Newbie officiates Preston visit – Referee

Championship newbie Thomas Parsons takes charge of QPR for the first time this weekend as the R’s host struggling Preston.

Referee >>> Thomas Parsons (Rochdale), a first ever appointment with either QPR or Preston.

Assistants >>> Nigel Lugg (Surrey) and David Harrison (Essex), Harrison is also running the line with Rangers for the first time.

Fourth Official >>> Matt Corlett (Liverpool)

History

First QPR appointment.

Stats

Thomas Parsons made his Championship debut in April at Sheff Wed’s 1-1 home draw against Charlton, swiftly followed by Norwich 1-1 Swansea the week after in which eight yellow cards were shown. They contributed to totals of 119 yellows (3.3) and five reds across a chunky 36 appointments stretching from National League to the second tier. He was rewarded for his efforts with a local derby in the League Two play-offs between Notts County and Chesterfield which finished 0-0 and the hosts progressed 1-0 on aggregate.

Having stepped out of the National League in 2022 and done four seasons in the bottom two divisions he’s now being trusted at a higher level. He’s already done seven games this season with 29 yellows (4.14) and no reds to date. His first Championship game of 26/27 and third of his career was last week’s basement battle between newly promoted duo Bolton and Cardiff where seven yellows were shown in the home side’s 1-0 victory.

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