Dale will meet a new referee on Saturday when Newark-based David Coote takes charge of their match at Colchester.

Mr Coote is in his second season on the league list, but this will be his first game involving Dale.

He spent the majority of last season officiating in League One and League Two, with Preston v Leicester being his only Championship fixture.

This year has seen the 29-year-old more active at that level, with him refereeing six Championship games, including Reading v Coventry a fortnight ago.

Colchester have already had the benefit of Mr Coote’s refereeing this term, as he was in charge of their 4-1 FA Cup win at Crewe in November.

In total this season David has refereed 24 games, showing 70 yellow cards and five red.

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