Bodenham among 2009 umpires

10 November 2008

The ECB today announced the full list of umpires for next season, which includes former FIFA referee Martin Bodenham.

Bodenham will make history when he stands next season as the only man to have refereed top flight football and umpired first-class cricket matches in England and Wales.

Also elevated to the full list are Nick Cook, Michael Gough and David Millns. The ECB now has a list of 25 full-time, professional umpires.

Former football referee Martin Bodenham joins the ECB's 2009 full list of umpires

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Speaking on his appointment, Martin Bodenham said: “I am absolutely delighted to be on the full list. I began playing cricket when I was around 10 or 11 years old and love the game. When I retired as a football referee 10 years ago I took up umpiring and continued to play 2nd XI league cricket. Cricket is and always has been my major sporting passion.

“After umpiring in the Sussex League it was England head coach, Peter Moores, who encouraged me to apply for the ECB reserve list and I thank Peter for helping me realise my potential.”

ECB umpires’ manager Chris Kelly said: “We have a pool of talented umpires supporting our first-class game and Martin, Nick, Michael and David have earned their promotion following good performances at first-class level.

“They will all bring something different to the game, but superb judgement, excellent player relations, wisdom and common sense are just some of the qualities they share with all the umpires on the full list.”

Umpires full list for 2009:

R Bailey, N Bainton, M Bodenham, N Cook, N Cowley, B Duddleston, J Evans, S Garrat, M Gough, I Gould, M Harris, P Hartley, J Holder, V Holder, R Illingworth, T Jesty, R Kettleborough, N Llong, J Lloyds, N Mallender, D Millns, T Robinson, G Sharp, J Steele, P Willey.