The Wigan Athletic v Liverpool Premier League clash at the DW Stadium on Wednesday will be refereed by the Premier Leagues youngest official, Michael Oliver.
This will be Oliver’s second Latics game this season, having been the ‘man in the middle’ for our 2-0 win over QPR back in August
The Northumberland born whistle blower took charge of his first Premier League game in August last year when he refereed the Birmingham v Blackburn early season fixture.
According to a recent interview on refworld.com, 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 Wednesday.
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, 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 – 13, yellows – 36, reds – 2
Wigan Athletic v Liverpool (8pm)
Referee: M Oliver
Assistants: D Richardson, R West
Fourth Official: P Dowd
Match Delegate: T Dolan
PGMO: D Horlick
Latics and Proud
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