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Prior to the season starting, the subject of 'Monday View' was an appraisal of those on the National List who the PGMOL could turn to as possible future referees in the Premier League. It has therefore been great to see Mike Riley entrust Football League officials with top flight matches in the opening weeks of the season, and he deserves great credit for doing this. With several of the Select Group seemingly unavailable thus far, it may now be prudent for Mr Riley to turn to an official who is no stranger to Premier League officiating and very much deserves to return there.
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He did take charge of a Premier League match season, returning to the division to take charge of Leicester's home game against West Brom - a match he controlled with ease. He has also been entrusted with a number of significant matches involving Premier League teams in cup competitions including MK Dons vs. Man Utd and Man City vs. Newcastle in the Capital One Cup last season as well as handling cup ties involving Liverpool and Sunderland since being away from the highest level. Clearly then, he can be seen as a safe pair of hands and whilst some of the top officials like Lee Probert or Phil Dowd, both of whom are reportedly struggling with injury, there is a chance for PGMO leaders to integrate Stuart back into the top flight by giving him a number of games with a view of introducing him back into the group on a permanent basis. This would be much deserved and also provide another official who has past experience and who can be seen as someone who could be appointed to regular matches.
It may also be advantageous to re-promote Mr Attwell as he could potentially rejoin the FIFA List of officials. Stuart was well regarded in International Refereeing community, taking charge of a UEFA European Youth Final and Europa League matches. With Martin Atkinson, Andre Marriner and Lee Probert all due to leave the list in the new couple of years, Attwell could join Michael Oliver, Anthony Taylor and Craig Pawson on the international list, making the future of English Refereeing on the international stage look very bright. In time, he could take charge of top UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches as well as International fixtures.
The League Cup Second round is an ideal opportunity to give referees such as Stuart the chance to take charge of Premier League sides with the games involving Stoke and Everton being good fixtures to trial such officials. As well as looking at Stuart, Andrew Madley has received praise for his performances in his first matches of the season, something which may be worth considering when making appointments.
In short, it's extremely good to see the PGMO trying out new talent in the Premier League this season and it would be great to see Stuart Attwell being afforded the opportunity to take charge of top-flight matches once again.