Dale’s home game against Accrington Stanley on Saturday will be refereed by RICHIE WATKINS.

The Nuneaton-based official was promoted to the National List midway through the 2022/23 season and will be making his Spotland debut at the weekend.

However, we did see him four times in the National League, starting with a 1-1 draw at Boreham Wood in September 2023.

Three months later, Mr Watkins oversaw a 1-0 defeat at Bromley, while in April 2025 he was in the middle for our late season 1-1 draw at Woking.

Last term Richie refereed our furthest away fixture, the 1-0 win in glorious September weather at Truro City.

The Chairman of Nuneaton Referees’ Association has taken charge of a smattering of League Two fixtures over the last few seasons, including Accrington twice last term – their 2-0 loss at Cambridge in December and a 2-1 home defeat to Fleetwood in April.

However, Saturday will be his first league appointment in the EFL this season, although he was refereed twice in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy, in addition to a couple of National League games

Photo: Action Images via Reuters