A RETIRING Football League assistant referee from Worcester will make his dreams come true when he runs the line at Wembley.

Neil Radford has been selected as one of the match officials for the Checkatrade Trophy final between Coventry City and Oxford United on Sunday, April 2.

Worcester’s Chris Husband has also received the “bolt-out-of-the-blue” appointment as he has been named as a reserve assistant referee.

It will be the duo’s first appearance at the 90,000-capacity stadium although it will be extra special for Radford who hangs up his flag at the end of this campaign.

After 324 games ranging from the Championship to National League North over the last 11 seasons the 43-year-old will call it a day in May.

Since getting on the national list in 2006 Radford has officiated many memorable matches including Havant and Waterlooville’s FA Cup giant-killing in 2008 over Swansea City and the 2011 League One play-off semi-final between Peterborough United and MK Dons.

But he admits next month’s showpiece event will be the “pinnacle” of his career.

“To bow out at Wembley would be something I will remember for the rest of my life,” he said.

“Whether you are a footballer, a referee or a coach your dream is to go to Wembley.

“Did I ever think I would go there? No I didn’t.

“I have done some great games over the years but you don’t think you are going to go up the Wembley steps, pick up a medal and be part of a team of five assistant referees.”

The occasion will be enjoyed by his mum Iris, wife Teresa, two children Chloe and Jodie and other family members.

But Radford, who started refereeing in 1991, said he was sad not to be able to share the day with his late father Gerald who he describes as his “inspiration”.

“My dad was my rock when I was a young lad playing football and then starting out in refereeing,” Radford added.

“Unfortunately he only made one game which was in 2006 (Cheltenham Town v Port Vale) before losing his fight against cancer.

“I would love him to be there but I am sure he will be looking down through the Wembley arch with pride and enjoying the occasion.”

Husband, who lives in Warndon Villages and has been refereeing locally since 1998, said to be appointed to a match at Wembley was “beyond all of his wildest dreams”.

“I have been a referee for 19 years and never thought I would get there,” said the 33-year-old.

“It is quite a privilege and I feel very fortunate. To get the call was a bolt out of the blue.

“I did the Conference North play-off final about six years ago. That was the best game I had done beforehand so this is incomparable.”