Refwatch Preview: Dale v Coventry
Hands up who remembers ‘The Slump Starts Here’!
Chesterfield at home in November 2009 was the relevant game and Saturday’s referee, Phil Gibbs, was the man in the middle that afternoon on what was his last visit to Spotland.
Of course, Dale lost 3-2 to Chesterfield and robshaker, who seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth, leapt onto our messageboard with glee to report news of Dale’s impending doom.
That was the second time Mr Gibbs had refereed Dale that season as he was also in charge of the first home game of the 2009/10 promotion campaign against Aldershot.
Fans may recall we won 1-0 that afternoon thanks to a rather fortuitous last-minute penalty, which was converted by Tom Kennedy.
Earlier in the game, Phil had sent-off Nathan Stanton for dragging back Marvin Morgan as he broke for goal.
We also saw the 47-year old Assistant Headteacher at Notts County in October 2008 when Lee Thorpe’s brace helped Dale to a 2-1 midweek win.
Mr Gibbs was also in charge at Exeter on Easter Monday 2013 when two late goals from Ian Henderson and Bobby Grant gave Dale another 2-1 victory that set them on their way to avoiding a tense relegation scrap in the season’s final month.
Saturday actually sees the Walsall official make a return to the middle after six
What to read next:
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.
Ronald to leave Swansea City : Transfer criteriaThe main success possibly bar Josh Tymon has been Ronald over the last five months of the season. Without doubt a raw talent still, his impact in a number of Swansea games last season was exciting and game changing. We had a lengthy chat with a journalist who supports this site and one of the staff at the club. A fairly key member in the decision making tree as well.
Will the Swans learn from their mistakes ? He’s back because he’s a Jack, the Butty man reappears, the snivelling skurvied outcast clinging to life like the barnacle he is. A salt ridden death reincarnated, yes, just like the club he supports from two hundred years ago, now called Swansea it was then called something else …
Swansea City : On the cusp in a very good way ! Two players who have come to Swansea City in the last two seasons from London clubs have earned a position on the clubs retained list this weekend. Both are considered exceptional talents by the Swans academy, and their dream remains alive to become full professional players in the first team squad.
Swans confirm who is staying and congratulations Abdulai ! As we stated this morning Swansea City have released their retained list and also confirmed the signing of Joe Allen for another year. The midfielder has been sitting on an offer for some weeks but indicated via a third party to us he would sign.
Swans retained list and Owain Tudur Jones on Paul Watson We understand that the Swans retained list will be announced today or at the latest on Saturday. And of course that includes players that will be released by the club from the academy and first team squad. So, the Swans plans and immediate future regards players coming in will become much clearer. Or at least the areas they need to target.
Swansea City : Where are the Swans today on all their player business ? Bar the Macaulay Langstaff news there has been little of any concrete info in the offing this week. Mind you that alone caused a stir. Between now and the transfer window opening on June 14th, which is the date for the European Championships to start there will be little to speculate on.