Stoke Vs Latics - Meet The Ref - Mike Dean

It`s that time of the week when we take a look at the man in the middle for the weekend`s game and with Wigan Athletic travelling to the Britannia Stadium for the early Saturday fixture against Stoke City I was hoping for a strong ref, who have we got, Mike Dean.

The Wirral official started refereeing in 1985 and progressed through from the Northern Premier League to the Premier League when he got his first top flight appointment in 2000, Deano, as he his known to his Wirral friends, took charge of the Australia Vs Argentina game back in 2007 in Melbourne, nice work if you can get it.


So far this season Mike Dean has taken charge of 12 Premier League games although he as officiated Stoke twice this will be the first time he has been the man in the middle for a Latics game.

In a recent interview with refworld.com Dean describes the Australia Vs Argentina game as his favourite match, below is an excerpt from the interview:


How did you get introduced into refereeing?

Got into it as a hobby just to keep fit and enjoy. I also had plenty of help from people on the Wirral who though I had something to offer.


What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Refereeing a full International match in Melbourne between Australia and Argentina this year, which was a chance in a lifetime fixture to receive.


What is the best game you have officiated and why?

The above game, as I said, a great appointment for any Referee to fly to the other side of the world and Referee two teams who did so well in the last FIFA World Cup.


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

You need to be good at what you do, and must be able to bounce back quickly from any setbacks because you only have a week before your next game so you need to re-focus as quick as possible.


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

Probably my dad in the early years and my wife and family in recent times. They have supported me all the way along me refereeing journey through many highs and one or two lows.


In your opinion who is/was the best Referee?

Has to be George Courtney, looked the part, used common sense (when you were allowed to) and had full respect of the players. Oh and Chris Foy.

With thanks to refworld.com


Here`s hoping from an excellent refereeing display from Mike Dean on Saturday, hopefully he wont be noticed at all.










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