Dale’s home game against Eastleigh on Saturday will be refereed by GARRETH RHODES.

Based in Selby, this will be Mr Rhodes’ sixth match at the Crown Oil Arena since Dale’s relegation to the National League, meaning he has refereed us more times at this level than any other official.

Mr Rhodes was in the middle for our opening National League encounter against Ebbsfleet United in August 2023 and the games versus Kidderminster Harriers and Oxford City later in the campaign.

He then took charge of our 1-0 home defeat of Braintree early last term and the National League Cup group game against Wolves U21 in February.

An Operations Manager for a construction company, as a youngster, Garreth had trials with professional clubs and represented West Riding County FA at U18 level.

He didn’t make it into the professional game, but went on to play for Tadcaster Albion and Selby Town in the Northern Counties East League.

Injuries brought Garreth’s playing career to a premature end and he started refereeing in 2008. After 10 years he reached the level of Panel Select referee and is now in his eighth season on the National List.

Mr Rhodes has officiated six times in the National League this term, most recently at Morecambe v Sutton United three weeks ago.

He has also refereed Bristol Rovers v Salford City in League Two, as well as a couple of ties in the EFL Trophy. On Wednesday, he was at Gateshead v Leeds United U21 in the National League Cup.

Photo: Action Images

horizontal added 02:06 - Dec 3 In Garreth Rhodes, Rochdale are welcoming an old friend. Hopefully, this familiarity will bring a fair and controversy-free game, allowing fans to fully concentrate on the players' performances https://agaronline.io/
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