The English Premier League is bracing itself for the arrival of its first referee from a foreign country. Aussie Jarred Gillett, an official of the Australian A-League, will move to England in the summer and has already received the backing of the head of referees to shine in the league.
The 32-year-old Australian's reputation precedes him as he has refereed five Hyundai A-League Grand Finals and has received the recognition of the Hyundai A-League Referee of the Year on five separate occasions as well.
While Gillet is set to be signed up by the English Football Association, his arrival will see him mix his officiating obligations with studies at Liverpool's John Moore's University as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in children with Cerebral Palsy.
Speaking to the A-League's website ahead of his impending move, he said: "It was a difficult decision, but I leave the Australian game with many great memories," he told the A-League website.
"Pursuing academic and football opportunities in the UK was an opportunity too good to pass up and I'm excited by the challenges ahead."
Officiating in English football has come under massive scrutiny in recent times due to inconsistencies in making right calls. With the Premiership awaiting the arrival of Gillet, managing director of Professional Game Match Officials in England, Mike Riley, maintains optimism that his experience could positively impart the league.
"He is hugely experienced and demonstrates a number of key attributes that we expect from our referees," Riley said as per Mirror.
"He has strong and highly effective player management skills, a strong understanding of the game, and is well respected by the players and coaches in Australia."
