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Graham Poll to referee Championship Play-off Final

Last updated : 22 May 2007 By Rams Mad Editor

Graham Poll
Graham Poll to referee final game
Graham Poll, one of the most respected yet controversial referees in the last 20 years has been awarded the prestigious final game he wanted before retiring. He will be the man in the middle (not in black as WBA are playing in that colour) for the Championship play-off final at Wembley stadium between the Rams and WBA.

Will it be a case of de-ja vous for the Rams as their previous appearance at the Championship play-offs at Wembley also had the referee officiating in his final match. That game was refereed by Roger Milford and Rams fans don't need reminding that Derby County lost that game with some poor decisions by referee and linesmen.

Roger Milford
Roger Milford oversaw the last Rams final at Wembley before retiring
Poll is not a person free from the odd mistake either, his handling of the World Cup match last year between Croatia and Australia saw Mr Poll show the yellow card three times to Croatia's Defender, Josip Simunic, before eventually sending him off. This mistake seen by most of the footballing world was the worst moment of Mr Polls 11 years as a FIFA referee.

With 26 years of refereeing behind him Poll decided to retire from top flight matches but he has since officiated in Champions League and International matches.

Although having not officially tendered his three months notice to the Professional Game match officials Limited, the governing body of referees in this country, Poll is expected to hand up his whistle and turn his hand to after dinner speaking, which commands a fee of anything from £1000 to £3000 per night.

All that anyone can ask for his for Graham to have a good match on Monday 28th and to enjoy his retirement at just 43 years of age.