Refwatch: Dale v Burton

Stuart Attwell referees Dale for the second time in two months when we welcome high-flying Burton to Spotland on Saturday.

The Warwickshire whistler was the man in the middle for our 2-0 defeat at Gillingham in November, but you have to go back three years for his last Spotland appearance, which was for the 2-1 loss to Rotherham on New Year’s Day 2013.

Prior that, Stuart was the fourth official at Dale’s famous play-off semi-final second leg at home to Darlington in May 2008, before taking charge of the final against Stockport at Wembley later that month.

We also saw him for Dale’s 2-0 win at Brentford in March 2008, while in May 2012 he refereed our final fixture of the last spell in League One, which ended in a 2-1 defeat at Leyton Orient.

Mr Attwell’s early career in the Football League saw him receive a number of excellent appointments and he was soon promoted to the Select Group and FIFA lists of officials.

However, it was felt, by those in the know, that he was pushed too soon rather than serving his apprenticeship and after a couple of seasons in the top flight, Stuart opted to return to refereeing in the Football League to gain more experience.

This has clearly worked as he was handed another Premier League appointment last season, as well as many important Football League games.

Moving into this term, Stuart has taken charge of three more Premier League fixtures and next Tuesday he will again referee in the top flight at Sunderland v Manchester City.

He has also appeared in two televised cup ties since the turn of the year — Exeter v Liverpool in the FA Cup and Millwall v Oxford in the JPT southern area final

All told this season Stuart has refereed 27 games, showing 73 yellow cards and three red.

What to read next:

Return Dates Set For Injured Southampton Duo Ramsdale And Bednarek
If you thought that things couldn't get worse for Russell Martin after the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, then think again, injuries to two key players in the past fortnight have added to his woes.

Do Southampton Need To Recall Bella-Kotchap For Liverpool Clash
With Jan Bednarek seemingly set to miss his first Premier League game of the season, Saints are struggling for central defenders to take on the League leaders Liverpool at St Mary's, is it time to bring in a player out of the cold.

Does Shea Charles Prove That Russell Martin's Player Judgement is Flawed
There has been a lot of words typed on the internet about Russell Martin and his tactics, but is this just the reason as to why we are doing badly in the Premier League, last season there was a clear evidence that his player selection is not what it should be.

Central Defensive Injury Blow For Southampton
If the next few weeks were going to be tough with the potential absence of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, then they are now getting much worse with the news that a central defender has been injured in International duty over the weekend.

England England's Number 16
It was a dream England debut for Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis, in front of his future Father in law ex Manchester United & Republic of Ireland legend Roy Keane, not only scoring but also nearly getting an assist.

Nick's Saints Saints Away Travel Lay On 6th Coach For Brighton
Brighton away was the first fixture Southampton fans looked for when they came out back in June so there was great disappointment when the game was switched to a Friday night as it means it's virtually impossible to get back on the train.

Saints Not Afraid Of Sacking Russell Martin Even If They Have To Pay
Recent reports have suggested that Southampton have not dispensed with the services of Russell Martin due to the alleged £12 million compensation cost. However it is now suggested that this is not the case and that if they do lose faith they are willing to pay the price.

Southampton Settle Russell Martin Compensation With Swansea City
Its dragged on a bit, but Saints have finally sorted out the compensation package with the Swans for Russell Martin's switch from South Wales to the South Coast, although the details of the settlement are rather vague.

Goalkeeper To Have Surgery As Saints Season Gets Even Worse
One of the highlights, if you can say their were any, of the last few months, was the arrival from Arsenal of Aaron Ramsdale, but now comes some terrible news, that he has injured a finger.

Sources Say Southampton Have Made Decision About Russell Martin
The last two days have been ones of frustration for fans of Southampton Football Club, after a toothless display at Wolverhampton Wanderers, many were convinced that this would surely be the end of the line for the Saints manager.