Latics travel over the hill on Saturday to face local rivals Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium, the man charged with keeping the peace out on the field of play is in fact a peacekeeper by trade, RAF sergeant Darren Drysdale.
The 43 year old Lincolnshire referee has been taking charge of football game since 1988 and he was promoted to the National List of Referees in 2004, taking charge of his first league game in August 2004, a 0-0 draw between Rushden and Diamonds and Kidderminster Harriers.
Of Drysden’s 29 games so far this season just six have been at Championship level, his last one coming last weekend, Ipswich Towns two goals to nil win away at Brighton.
Darren Drysdale Card Watch 2013/14
Games – 29
Yellows – 91
Reds – 8
Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic
Referee – DARREN DRYSDALE
Assistants – Scott Oldham and Jason Whiteley
Fourth Official – Geoff Eltringham
Darren Drysdale
