Attwell believes he has become a "better person and referee."

Wigan Athletic return to action at the JJB Stadium this Wednesday when Latics play hosts to West Ham Utd. [buy tickets]

The appointed referee for this crucial mid-table clash is Stuart Attwell who was the official that gave Reading the now notorious "Ghost Goal," a ghost that will surely haunt him for the rest of his refereeing career.  Replays from the Watford v Reading game back in September clearly showed that the ball was off-target and didn't cross the line.  Attwell went with his assistant Nigel Bannister and gave the goal.



"Better Person and Referee"

In an article in Sunday's News of the World, Attwell has spoken for the first time claiming that he's a "better person and referee" through his ordeals.

"As a referee there are always going to be times when you are presented with challenges.The important thing is how you respond to them and learn from them.

"You have got to come back stronger, better equipped to go out there and perform.

"It has been a case of moving on from the challenges I have faced and getting a good run of form together."

Attwell was promoted to the Football League at the beginning of the 2007-08 season, and was quickly rewarded for a number of good performances by being given Championship fixtures.

Attwell is in the Select Group of referees for the 2008-09 season.On 25 June last year, he was promoted to the list of top flight officials in the Premier League, after just one season in the Football League. This made him the youngest ever Premier League referee at 25 years of age. On Saturday 23 August 2008, he made his Premier League debut when he refereed Blackburn Rovers vs Hull City.

Of his 24 games this season, he has produced 73 yellow cards and 6 red.