Walsall's Andy Garratt is FA Cup final assistant referee

A bank manager from Walsall was today lining up for one of the most high-profile jobs in football.

Andy Garratt is swapping his suit for shorts this afternoon to run the line at the FA Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley.

The father-of-three is completing a long journey from officiating at parks football to the world's most famous domestic match.

He will step out alongside superstars such as John Terry and Steven Gerrard before a packed crowd of 90,000 and millions more watching on TV.

He said: "There are thousands involved in the game's grassroots who dream of officiating at Wembley and when I walk out onto the turf I will be very proud.

"My dad took me to games when I was about 11. He was a referee in the Bloxwich Combination and always after someone to run the line."

Garratt, of Clayhanger, Brownhills, gradually climbed the league ladder before he landed his first season as a Premier League assistant referee in 1999.

"We are always expanding our knowledge and trying to improve, especially with the changes in the game," the 48-year-old said.

"You are given games to see if you are good enough until you reach the National List or the select panel of officials for Premier League games and big cup matches.

"However, I still officiate as a referee in lower local league games. It's all part of keeping up the standards and being an assistant referee," he said.

Today is not the first time Garratt has been on the touchline at Wembley – he was also on duty in 2008 when Tottenham beat Chelsea in the League Cup.

"My job is to make sure the players and supporters enjoy the match as much as I do," he said.

"I have done a good job if I'm not noticed," Garratt, who has worked for Natwest for 30 years, added.

His misfortune entertained fans during a 2008-9 match at Old Trafford when he was sent tumbling by a player during the fixture between Manchester United and Hull City.

An internet clip of the incident has received thousands of internet hits.