It was with some trepidation that I returned by coincidence to the same pitch where I was KO'd by a single punch.
But this time the atmosphere at the Hough End GMP club in Chorlton was much happier for the Cheshire FA's presentation of the programme that is aimed at improving the relationship between officials and players nationwide.
The Lancashire and Cheshire League was one of seven amateur leagues throughout the country that took part in secret last season in a pilot scheme which in essence meant only captains could speak to the referee and spectators had to stand behind a touchline barrier.
I was one of the referees in the L&C Second Division who officiated six games under the new rules. After each game, the details were sent through to Soho Square for analysis.
Generally, the initiative raised the need for respect but its success or otherwise depends on the character and attitude of the captain.
So often they prove to be Jekyll and Hyde characters, all smiles before kick-off but then taking up the mantle for disaffected team-mates during the game, which wasn't the idea at all.
Following assessment by the FA and after consultation with the Premier League, top refs and PFA, the four-point Respect programme is being rolled out.
Now all affiliated clubs are being asked to sign up to the programme and purchase Respect packages, with tape, armbands and details of the code.
All 118 teams in the L&C, says league chairman Keith Marsden, have agreed that all their players, coaches and spectators sign up to the basic principles of Respect - establish touchline barriers, agree that captains take responsibility for their team and become the main point of contact for the ref and, finally, referees manage the game and deal with any open shows of dissent.
Trevor Massey, the Cheshire County FA ref development officer, himself a Premier League official, told MEN Sport: "We recruit 7,000 referees in this country every year but lose 8,000 for whatever reason, often because they don't like the way they've been treated on the pitch. We have to do something about it.
"One in four games in this country go on without a referee and that is not in the best interest of the game. The Respect programme is critical in helping us work together to change negative attitude and unacceptable behaviour."
The player who assaulted me, Allan Deegan, who played for Old Chorltonians, admitted common assault and was fined £250. Deegan, who was subsequently banned from football indefinitely, was also ordered to do 220 hours' community service and attend anger management classes.
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