Meet the officials | Middlesbrough v Swansea City

Sam Allison will be the referee when Swansea City open their 2024-25 Championship campaign against Middlesbrough on Saturday (12.30pm).

This will be the fifth time that Allison – a former firefighter – has taken charge of a Swans game, having had the whistle for three fixtures last term.

During the 2023-24 campaign Allison oversaw defeats against Leeds United, Plymouth Argyle and Queens Park Rangers.

The man from Chippenham began his journey as a footballer, and was on the books at clubs including Swindon Town, Exeter City, and Bristol City before becoming a referee in non-league in 2011.

He was added to the professional rota in 2020, and impressive performances in the lower leagues saw him promoted to Select Group 2 in the summer of 2023.

On Boxing Day, 2023 he made his Premier League debut when he officiated the clash between Luton Town and Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. 

He later took charge of his second top-flight match on March 13 when Bournemouth mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to beat Luton Town. 

On Saturday, Allison will be assisted by Andrew Fox and Jonathan Hunt. Aaron Bannister is set to be the fourth official.