Ref-Watch: Brighton (A)

It's Christmas time. Wouldn't it be great if the referee for our Boxing Day clash against Brighton & Hove Albion was called something like Nick, Rudolph or Noel?

But no. It will be boring old* Graham Salisbury who will take charge on the South Coast. And he's not even from Salisbury. I know, massive let down.

The Lancashire official is into his 14th term in the Football League, and has reffed 18 games so far in 2014-15, including eight in the Championship, but is yet to take charge of a Reading game this season.

In fact, his last Royals fixture was almost three years ago, back in January 2012, when we won 2-1 away to Watford.

He has officiated a further seven games that we've been involved in, resulting in four Reading wins, three defeats and one draw.

Back to this season, Salisbury has handed out three red cards, but they were all within a two week period back in September. Combine this stat with the 67 yellows he has given this season, and you get an average of 3.9 cards per game.

On to penalties, and he has pointed to the spot eight times this season, however only half of those chances from 12 yards have been converted.

So, I'm sure Mr Salisbury has received plenty of Christmas cards over the past few weeks (that is if he's well liked), but will he be handing out many at the AMEX?

Sorry. How could I not mention that joke at this time of year?

*If you're reading this Graham, I apologise refusely,  this is just a presumption. You may not be boring and old, but then again, you are a referee. But peace and goodwill to all men, eh?