Premier League refs Jon Moss and Martin Atkinson set to retire with Mike Dean

Premier League referees Jon Moss and Martin Atkinson are set to follow Mike Dean into retirement at the end of the season.

Dean confirmed last month that this season would be his last as an official. And now, two more of the top-flight's best known whistlers will join him in calling it a day at the end of the current campaign.

That is according to the Telegraph, who report that Moss and Atkinson's colleagues were told of the duo's impending retirement by PGMOL boss Mike Riley on Thursday. Their loss will be a blow to the Premier League, with authorities worried about the quality of officials coming through.

Atkinson, 51, is one of the game's most experienced referees, having taken charge of his first Premier League game in 2004. He officiated the 2011 FA Cup, the 2014 EFL Cup final and has officiated a number of games in Europe, including at Euro 2016.

Moss made his Premier League debut in 2011, presiding over Blackpool's 1-2 home defeat to Birmingham City. He has since gone on to establish himself as one of the country's top officials and, like Atkinson, has refereed an FA Cup final.

Who is the best Premier League referee? Let us know in the comments section below

Although Atkinson and Moss are retiring, they will remain involved in the game, having taken jobs working under PGMOL boss Riley at the Professional Game Match Officials organisation from next season.

Dean, however, is not expected to stick around. Reports had suggested the iconic official would swap on-field refereeing for a position in the VAR booth. Whether that will be the case remains to be seen.

Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this month, Dean said: "Times have moved on, referees are getting older, I am not getting as fit as I used to be, so things have got to change.

"I have made the decision myself, I have gone out on my terms which is what I wanted to do and nobody else's terms which is good. I will miss when the season starts next season and not walking out to referee a game, but I have had a good innings with 22 years.

"It is time to move on and see what is in the future maybe we don't know yet, but we will see. Contrary to reports and speculation, I have been offered no VAR role at all, that is just word of mouth I think. It could be there if I wanted to go for it, but I don't know yet. I need to keep my options open and see what is available."

Source: Read Full Article