Dale’s next crucial fixture at home to Forest Green Rovers on Wednesday night will be refereed by RICHARD ELEY

The Derby official received a mid-season promotion to the National League in January 2024 and his first match at the level was in front of a crowd of 11,881 at Oldham against Kidderminster.

On Easter Monday 2024, he oversaw Dale’s 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United, in which Kairo Mitchell was sent-off, although the red card was later rescinded.

Last season Mr Eley started off mainly refereeing in the National League, but from January onwards he received more appointments in League One and League Two.

With the lists being aligned this term, Richard has mainly officiated at those levels again, although he has refereed four games in the National League, including Forest Green’s trip to Braintree in August.

His most recent appointment was Luton Town v Bradford City on Saturday and before that game he had overseen 23 matches this season, showing 83 yellow cards and two reds.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters