Meet The Ref - West Brom v Latics - Phil Dowd

The West Bromwich Albion v Wigan Athletic bottom of the table clash at the Hawthorns on Tuesday will be refereed by our old friend Phil Dowd, the third time this season that Dowd has officiated a Latics game and the second time in four weeks, Spurs away and Bolton away being the two games in question.

47 year old Dowd has been at the centre of quite a bit of controversy when officiating in Latics matches in the past, most notably when Paul Jewell was in charge at the DW Stadium, turning down numerous penalty appeals, allowing goals even though there were blatant fouls and not allowing players back on to the field of play following treatment for injury resulting in goals being conceded, yep Mr Dowd and Mr Jewell still aren`t on speaking terms apparently.

I do feel that Dowd has improved quite a lot these past few seasons, though he does like the limelight and can be fussy, he is undoubtedly a colourful character.

An interesting fact - Phil Dowd is an ex pit man and that`s how he got into refereeing, whilst on strike during 1984 Miner`s Dispute he decided to learn the Laws of the Game. He enrolled on a course and after passing his referee exam started to do youth games in the local leagues, Maggie Thatcher really does have a lot to answer for!

Phil Dowd`s Card Watch 2010/11

Games - 23, yellows - 77, reds - 7






















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