Meet The Ref - Spurs Vs Latics - Peter Walton

The Tottenham Hotspur Vs Wigan Athletic game on Sunday at White Hart Lane will be refereed by Northants official, 50 year old Peter Walton.

Walton was recently in the news for giving Liverpool a penalty after David Ngog went down in the area when sneezed on by Birmingham City player Lee Carsley who apparently asked Walton to book him if he believed he had indeed fouled the France Under 21 international.

Carsley didn`t get booked but the penalty stood and the referee was subject of much scrutiny, lets hope that he isn`t scrutinised after Sundays game.

Former semi-pro player Walton is obviously not wearing the trousers in his house citing that his wife stopped him from playing football and that`s why he took up the role of a referee, put your foot down man! He has been a Premier League ref since 2003

He recently gave an interview to refworld.com an excerpt of which is below:

How did you get introduced into refereeing?

Played semi-pro football for a number of years, however after marriage and work commitments could not commit to time required for that level of football so decided to 'retire'. Took the whistle up as something to do on a Sunday morning.


What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Officiating on the Premier League, in wonderful stadiums and witnessing great players at close quarters.


What is the best game you have officiated and why?

I was an Assistant in the 1996 FA Cup Final Liverpool v Man Utd which whilst a boring game was a great occasion. I also ran the line in a friendly International Germany v Brazil 1998 which was a great thrill. I refereed at the Millennium Stadium in the LDV Trophy Final 2003, when Bristol city beat Carlisle in front of 52000.


What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?

The obvious ones, dedication, commitment, fitness, but also an ability to manage a variety of situations and a capacity to remain focused on the task and not to be influenced by external factors i.e. media, supporters, player reputations etc.


Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?

Three people without any doubt;

1. My Dad, Roy, for his support from grassroots thru' to the Premier League
2. David Elleray (ex referee) for his words of wisdom and steadying influence.
3. My Wife, Jo, who has kept the family together whilst I have spent many nights and days away plying my trade throughout the years.

The above a not in any order of priority!

Definitely under the thumb!!!!

The Spurs Vs Latics game will be Walton`s 11th Premier League game this season


T-Shirt Competition

Vital Wigan are running a competition for three lucky members to receive a Latics WN1 T-Shirt signed by the boss himself Roberto Martinez.

So how do you get to win a T-Shirt signed by the gaffer? Simply answer the following question.

Where is the new Latics WN1 situated?

A - The Galleries
B - The Grand Arcade
C - The Royal Arcade

Send your answer to: wigan@vitalfootball.co.uk, be sure to mark your email T-Shirt comp, include your name and a postal address and T-Shirt size required (these will be passed onto Wigan Athletic who will distribute the prize) and Vital username.

Closing date is Friday 4th December 5pm



The Latics Hit 2000 Points Milestone

Wigan Athletic achieved their 2000th point as a league club in the 1-1 draw with Fulham

You must have some fantastic memories of games that we have achieved points in over the years, and you must have a favourite that sticks out, either from the mists of time like that first win against Rochdale or something more recent like breaking our hoodoo against Chelsea, why not jot them down and send them in and Vital Latics will publish them under the heading 2000 Memories.


Send your favourite match memories to 2000 Memories@vital











You can listen to the Latics Speyk podcasts now by clicking on the player here:

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.