MIKE DEAN: Just like Sean Dyche all those years ago, I expect the new crop of players and managers to have done their research on officials... but rest assured referees do their reconnaissance too

After the close of the transfer window, new players have arrived and I have no problem with them wanting to know what to call us referees, where we’re from and if we’re open to chatting on the pitch — I’m Mike, from Tranmere, and your team-mates will probably tell you I loved talking to players — because it’s nothing new.

Nowadays, referees are emailed what colours the home and away teams will be wearing, so we know what to wear for the game. Back in the day, though, we’d head into the dressing rooms to find out.