LONDON, Nov 11: Martin Bodenham will make a little bit of officiating history in 2009 when he becomes the first former top-flight football referee to also stand in county cricket as a full first-class umpire.

Bodenham’s name was among a list of 25 full-time professional umpires unveiled by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday.

Also promoted to the list was ex-England left-arm spinner Nick Cook as were former county cricketers David Milns and Michael Gough.

“I am absolutely delighted to be on the full list,” said Bodenham. “I began playing cricket when I was around 10 or 11 years old and love the game.

“When I retired as a football referee 10 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 head coach Peter Moores who encouraged me to apply for the ECB reserve list and I thank Peter for helping me realise my potential.”—AFP