The Merseyside official will best be remembered by Blues fans as the referee who sent off goalkeeper Maik Taylor in this seasons away defeat at Manchester Utd, the only Blues game he has refereed in so far this season. Midfielder Aliou Cisse was also booked during that game at Old Trafford back in October last year.
Sunderland have not had the pleasure of playing a game with Mr Dean in charge so far this season.
Mr Dean is most definately not one of the card shy referee's, having dished out an astounding 78 yellow cards and 7 reds in the 21 games he has officiated in so far this season.