THE former international football referee Martin Bodenham has been named in the ECB's list of first class umpires for 2009 today, an unprecedented round-ball double.  
 

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Three former players have been promoted with Bodenham to the 25-strong full list other -- Nick Cook, Michael Gough and David Millns -- but the appointment of Bodenham introduces a welcome diversity to a sector of the professional game that is a little too in-bred for comfort.
 
Bodenham, a Cornishman, attracted newspaper headlines, as most referees still do, for the occasional controversial incident, including his decision not to penalise Newcastle striker Alan Shearer for an apparent kick in the face on Neil Lennon, of Leicester City, in April 1998 after they fell to the ground together in a Premier League game at Filbert Street. An apologetic Shearer said the incident was accidental, a claim largely backed up by video evidence.

Bodenham made his name umpiring in the Sussex League, and it was Peter Moores, while Sussex's coach, who encouraged him to apply for the ECB reserve list, one step before full status. He 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."
 
CHARLIE SAYS: Michael Gough is one to watch after retiring early from playing at Durham because he realised he was too mediocre. That in itself suggests sound judgment when he could have soldiered on as a former England A opening batsman.

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.