Bodenham promoted to first-class list

Martin Bodenham, the former FIFA referee turned umpire, will become the first man to officiate in top-flight football and first-class cricket in England and Wales when he stands in 2009, after being promoted to the full list.

Bodenham is one of four umpires elevated for next season, the others are Nick Cook, the former England offspinner, former Durham batsman Martin Gough and former quick bowler David Millns. The ECB now has 25 full-time, professional umpires on the list.

"I began playing cricket when I was around 10 or 11 years old and love the game," Bodenham said. "When I retired as a football referee ten years ago I took up umpiring and continued to play 2nd XI league cricket. Cricket is and always has been my major sporting passion.

"After umpiring in the Sussex League, it was England coach, Peter Moores, who encouraged me to apply for the ECB reserve list and I thank Peter for helping me realise my potential."

ECB umpires' manager, Chris Kelly, said: "We have a pool of talented umpires supporting our first-class game and Martin, Nick, Michael and David have earned their promotion."