Dale’s final group game in the National League Cup against Wolves U21 on Tuesday will be refereed by GARRETH RHODES.

Based in Selby, this will be Mr Rhodes’ fifth match at the Crown Oil Arena since Dale’s relegation to the National League, as he was in the middle for last term’s opening day encounter against Ebbsfleet and the fixtures versus Kidderminster Harriers Oxford City later in the campaign.

Garreth also took charge of our 1-0 home defeat of Braintree earlier this term.

An Operations Manager for a construction company, as a youngster, Mr Rhodes had trials with professional clubs and represented West Riding County FA at U18 level.

He didn’t make it into the professional game, but went on to play for Tadcaster Albion and Selby Town in the Northern Counties East League.

Injuries brought his playing career to a premature end and he started refereeing in 2008. After 10 years he reached the level of Panel Select referee and is now in his seventh season at that tier.

Garreth has officiated 11 times in the National League this term, most recently at AFC Fylde v Wealdstone a fortnight ago. He also refereed Spennymoor’s win over Boston United in the FA Trophy last week.

Photo: Action Images

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