What does a 4th official do?

[BedsFFC]

Or put another way, why do 4th officials entertain constant moaning from managers and coaches?

A manager constantly in his ear saying "the ref is a xxxx" etc. What is the point of this? Is the 4th official mean't to get on the intercom and say "George. Warnock and his coaches say you are a xxxxxxx dick".

Its one of those things in football that annoys me. Screaming, middle-aged men red-faced swearing in a blokes face that is trying to do his job

[cmg]

I think they do a fabulous job. They have to raise that board above their head up to EIGHT times a game. They almost always get it the right way up and with the correct numbers on it. Some of them are so fit and skilled that, for variety, they get to be the bloke that stands behind the goals and does nothing in European matches.

It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.....oh no, hang on a minute, they don't, do they?

[Tabby]

They're mainly there to replace the other refs in case of injury.