he has achieved.”

Now the Webbs are looking forward to some time together and Kay added: “Hopefully we’ll have a lovely relaxing holiday and then it will be back to a normal family life.”

As well as being a World Cup referee, and a police officer, Howard is a governor at Sitwell Junior School. Staff and students there have been following his progress throughout the competition.

Tracey Briggs, a fellow governor, said: “We have been really pleased and proud to see him achieve this pinnacle in his career and thrilled for him to have put in such a good performance.

“He is a fantastic role model for the children in his approach to sport. But it will back down to earth again and business as usual for the governors come September.”

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