A FORMER Denton primary school teacher is preparing for the biggest game of his refereeing career to date this weekend.
Matt Donohue oversaw Greswell’s sport provision during his eight years at the school, before becoming a full-time referee in 2019 officiating primarily in the Championship.
The 35-year-old has excelled taking charge of some of the biggest games in the second-tier of English football and, having experienced Premier League football from the sidelines as a fourth official, he now gets his first chance in the middle in the top flight.
Donohue has been appointed to referee Bournemouth against Brentford at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, May 11.
He will be working with an experienced team of officials – including Chris Kavanagh, who used to live in Ashton-under-Lyne, as the Video Assistant Referee.
This season, Donohue has already refereed 34 games – brandishing 153 yellow cards, sending off three players and awarding six penalties.
Having embarked upon a rapid rise through the football pyramid, Donohue has previously told the Correspondent that his ultimate aim was to reach the Premier League.
“There’s never been more support from PGMOL to help develop us as officials through coaching, sport psychology and sports science to name but a few,” he said.
“With access to all those different things, it gives me and everyone else the best opportunity to try and fulfil the dream of becoming a Premier League official.
“It’s my fifth season in the Championship, I’ve gained a lot of experience and refereed a lot of important games which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. It’s about continuing my journey and always aiming to be the best I can be.
“The higher you can go in any walk of life the harder the competition, but it’s definitely something I’m aspiring to and something I’d love to do.”