Cult hero ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean takes on new job as he enjoys break from VAR duties
MIKE DEAN has taken on a new job as he enjoys a break from VAR duties.
The former Premier League referee has swapped the pitch for the gantry in his new football role.
Dean, 56, is a lifelong Tranmere Rovers fan and has had the opportunity to commentate on a match.
The cult hero official was on Tranmere Rovers Radio to give his insight on the club’s Football League Trophy clash against Everton‘s U21s.
The match got off to a dream start for Dean as Josh Davison gave the home side an unlikely lead in the 11th minute.
However, listeners would have to have heard Dean’s despair come the end of the game.
The Toffees managed to score two late goals through Martin Sherif and Beto to turn the score around.
Dean earned praise from fans for his analysis on the radio.
One posted: “Big fan of hearing Mike on a Tranmere game!”
A second commented: “I absolutely love it.”
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Another added: “Nice one Mike.”
Dean stopped officiating at the end of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
He then started a new role as one of two full-time VAR officials with PGMOL.
During his break from the role, he also picked up work with Sky Sports.
Dean often appeared on the broadcaster last season to provide a referee’s insight on decisions on Soccer Saturday.
Despite the defeat, Dean would have no doubt enjoyed commentating on his favourite team.
His love for the club is well known as he was seen going crazy when they reached the League Two play-off final in 2019.
Meanwhile, there has already been refereeing drama in the Premier League after one matchday.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze saw a brilliant goal ruled out after referee Sam Barrott blew his whistle for a foul in the box.
Harry Redknapp's 2024/25 season predictions
TOP FOUR
ARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM — and I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.
RELEGATION
EVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.
TOP SCORER
ERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!
MOST ASSISTS
MARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.
CARABAO CUP
TOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.
FA CUP
LIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
REAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.
EUROPA LEAGUE
MANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.
CONFERENCE LEAGUE
CHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it.