Dale’s home game against Gillingham on Saturday will be refereed by JAMIE ROBINSON.

This will be an EFL debut for Mr Robinson, although he comes to Spotland with more experience at the higher levels of the game than is immediately apparent.

Up to the end of last season, Jamie was based in Belfast and refereed in the NIFL Premiership, which is the top league in Northern Ireland.

He was also a FIFA listed official and refereed in the Europa League and Conference League, as well as a number of low key internationals, the last of which was Ireland v Qatar in May.

Having relocated to England over the summer, the 31-year-old will hope to make his way to the Championship and Premier League, but he has had to relinquish his FIFA status and start on the National List.

His first three appointments of the campaign were all in the National League – most recently Tamworth v Worthing last Friday – while he has also refereed AFC Fylde v Wealdstone and Solihull Moors v Southend United.

Based in Manchester, Jamie works as a director for both A&H, who supply London FA and others with all their store equipment, and also the related company Touchline Referee Technology Ltd.

MATCH STAT
Among all of Ian Henderson’s goals for Dale has been just one hat-trick – and that came against Gillingham!

Hendo struck all three goals as Dale defeated The Gills 3-0 at Spotland in September 2018, which came 12 months after a previous 3-0 win over the same opponents at home.

Given we are now in September, hopefully this month will continue to prove a lucky omen….

Photo: Action Images via Reuters