Swarbrick In The Middle Against Hull

By Tom Easterby

Neil Swarbrick will be the man in the middle for Saturday's visit of Hull City (3pm kick-off).

The Preston-born referee, who has brandished 14 yellow cards and one red in the three games he has presided over this term, takes charge of only his second game of the Barclays Premier League season so far, having been in charge of the 2-2 opening day draw between West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland last month.

Eight of his cautions this season were handed out during Watford's 4-2 Championship win over Huddersfield at the end of August, with Hornets defender Gabriel Tamas also being given his marching orders during that match.

Swarbrick refereed four Newcastle matches during the 2013/14 campaign - a victory at Crystal Palace in December, a Capital One Cup defeat to Manchester City and league losses against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. He dished out four yellow cards to United players in those games.

The 44-year-old whistler only took up refereeing at the age of 29, but within six years was promoted to the national list of assistant referees, and four years later was added to the referees list.

Swarbrick's first Premier League appointment came in December 2010, when he was the man in the middle of a goalless draw between Fulham and Sunderland.

On Saturday at St. James' Park, Swarbrick will be assisted by Scott Ledger and Marc Perry, with Robert Madley the game's fourth official.

Tickets for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture at home against Hull City are still available, and can be purchased by clicking here.