Referee James Bell will be the man in the middle for Dale’s game at Hull on Tuesday night.

The Sheffield official is in his debut season on the National List, but this will be the second time we have seen him at a Dale match after he refereed our exciting 2-2 draw with Sunderland in October.

James’ first game at EFL level was Grimsby v Harrogate in the EFL Trophy, before he refereed Mansfield v Tranmere on the opening day of the league season.

His League One bow was at Blackpool v Charlton a week before he appeared at Spotland and ahead of Saturday, when James had the long trip to referee Newport v Stevenage, he had taken charge of 20 matches this term, showing 61 yellow cards and six red.

Having progressed to officiate in the National League for the first-time last season, Mr Bell then received the ultimate non-league refereeing accolade when he was appointed to the play-off final between Harrogate and Notts County at Wembley in August.

Unless you’re called Chalky, that game ended in a fine 3-1 win for the team from North Yorkshire!

Photo: Action Images

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