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Phil Dowd Refs Manchester United Game

Last updated : 23 August 2006 By Gary Holmes

Experienced Staffordshire born official, Phil Dowd has been selected to take charge of the eagerly awaited visit of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United at the weekend.

Dowd began refereeing as long ago as 1984, progressing through the Staffordshire Senior League and Midland Alliance prior to making the Football League Assistant Referee's List in 1992.

Further progression saw the 43-year-old join the Referee's List in 1997 and the Premier League List four years later, and he has since officiated in number of high profile games, most notably the 2004 Community Shield clash between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Dowd last took charge of Watford in a controversial home defeat to Crystal Palace just after Christmas, harshly adjudging Clarke Carlisle to have fouled Clinton Morrison that gave the Eagles a winning penalty, and he was one of the busiest referee's on the Premiership circuit in the 2005/06 campaign, booking 104 players and brandishing seven Red cards during his 25 matches in charge.

Mr Dowd will be joined by Mr. N Kinseley and Mr G. Ward as his assistants at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon.

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