Dale’s first midweek fixture in the National League is a long trip to Woking which will be refereed by STEPHEN PARKINSON.

The Watford-based official is also in his first full season at this level, although he did take charge of two games towards the end of last term after a mid-season promotion.

The Head of Health & Wellbeing at Optima Health in Towcester, we can’t glean much about Mr Parkinson’s refereeing career, but he does hold an MSc in Sports and Exercise Psychology and is fluent in written and spoken German!

Prior to his promotion to the National League, Stephen had refereed in the National League South and Women’s Super League, while last Wednesday he was the fourth official at AFC Wimbledon v Coventry City in the Carabao Cup.

Photo: Action Images

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