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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Pa Sport Staff

RARE PHOTOS: Former port vale midfielder chris birchall hoping to become professional referee | Rare Historical Photos

Former Port Vale midfielder Chris Birchall, right, is aiming to become a professional referee (Dave Howarth/PA) - (PA Archive)

Former Port Vale midfielder Chris Birchall is hoping to be one of the first ex-players to become a professional referee.

Birchall, 40, a former team-mate of David Beckham’s at LA Galaxy, has accepted a three-year contract with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to embark on a fast-track pathway to refereeing.

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