26 Jun 2008Premier League appoints youngest ever ref

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

Stuart Attwell, a 25-year-old from Nuneaton, will become the youngest man to referee in the Premier League after being promoted to the top-flight.

Fans will see the official in action next season after he was promoted from the Football League.

Attwell spent just one season in the Football League but has been promoted on the back of impressive performances towards the end of last season.

Keith Hackett, Premier League referees' chief, told BBC Sport that his performances were "consistent" and of "high quality".

He also said that the 25-year-old remained calm and showed "maturity" when dealing with players.

The youngster began refereeing in 1998 and was promoted to the National List of Referees in 2007.

"He has earned the respect of players, managers and spectators by demonstrating excellent fitness and a high standard of performance in his decision-making," he explained.

Hackett added that it would be his responsibility to ensure the new referee transfers his skills to the Premier League.

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