HE’S been quietly impressing in the lower echelons of the football pyramid and now he’s about to get a chance that he has worked hard to achieve.
Thomas Bramall is only in his third season as a Football League referee, but had missed much of the last campaign after suffering a serious ACL injury in pre-season, which had threatened to thwart his progression as an official.
But the unassuming referee will step out on Saturday (20 March) in English football’s second tier for the first time as the man in the middle, when Preston North End welcome Luton Town to Deepdale.
It will mark a significant moment in the fledging career of the young whistler, who could put himself in a strong position to get further Championship appointments before the season’s end, and subsequently in contention for promotion to Select Group 2, if he performs well.
In Lancashire, he will be ably assisted by the experience of James Wilson and Steven Meredith running the line and Jeremy Simpson on fourth-official duties.
Bramall isn’t the first official to have been given a maiden opportunity to demonstrate his ability in the Championship lately, with fellow National List official Craig Hicks trusted to take charge of Blackburn Rovers’ clash with Bristol City at Ewood Park on Wednesday evening (17 March).
But Sheffield-based Bramall has certainly shown on countless occasions over a period of time that he is capable of handling what the frantic and unpredictable nature of arguably one of the best leagues in world football can throw up on any given day.
With both Preston and Luton locked in mid-table, he will take comfort from the fact that very little will be riding on the outcome – which will at least ease some of the pressure – but he will be hoping to repay the faith shown in him.
This season Bramall has overseen 25 games across all competitions – the most of which have been in League One (11).
In the early weeks of the campaign, he put in three positive displays in front of the television cameras – including encountering a Premier League club – which could only have enhanced his credentials.
He was assured in taking charge of Ipswich’s 2-0 win over Wigan in League One and West Bromwich Albion’s 3-0 victory over Harrogate Town in the League Cup second round on Sky Sports, as well as Doncaster’s 5-1 win at FC United of Manchester in the FA Cup first round live on BBC Two.
Bramall has also had the experience of overseeing Liverpool and Manchester United’s Under-23s in the EFL Trophy.
Still a relatively new face on the block to fans of Football League clubs, he was refereeing regularly in the National League less than four years ago.
Bramall’s unfortunate injury restricted him to just five matches in the latter part of last term but the manner in which he has recovered and kicked on this term is testament to his character and ability.
Interested followers among refereeing circles who have seen him in action think he has the potential to progress, and this latest step forward could be the start of another chapter in a career that could go far.
FootyFanatic 
One of the worst refereeing displays at Deepdale I have witnessed in many years. Far to inexperienced to be in charge of championship football. Some of the strangest decisions I have ever witnessed.