Bodenham umpired in the Sussex League having hung up his whistle
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Former football referee Martin Bodenham has been named in the England and Wales Cricket Board's Full List of first-class umpires for the 2009 season.
He will make history as the first man to have officiated at top-flight football and umpire at first-class cricket in England and Wales.
Bodenham took charge of the 1997 League Cup Final, and replay, between Leicester City and Middlesbrough.
Nick Cook, Michael Gough and David Mill also join the ECB's 25-strong list.
"I am absolutely delighted," said Bodenham. "I began playing cricket when I was around 10 or 11 years old and love the game.
"When I retired as a football referee ten years ago I took up umpiring. Cricket is and always has been my major sporting passion.
"It was England head coach Peter Moores who encouraged me to apply for the ECB reserve list and I thank Peter for helping me realise my potential."
Bodenham has spent three seasons on the ECB reserve list, which has meant him standing in at least 60 days' cricket a year, but his elevation to the Full List confirms him as a full-time, professional umpire.
Bodenham is not, however, the first in history to officiate at such a high level in both sports.
International umpire Steve Bucknor refereed a football World Cup qualifier between El Salvador and Netherlands Antilles in 1988.
ECB Umpires - Full List for 2009
R Bailey, N Bainton, M Bodenham, N Cook, N Cowley, B Duddleston, J Evans, S Garrat, M Gough, I Gould, M Harris, P Hartley, J Holder, V Holder, R Illingworth, T Jesty, R Kettleborough, N Llong, J Lloyds, N Mallender, D Millns, T Robinson, G Sharp, J Steele, P Willey.
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