Refwatch Preview: Notts County (a)

Referee Dean Whitestone will take charge of his first Dale game for almost three years when we visit Notts County on Saturday.

We last saw the Northamptonshire official in the 2-1 defeat at Port Vale in December 2008 when he gave Dale a penalty and sent off the home side’s Danny Glover.

Dean also features in our past meetings with Notts County as earlier in 2008 he refereed Dale’s fine 4-2 win over The Magpies at Spotland as we closed in on the League Two play-offs.

Twelve months earlier Dean was in the middle for the tempestuous final home game of the season against Hartlepool which Dale won 2-0, although three red cards, two penalties and a mass brawl kept the referee on his toes.

We also saw Dean for Dale’s 2-1 win at Grimsby in October 2007 and the 1-1 draw at Cheltenham in February 2006.

So far this season Mr Whitestone has refereed eight games, showing 18 yellow cards and one red.

He was most recently at Southampton v Birmingham last Sunday, while his most recent Notts County game was 12 months ago this weekend when they lost 2-1 at Bristol Rovers.

What to read next:

Jamal Lowe : Still to be contacted regards his future at Swansea, Langstaff update
We have been told by numerous Swansea fans of a chance meeting in a service station between Jamal Lowe and those returning from Norwich yesterday. Nothing in that or indeed the conversation they had yesterday. Indeed there has to be some interpretation from what we know already on Jamal Lowe.

Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road
It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.

Norwich City 2 - 2 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.

TEAM NEWS : Norwich City v Swansea City
The Swans are on the Norfolk Broads, punting and boating their way to the end of the season. Hopefully the city of Norwich is obliging.

Swansea City : Jack Army travel over 1,000 miles for two games in succession
Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same.

Cardiff City fan sends tragedy tweet directed at dead Swansea City fan Terry Coles
As a result of the news reported by Sky on Wednesday that five military horses had escaped and ran through central London, a Cardiff City follower thought it wise to relate the incident to the death of Swansea fan Terry Coles, 42.

Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option
Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.

Gwyn’s Eye View : Norwich City v Swansea City ‘The officials’
Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go.

Sam Parker hasn’t turned down a new deal, he is willing to negotiate
He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years.

Swansea City : The vision is clearer, so Jamal Lowe ?
There were some worrying moments for the Swans yesterday, on three occasions mistakes from playing out from the back nearly saw the home side score. And is there now a case for Jamal Lowe to be offered a contract at Swansea ?