Tony Harrington will become the latest referee to travel to Spotland from the North-East when he takes charge of Saturday’s Roses battle with Bradford.

Based in Hartlepool, Tony will always have fond memories of Dale’s home as he kicked-off his Football League career there when we drew 0-0 with Northampton on the opening day of the 2012/13 campaign.

His next visit proved more eventful as Mr Harrington sent-off both Olly Lancashire and Jack O’Connell in the 4-0 loss to Scunthorpe in November 2013.

Despite what was thought at the time, it was hard to realistically argue against either decision.

Ironically, Tony was also the referee when we visited Scunthorpe last Boxing Day, but his performance wasn’t even commented on as Dale went down to a 2-1 defeat.

He was also the man in the middle at Spotland in February when we again lost 2-1, but this time to Sheffield United.

The PE teacher has picked up appointments across all three divisions in his four seasons on the league list, with his most recent game being Burnley v Reading last Saturday

In total this term, Tony has refereed five games, showing 14 yellow cards.

Photo: Action Images

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