Former Premier League referee Mike Dean was back in the middle on a big night in Bishop’s Cleeve.

The 57-year-old was the special guest at a football evening held at Church Road Coffee in the village.

Dean, who is now a well-respected television pundit, shared a panel with Derek Eaton, another top ex-Premier League official, at an event that was billed ‘An Evening with Mike Dean’.

It was organised by Johnny Rea, who runs Church Road Coffee with his wife Caroline, and he said: “It was a great night.”

Dean shared stories from his 22 years as a Premier League referee as well as answering questions from those in the audience.

Eaton, an ex-Premier League assistant referee who lives in Tewkesbury, also recalled many of his experiences at the top level of the game.

They shared the panel with Rea, who hosted the evening and was on the mic, and he said: "As a football fan and ex-referee, getting the chance to interview these guys was surreal.

"So many great stories, so many laughs and a few moments of shock. It was a cameras off night so nothing was held back."

Phil Brewer was one of those in the audience and he said: "It was a room full of football fans, big energy, and Mike Dean giving us a raw, no filter night.

"And a massive shout out to Derek Eaton running the line and bringing proper insight from his time as a Premier League assistant ref."

Dean, who retired from refereeing in 2022, remains a familiar face in football through his regular Saturday afternoon 'Ref Watch' slot with Sky Sports.

Eaton, meanwhile, ran the line for the final time last year at the age of 61.

He has since taken up running and is now coached by Rea, a qualified run coach who competes for Western Tempo.

Eaton said of the event: "A great night was had by all."