Dale’s home game against Boston United on Saturday will be refereed by ZAC KENNARD-KETTLE, son of the ever-popular Trevor Kettle, who retired from the National List four years ago.

The 25-year-old is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne after studying at university there and progressed through the ranks to become a member of the newly-aligned National List of referees for last season.

This means he has refereed across League One, League Two and the National League, as well as the various cup competitions and he appears to be doing well as he has officiated more games in the EFL than the National League.

This will Zac’s fourth Dale game, the first being our 3-0 win at Boston on the opening day of last season, followed by the 2-0 home defeat of Altrincham in the FA Trophy a year ago and more recently, the 1-0 home success over Aldershot in November.

He ended last term refereeing York v Oldham in the National League play-off semi-final and this season Zac has overseen 24 matches, showing 112 yellow cards and four reds.

His most recent game was Rotherham v Plymouth in League One last Saturday, while his last National League appointment was just over a week ago at Scunthorpe v York.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters