Rotherham United come to Spotland this weekend, and we take our usual look at the official for this fixture.
Hertfordshire-based referee Mike Russell will be digging out his travel expense claim form as he programmes his Sat-Nav on the way to Spotland on Saturday.
He has made the long journey up the M1 and M6 before, but that was back in March 2006 when he refereed our 1-0 home defeat to Wrexham.
That was the game when a young fan ran onto the pitch and allegedly threw his season ticket in front of Steve Parkin, although other observers said it was a free ticket he had been given as part of the Dale Dragons Day.
Further back in time, Mick’s first Football League game was Scunthorpe v Dale on the opening day of the 2004/05 season, while in August 2006 he refereed our 3-2 Carling Cup defeat at Doncaster.
Injury has kept Mick out of action since 22nd November when he was in charge of the Championship game between Ipswich and Derby.
He had actually had quite a few Championship appointments up to then, including the Crystal Palace v Charlton local derby.
Mick also refereed another derby match – Southend v Colchester – before his injury.
Fitness permitting, he should be ready for his comeback at Spotland this weekend.
REFWORLD PROFILE: http://www.refworld.com/referee/161/0
Other famous Micks
Other famous Russells