David Elleray (Harrow-on-the-Hill, London)
David is the country's best known referee and subject of numerous, erm, interesting chants across the UK's football grounds. Elleray has probably the highest profile job outside of football in his career as a Harrow schoolmaster. The 46-year-old has been in the Premiership since the beginning - joining the league's referee list in 1992.
His career as a referee began at the age of 13, taking charge of local school matches. Hard work followed before Elleray officially 'made it' as an official - joining the FIFA roster in 1992. His career highlight has been the 1994 FA Cup Final. But Elleray has also taken charge of the World Club Championship final (1995), Uefa Super Cup final (1998) and Worthington Cup final (2001).
Elleray announced that the 2001/02 season would be his last as a top flight referee, but he's till here in 2002/03 and showing no signs of going. Bad news for some managers, but despite the criticism dished out to him, he remains a top official and his presence is likely to be missed when he does go.
Elleray has a clear bias against away teams. In the 15 Premiership games he has officiated at so far this season he has given 2 red cards, both to visiting teams, he has given 37 yellow cards 15 to home sides and 22 to away teams. In the 15 games he has avoided giving yellow cards to 9 teams, 7 home sides and 2 away sides.
Fulham
Mr Elleray has not been seen at a Fulham game for over three years. What did we do?
1999/2000
29-01-2000 FA Cup Fulham
1-2 Tranmere 7y 0r
Bookings: Ball, Riedle (Fulham) Babb, Henry, Jones, Kelly, Thompson (Tranmere)
| Referee Stats - 2002/2003 |
| |
Mr. Ellarya |
Av Premiership Ref |
|
Total |
Match Avg |
Total |
Match Avg |
| Games |
15 |
|
15 |
|
| Fouls |
397 |
26.47 |
409 |
28.06 |
| Penalties |
4 |
0.27 |
4 |
0.24 |
| Yellows |
40 |
2.67 |
44 |
3.00 |
| Reds |
2 |
0.13 |
3 |
0.18 |
| Fouls per Yellow |
9.9 |
9.93 |
9.3 |
9.35 |