With referees continuing to court controversy, none more so than Mr. Foy after his dismal performance at Portsmouth last weekend, it is perhaps a wise move on behalf of the Premiership to have the unassuming Mr. Atkinson in charge of a potentially explosive dust up between the Golden Boys and Neil Warnock's battling Blades.
The West Yorkshire born official, known throughout the game for his fitness and fairness will be making his second visit of the season to
On that particular evening Mr. Atkinson did not feel the need to brandish a card of any colour, and indeed he has produced only one red, to Tottenham Hotspur's Calum Davenport in their clash against Aston Villa in October which was later rescinded, in eight Premiership matches this season.
Mr. Atkinson began his career when he was just 16, refereeing in the local leagues before progressing to the Football League assistant referee list in 1998.
A number of impressive performances from the 35-year-old saw him become a member of the Select group of assistant referee's two years later.
Further progression saw the Yorkshireman take charge of the FA County Youth Cup Final in 2003, before he was promoted to the national list of referee's at the start of the 2003/04.
Mr. Atkinson will be joined by Mr. D. Bryan and Mr. K. Pike as his assistants at
For a detailed head-to-head between the two sides, click here.