The referee for Saturday’s second leg of the play-off tie with Darlington has something in common with first leg official Paul Armstrong.

When we saw Mr Armstrong at Mansfield earlier in the season, Dale won 4-0; the same can be said about Richard Beeby, who was in the middle for our 4-0 victory at Chester in January. 

However, Mr Beeby does have history with Dale v Darlington that Keith Hill, in particular, would probably rather forget. 

In his first season on the league list, 1999/2000, Beeby sent off Hilly in the 44th minute of our home game with the Quakers for two bookable offences. 

Since then we have met him on six other occasions, including the FA Cup tie at Charlton in January 2005 and last season’s 1-1 draw at Walsall. 

Richard quickly established himself as a league referee and was soon gaining several high profile appointments around the country. 

This culminated in him being appointed to the Second Division play-off final between Bristol City and Brighton in May 2004 and a Premier League game between Aston Villa and Manchester City 12 months later.

He never fully joined the Select Group of Premier League referees, but did take charge of two more games at that level in 2005/06.

Last term Richard refereed the play-off semi-final between Bristol Rovers and Lincoln, while his biggest game this season was probably the Bristol City v Manchester City Carling Cup tie. Until now!

In total this season he has taken charge of 35 matches, showing 72 yellow cards and 4 red.

REFWORLD PROFILE

Other famous Richards

• Richard the Third
• Richard Hadlee
• Richard Wild
• Little Richard
• Cliff Richard

Other famous Beebys

• BBC1
• BBC2
• BBC3
• BBC4
• Cbeebies

Photo: Action Images

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