An autobiography detailing the thrills and spills of Hertfordshire-born referee Mark Halsey's career has been short-listed for a prestigious award.

Mark, who, grew up in Welwyn Garden City, was the longest serving full-time professional referee in the English game until his retirement a year ago - including 14 years in the Premier League.

His autobiography, Added Time, was ghosted by St Albans author Ian Ridley, with a foreward by José Mourinho and was published in September. Yesterday it was short-listed for an award in the British Sports Book Awards.

The book charts the story of his life growing up in Hertfordshire, including a spell as goalkeeper for St.Albans City, rising through the refereeing ranks as he blows the whistle on some of the biggest figures in football, from altercations from Alex Ferguson to earfuls from Wayne Rooney.

It also documents his battle with throat cancer and how he returned to referee at the top level against the odds after gruelling treatment, only to then face another struggle - this time with Premier League chiefs to get his book published.

Added Time has been short-listed in the Autobiography category at the awards with the winners due to be announced at a ceremony at Lords Cricket Ground on May 21.

Mark faces competition from the likes of Olympic rowing champion Katherine Grainger, former Arsenal star Dennis Bergkamp, former England cricketer Andrew Strauss and snooker ace Ronnie O'Sullivan.

His ghostwriter Ian Ridley, a former chairman of St.Albans City, says: "I'm delighted that Added Time has been short-listed for such a prestigious award alongside some compelling stories.

"This is also recognition for the struggle we faced, not only writing the book but getting it published."

Mark and Ian will be talking about Added Time on the eve of the World Cup at the Flamstead Book Festival on Saturday June 7.

See more details about the one-day literary event here or at flamsteadbookfestival.com

Added Time is available from Amazon.