Ref-Watch: Derby County (H)

It appears that Andy Davies is a fairly common name. When you search for it on Wikipedia, firstly it redirects you to Andrew Davies and then gives you nine profiles, including two politicians, a footballer and even a jazz trumpeter. But not a referee, so clearly our official on Tuesday is not as famous as first thought. Awkward.

But what does that matter? Don’t fret, as the last Reading game that Andy took charge of was the 7-1 Madjeski Stadium win over Bolton in January 2014. There couldn’t be a better time to have him back following the emphatic 5-1 victory against Ipswich on Friday.

That day he awarded the Royals a penalty and gave three yellow cards – all to Trotters players. With that being his only previous Reading fixture, it means we have a perfect record when Davies is the man in the middle. Unfortunately, so do Derby, who have won 2-0 both times that he has officiated one of their games.

If you remember back to our youngsters’ glorious run in the FA Youth Cup in 2013-14, Davies was the referee in the semi-final first leg at the Madjeski Stadium against Fulham which finished 2-2.

So far in 2015-16, he has officiated four games in total in the Football League and Capital One Cup, handing out 10 yellow cards. He hasn’t given a penalty since April or a red card since March.

A former player himself, the Hampshire born ref plied his trade at Portsmouth, Gillingham and Yeovil Town before being forced to retire at 28 years old due to injury in 2003. In case you’re wondering, no, he has never taken charge of a game involving any of those sides. Coincidence? I think not.