Meet The Ref - Latics v West Brom - Michael Oliver

Another weekend and another massive game for the Latics, West Brom are the visitors to the DW Stadium on Saturday, with tension high and nerves frayed sensible refereeing will be the order of the day, blowing his whistle at the side of the River Douggie this weekend will be the Premier Leagues youngest man in the middle Michael Oliver

This will be the Northumberland based officials fourth game in charge of the Latics this season, the 2-2 draw away at Stoke, the goalless home draw against Liverpool and the 2-0 defeat of QPR at the DW being the previous three

Oliver took charge of his first Premier League game in August 2010 when he refereed the Birmingham v Blackburn early season fixture.

According to a recent interview, Oliver considers the skills needed to be a top class referee are man management and awareness, all sounds very 'The Apprentice' to me, let's hope he is aware and manages to have a good game on Saturday.

Below is an excerpt from that interview:

How did you get introduced to refereeing?

From watching my dad referee locally when I was younger (i.e. 14)

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

The two main ones I believe are: Man-Management and awareness

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

My Dad, Clive. Perfect coach to have having refereed at the same level. Willing to listen and lend a hand, but not afraid to tell it like it is.

In your opinion who is/was the best referee?

Pierluigi Collina - He had a presence.

Michael Oliver Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 29

Yellows - 75

Reds - 4

Wigan Athletic v West Bromwich Albion (3pm)

Referee: M Oliver
Assistants: D Cann, S Massey
Fourth Official: N Miller
Match Delegate: M Blackbourne
PGMO: P Roberts

















Latics and Proud



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