A TOP former Football League official has moved to the island.

David Whitby (pictured) came to Guernsey in May with his partner, who is a nurse, and is set to stay here for five years.

The 49-year-old from Liverpool is a FA level three qualified referee, two levels higher than anyone else involved in the sport locally, which has led him to be a Championship assistant referee.

He has already made his local refereeing debut and was the man-in-the-middle for Saturday’s crunch match between North and Bels, which North won 5-1.

Unfortunately for Whitby, his match was cut short when he had to limp off the pitch midway through the second half with a torn calf muscle.

It will see him out of action until the end of November. ‘I was really, really enjoying the game on Saturday,’ he said.

‘I was having a good craic with the players. I was gutted when I had to come off. I can’t wait until I get back.’