Gillingham are the visitors to Spotland for the final League game of the season, and we take a peek at the man in charge of the game.

The unfortunately named Darren Deadman makes his first ever appearance at Spotland on Saturday for Dale’s play-off position-deciding fixture against Gillingham.

With the game having something riding on it in terms of who finishes where and with it possibly being a preview for two more meetings to come, the Football League have appointed one of their best-performing officials to oversee proceedings.

Mr Deadman, in his fourth season on the league list, has refereed 36 matches this term, including 14 at Championship level, which is a high ratio.

Dale saw him three times in his debut season at this level, 2005/06, but not since.

In October 2005 he was the referee for our 3-1 loss at Peterborough, while two months later he sent-off Warren Goodhind and Grant Holt in the 3-0 defeat at Wycombe.

Early in 2006 Darren was a replacement referee for Dale’s visit to Mansfield, where we went down to Danny Reet’s goal for the Stags.

It’s fair to say, therefore, that we are due a win with Mr Deadman in the middle!

REFWORLD PROFILE: http://www.refworld.com/referee/132/0

5 famous Darrens

• Darren Gough
• Darren Oliver
• Darren Day
• Darren Anderton
• Darren Bent

Photo: Action Images

Rochdale Polls