Mike Dean Refs Aston Villa Game

Last updated : 14 September 2006 By Gary Holmes

Subject to any late changes, Mike Dean will take charge of Saturday evening's televised Barclays Premiership fixture against Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa.

Dean last took charge of Watford in their never to be forgotten Coca-Cola Championship Play-off Final triumph over Leeds United at the Millennium Stadium at the end of last season, awarding a penalty, converted by Darius Henderson six minutes from time to seal victory following a foul by Shaun Derry on Marlon King.

The well respected Dean also refereed Watford's local derby at home to Luton Town in April, booking Lloyd Doyley for unsporting behaviour and King for dissent during a 1-1 draw.

The 38-year-old also officiated in five games involving opponents Aston Villa last season, including their disastrous three goal exit at the hands of Coca-Cola League One club, Doncaster Rovers in the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup.

The Wirral born Dean has been a member of the Premiership panel since 2000, enjoying a meteoric rise up the ranks after joining the Football League as assistant in 1997.

Also on the Fifa referee's list, Dean has refereed many important matches in his career including the 2004 FA Community Shield, and last month's Premiership clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Mr. Dean will be joined by Mr. I.Gosling and Mr. M.S Yerby, the latter who incidentally was also with Dean in Cardiff last May, as his assistants at Vicarage Road.

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