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Ref's Dream Goodison Return

Mark Halsey wants Everton comeback after cancer treatment.

Ref's Dream Goodison Return

Premier League referee Mark Halsey says he would love his first game back in the top flight to be at Goodison Park.

The 48-year-old has spent the last six months battling throat cancer and has now been given the all clear to return to duty.

Halsey's last game was on the opening day of the season as Everton faced Arsenal and he feels Merseyside would be a fitting place to start his comeback.

“Any game I referee now is a bonus, and if I am not back in the Premier League before the end of the season, then so be it," he said.

"But if I can get back next season or whenever, then I would like the first game to be back at Goodison Park, because it would be picking up where I left off.”

Just 48 hours after Everton's 6-1 defeat in August, Halsey's tumour was removed.

Gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions followed the surgery but the referee often thought back to the match at Goodison.

"I thought it would be my last game," he said. "I remember leaving home, looking at myself in the car mirror and I looked ill. Medical people will tell you I should never have done the game, but my heart ruled my head.

"Four hours before kick-off, I arrived at the hotel and the other officials were already sitting there waiting for me.

"I knew I had to tell them. I just said, 'Look, lads, I'm going to need your help today - I've got cancer.' They just sat there in a stunned silence."

David Moyes has been one of a number of managers to support Halsey throughout his illness and the referee has been to watch Everton at Goodison while undergoing treatment.

Doctors have given the official the all-clear to take charge of reserve games with Halsey's first outing being last week in the match between Leicester and Scunthorpe at Hinckley.

Robbie WilliamsBest wishes to mark and his family it would be great to see you back at goodison again, God bless you all,

Tuesday 16th March 13:36 Report Comment

Mikel ArreguiJust want to wish you and your wife a complete recovery and that you'll enjoy being out on the pitch again soon. I was at Arsenal's match... now I just hope to see you again at Goodison but with Everton winning and you receiing a standing ovation!

Monday 15th March 23:17 Report Comment

Anna SpencerMark and his wifes' situation, put things into perspective!! I hope that if he does ref at GP he gets a good reception from the everton fans, no-one deserves to have to go through Cancer and for it to happen to both him and his wife is terrible but hopefully they will both soon be on the road to recovery! All the best to you both, and see you at GP in the not to distant future! Though once kick off occurs, dont expect the pleasantries to continue, unless you give us all the decisions!! LOL!!

Monday 15th March 13:47 Report Comment

Andrew Bedwardbest wishes for the future mark, you will always be welcome at GP, as long as your not incharge of another thrashing for the blues or if you bring clattenburg with you!

Monday 15th March 09:29 Report Comment

George FarrWould like to wish Mark Halsey all the best with his comeback from illness, as a referee myself I would dread to think of what that would be like for me to go through as it must be hard for him not to be able to referee.

Sunday 14th March 22:52 Report Comment

wilf jonesHi Mark, I am sure No Evertonian wants to see us lose 6:1 again, However every Evertonian wishes you and your Family the very best. We love the fighting spirit you have shown, something we admire and respect. Having lost both parents to Cancer I personally Look forward to the day you lead out again at Goodison Park.

Sunday 14th March 22:40 Report Comment

Ron VickersIt's great news that Mark Halsey is recovering so well from his very serious illness and is back refereeing once again. On a personal, and a professional level, the man displays great courage, honesty and integrity The only two referees worth their salt are Phil Dowd and Mark - they stand out like beacons amongst the rest. Lets hope the same road to successful recovery extends to Mark's wife also, and the family get some much deserved contentment back into their lives. Good luck Mark, and welcome back to Goodison Park very soon.

Sunday 14th March 21:46 Report Comment

Mark LynchLol at Mick Egan, Mark i hope that your dream is fulfilled and that you get back on the pitch very soon, and i hope that it is at an Everton game, (would be good to have a ref with a bit of passion for us lol) seriously tho, good luck in your quest to make a comeback..

Sunday 14th March 21:01 Report Comment

Mick EganIt's good to hear you are so near a return, and if it is at Goodison, am sure you will receive a very warm welcome back to the Prem.......Best wishes Mark, but don't think you won't get any stick if we don't agree with your decisions, after all, it's all part of our wonderful game!!

Sunday 14th March 20:21 Report Comment

robert hillvery best wishes to you mark, hope all is well. best wishes to your family too- it must of been very worrying for all of you. let us supporters know when your back at goodison, and hope for big cheers for you!! take care and good luck.

Sunday 14th March 19:03 Report Comment

Paul HowellsI know we all like to give ref's a bit of stick when things are not going our way but lets be honest, these guys have an immensely tough task trying to keep with and rule a Premiership match. As a few guys below have said Mark Halsey was one of the better ref's and bearing in mind the state of some of the recent refereeing we've seen the sooner he's back the better. I am glad Mark is well on the road to recovery and hope that continues so he can once again ref in the Prem at Goodison. I too would like his first match to be at Goodison and hope he gets a good reception from the crowd when his name is announced after the players (asa I'm 100% sure all Evertonians will do)

Sunday 14th March 15:26 Report Comment

Shaun HannaMark is certainly one of the better Ref's in the premier league. To battle your way through cancer is a huge achievement i really hope mark gets his wish to ref at Goodison again soon. I Just hope we dont get beat 6-1 this time!!!

Sunday 14th March 13:05 Report Comment

Neil SteeleCertainly one of the better refs around and a man of obvious honesty and integrity. Hope to see you back in the Prem soon fella, we could do with you!

Sunday 14th March 12:39 Report Comment

Scott Lambert-VickersHope its all clear for you mate and you can get back to reffing in the premier league soon. hope your wife gets better soon from her sickness as well.

Sunday 14th March 11:23 Report Comment
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