Well we are back home on Saturday, our fourth Wembley visit in under 12 months, when it all started back on 13th April 2013 with the FA Cup semi-final against Millwall, referee Michael Oliver got proceedings under way taking charge of that game, if we are looking for omens then I have pleasure informing the Latics faithful that Michael Oliver will once again be in charge of proceedings down Wembley Way when we meet Arsenal on Saturday.
That’s right, the referee for Saturdays FA cup semi-final between the Latics and Arsenal at Wembley will be 29 year old Michael Oliver.
This will be the Northumberland based official’s first Latics game since last season’s semi-final, though he’s taken charge of three Arsenal games this term, all in the Premier League, their 1-0 home win against Spurs, a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford against Man United and a 5-1 drubbing at Anfield against Liverpool.
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 2013/14
Games – 33
Yellows – 124
Reds – 4
Wigan Athletic FC v Arsenal FC
Saturday 12 April (5.07pm)
Referee – Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees – Stuart Burt & Darren England
Fourth Official – Craig Pawson
Reserve Assistant Referee – John Brooks
