VETERAN referee Vinny Gelder is looking forward to taking charge of a milestone match.

The 64-year-old has been officiating in Bradford area leagues for 32 years and will clock up his 2000th fixture on Saturday as Kirk Deighton Rangers Girls Kites take on Scarborough Ladies Under-15s.

His league and cup games as a whistle-blower have featured the Bradford Sunday Alliance and West Riding County Amateurs, as well as being on supply for the higher-level North East Counties.

Gelder, from the Bolton Junction area, did not want to stop being involved in the game after he decided to retire from playing open-age football.

Football has clearly been a big part of his life from junior level to playing for teams such as Bowling Celtic, Kingsley Rovers, Albion Rovers and Town Gate.

Not wanting to miss out on being involved on a Sunday morning, he saw an advert in the Telegraph & Argus for a refereeing course and decided to learn the skill.

He said: "When I decided to retire from playing, I saw the advert in the T&A – 'referees needed, course begins September' – and the rest is history.

"I took the whistle up in 1985. This is a landmark in my refereeing career and I would like to share it with all my fellow colleagues.

"I have been referee of the year twice and done local cup finals. I have also been referee for the Bradford & District Centenary Cup final, which I treasure as an honour."

As much as Gelder loves still being involved, he is certain the day will come when he will have to retire.

He said: "All in all I enjoy what I do. It's not an easy job but it's a satisfying one.

"One day I will hang up my whistle but putting something back into the beautiful game of football has been my aim.

"My wife Susan deserves a massive thank you for washing my kit for the past 30 years without fail. Without her this wouldn't have been possible."

Gelder is aware of how he may have annoyed players during his career – but he knows how to rectify it.

He said: "I may have upset some players in the past but hey, I'll always have a pint with you after the game."