Refwatch Preview: Dale v Portsmouth
Nigel Miller will make his 11th and possibly final visit to Spotland on Tuesday for Dale’s game with Portsmouth.
The County Durham official was thought to be retiring from duty last season and was rewarded for his services by being appointed to the JPT Final between Crewe and Southend.
In the event he was handed an extension into this campaign, but didn’t referee until late-November due to fitness issues.
He’s appeared regularly in the middle since then, so maybe Nigel’s extension will go on longer than first thought.
We last saw Mr Miller a year ago when he refereed the 1-1 home draw with Aldershot. That stalemate ended a run of five consecutive defeats with Nigel as the referee, as this list shows:
Dec 2003 v Boston (h), W 1-0
Oct 2004 v Yeovil (h), W 2-1
Nov 2005 v Chester (h), D 2-2
Apr 2007 v Macclesfield (h), W 5-0
Mar 2008 v Stockport (a), L 0-2
Oct 2008 v Carlisle (h, JPT), D 2-2
Nov 2009 v Notts Co (h), W 2-1
Aug 2010 v Colchester (h), L 1-2
Mar 2011 v Huddersfield (a), L 1-2
Aug 2011 v Sheffield Wed (a), L 0-2
Mar 2012 v Tranmere (h), L 0-2
Oct 2012 v Morecambe (h), L 1-2
Mar 2013 v Aldershot (h), D 1-1
So far this season, Nigel has refereed 15 games, showing 27 yellow cards. His most recent appointment as the man in the middle was at Accrington v Morecambe last Tuesday, while on Saturday he was fourth official at Manchester City v Fulham.
What to read next:
Swansea City have received a number of player inquiries Swansea City have been talking to clubs over the past weeks who have expressed an interest in several players, one we are told is Nathan Wood with Southampton rumoured to be interested. Wood is now on the last year of his contract having had it extended prior to the end of last season.
Latest updates on Swansea City’s transfer interests Swansea City have been connected to Macauley Langstaff and Adama Sidibeh in recent times, and today we can announce as yet no offers have been made for either player, and in St Johnstone’s case there has been absolutely no interest at all.
Wales : It’s over Rob, it’s time to go Wales fielded a changed side to the picks manager Rob Page made against Gibraltar a few days ago. Notably Swansea City’s Liam Cullen starting on the bench. The Swans had Ben Cabango in the starting line up for the second time in this weeks training camp and friendly matches. Charlie Crew looked delighted to be on the bench.
Swansea City : Adama Sidibeh in profileHe’s a very new name in Scottish football,but the St Johnstone player has allegedly emerged as a target for the Swans this summer. The player who is now twenty five was snapped up from non league Warrington Rylands in January by the Saints and is beginning to enjoy life in Perth.
Sam Gallagher fee estimate ! Blackburn Rovers forward Sam Gallagher is a certainty to leave the club this summer if the words of ex England international, Carlton Palmer are to be believed. In what we believe is a bizarre connection of Gallagher to the Swans we now hear an estimated value for the player.
Swansea City : Sam Gallagher in profile, but why ? It has been mentioned by another outlet that Sam Gallagher currently contracted to Blackburn Rovers in League One is a target for the Swans. We’ve done some research and put a huge red marker on the player due to his long list of injuries
No current interest in Chelsea defender from the Swans Alfie Gilchrist is being openly touted by Chelsea for a loan move this summer in to the Championship with other League One clubs interested. The right sided centre back come right back has already enjoyed a good season in the Chelsea first team, and now the Blues believe his development for one season needs to be elsewhere.
Swansea City : Zak Jules in profileThe Islington born centre back has eligibility through his mother to play for Scotland and his career hasn’t seen a level above league one, however this past campaign he has drawn interest from a few Championship clubs.