Meet The Ref - Fulham v Latics - Mark Clattenburg

The Fulham v Latics game on Saturday will be refereed by Consett official, Mark Clattenburg

The 37 year old has been in the news quite a bit recently, though I don't feel there is any need to dwell on that here

Clattenburg has handed out the highest number of red cards in the Premier League so far this season, 5 in 12 games, quite some going! Let's hope it's a bit quieter on Saturday

This will be the first time that the Geordie boy has officiated in a Latics game this season, his last Latics match was our away win at Blackburn on the 7th May which saw the Rovers relegated and us retain our Premier League status

Clattenburg's hair is one of life's great mysteries. A couple of years ago the old cat's arse was creeping in, but suddenly there appears to be a bit of re-growth, I always thought when it's gone, it's gone, obviously not.

Baldy, baldy ref


When he first got to the top of the refereeing world Clattenburg gave an interview, considering what went on this season, it now makes interesting reading:

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

You need courage, personality and have a fitness which can sometimes match the players.

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

My dad, he give me the opportunity and also supported me through the bad times of my early refereeing career. I would have packed up during the troubled times if there was no one to support me and listen to me.

In your opinion who is/was the best Referee?

The person I looked up to was George Courtney. His personality and the way he controlled a match was a joy to watch.

A bit of trivia, Clattenburg comes from Consett, where's that? I hear you cry, well say Consett in a Geordie accent and you'll not be too far off, (again in a Geordie accent) it's in County Durham, like.

Consett has a population of just 27,000 but there are a few famous people to have sprouted out of the town, Mark Clattenburg, obviously, Rowan Attkinson (Black Adder and Mr Bean), Alun Armstrong, renowned actor, very ugly, you know the one, he was in Braveheart and that TV retired coppers thing, New Tricks with Dennis Waterman

England cricketer Paul Collingwood, and actress Denise Welch who was in Corrie and is married to Tim Healey. Also Consett is famous for Phileas Fogg crisp and providing the steel that built Blackpool Tower.

Well there you go, not only did you meet the ref, but also got a little trivia on a small town in the North East

Fulham v Wigan Athletic
Referee M Clattenburg
Assistants S Beck, S Child
4th Official M Oliver

Mak Clattenburg Card Watch 2012/13

Games - 17
Yellows - 54
Reds - 5



The latest edition of the PWU Wigan Athletic podcast was recorded at the Latics v Bournemouth game and is now available for download.

Barry, Dan and Gareth don't let emotion get the better of them as the drama unfolds, three cool Latics fans, keeping it real, well almost!

Prior to the game there is also an interview with some Bournemouth fans, please be aware that there is one swear word in there, right at the beginning

If you would like to get involved in the podcast or have any topics that you'd like to be discussed please get in touch at wigan@vitalfootball.co.uk marking your email PWU Podcast

The podcast can be downloaded from itunes or via our hosting site www.buzzsprout.com or by simply hitting the play button on the embedded player below



Thank you very much for listening, your support is very much appreciated

The Bournemouth crew




















Latics and Proud



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