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Cricket

Former referee Bodenham becomes umpire

10/11/2008

Former football referee Martin Bodenham will make history next year when he umpires his first first-class cricket match.

The 58-year-old was today promoted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to the Full List of Umpires for the 2009 English season.

Before he turned his attention to cricket, Bodenham had a successful career as a football referee. He was in charge of the 1997 League Cup Final between Leicester and Middlesbrough, officiated two FA Cup Semi Finals and was fourth official at the 1994 European Cup final between AC Milan and Barcelona.

Bodenham, who hung up his whistle in 1998, said: "I began playing cricket when I was around 10 or 11 years old and love the game.

"When I retired as a football referee ten 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 coach, Peter Moores, who encouraged me to apply for the ECB reserve list and I thank Peter for helping me realise my potential."

Former England off-spinner Nick Cook, former Durham batsman Martin Gough and ex-Nottinghamshire fast bowler David Millns join Bodenham as new umpires for next season.