Mark Clattenburg In Charge At The Reebok

Last updated : 07 September 2006 By Gary Holmes

Mark Clattenburg has been selected to take charge of Watford's visit to Sam Allardyce's Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.

The 31-year-old began refereeing in his native North East in 1990 before progressing to the Football League Assistant Referee's List for the 1999-2000 campaign.

Rapid progression saw the young Chester le-Street official join the Referee's List for the 2000-01 season and the Select Group of Referees in 2004.

Clattenburg first rose to national attention early in 2005, when an audacious lob from the half way line by then Tottenham Hotspur player, Pedro Mendes was clearly fumbled over the line by Manchester United goalie Roy Carroll, but the Tyne & Wear official refused to give the goal.

Clattenburg last took charge of Watford in their controversial odd goal in five home defeat to Neil Warnock's Sheffield United almost a year ago.

A Darius Henderson double had twice given the Golden Boys the lead, but just after the Blades had restored parity for a second time midway through the second half, Clattenburg sent off Malkay Mackay for violent conduct, a contentious decision which ultimately helped sway the game irretrievably the way of the visitors. Henderson and Clarke Carlisle also received yellow cards for unsporting behaviour in that particular match.

Clattenburg took charge of three Bolton Wanderers fixtures last term, a home victory over Portsmouth in September, an away success at Charlton the following month, and the Trotters' exciting draw (2-2) with Liverpool on January 2nd 2006.

Mr. Clattenburg will be joined by Mr. A.Garratt and Mr R. Martin as his assistants at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

For a detailed head-to-head between the two sides, click here