Source: FOOTYMAD
Referee for Saturday
First time at The Ricoh The referee for Coventry City's home game against Preston North End this Saturday will be Gavin Ward from Surrey. Mr Ward was promoted to the referees National List in the 2007/8 season. His first match saw him produce a red card after just 19 minutes when the Barnet defender Devera was sent off in their 2-1 home defeat to Hereford on 18 August 2007. Gavin ward started his refereeing career aged just 13, where he refereed in the Kent and Isthmian Leagues. For five seasons he was on the National List, Select group and FIFA assistant referee. In 2007 he was appointed as reserve assistant for The Carling Cup final. This will be Mr Ward's first game in charge in a game involving Coventry, but it is the second time he has refereed Preston, the last time was also an away game for the Lillywhites, a game that Preston lost 4-2 at Bristol City, where he issued four yellow cards, two to each side. His last match was the 2-1 victory for Southampton over Leyton Orient on 5 April. In the 86 games Mr Ward has officiated in over the last three seasons he has issued 262 yellow cards and 17 red cards. His assistants are Declan Ford from Leicestershire and Nigel Murphy from Nottinghamshire. The fourth Official is Chris Knowles from Northamptonshire.
