Meet The Ref - Huddersfield Town v Latics

Latics travel to Huddersfield on Sunday for a 5th round FA cup tie against the Championship side, the man charged with keeping order on the field of play is the Premier Leagues youngest ref, Michael Oliver

This will be the Northumberland based official's second Latics game this season, he took charge of our defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford back in back in September, he did have five games in charge of the Latics last season though, the 2-2 draw away at Stoke, the goalless home draw against Liverpool, the 2-0 defeat of QPR and the 1-1 draw with West Brom at the DW and the last game of the season when we beat Wolves 3-2 at home, so not too bad a record there

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 2012/13

Games - 26
Yellows - 62
Reds - 1

Huddersfield Town v Wigan Athletic
Referee Michael Oliver
Assistants John Flynn & Mark Russell
Fourth Official Philip Gibbs

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