CHERRIES star Marcus Browning has set his sights on making Football history by becoming the first ex-player to referee in the Premiership.

The 34-year-old has already enrolled on a course and could be ready to take his first steps into the refereeing ranks as early as next season.

However, despite his long-term ambition to officiate at the top level, Browning says he has no immediate plans to retire and hopes to play on for "at least three more years".

But the midfielder, sent off three times in his career, says he is keen to take up the whistle now to give himself every chance of making the grade when he eventually decides to hang up his boots.

Browning is currently receiving one-to-one tuition from Bournemouth-based referee Martin Prescott and will take his first exam early next month.

Revealing his plans exclusively to the Daily Echo, Browning said: "You've got to think about your future. I'm doing my coaching badges and I would also like to qualify as a referee. Providing I pass the exam and enjoy it, I would hope to start putting it into practice at the start of next season.

"I would start at grass-roots level and then take it from there.

"I would do some Sunday games first and see how it goes. If I'm good and it's going well, I could move on a bit quicker because they are keen to get players involved.

"I'm doing it now because it could take three years to get up to Football League level so if I can do it in my spare time and while I'm still playing, I'll be ready to go straight in when I'm finished.

"My ultimate ambition would be to referee in the Premiership. I know it won't be the same as playing, but when I retire, that's what I would really like to do.

"Everybody has been very positive and full of encouragement. I think the authorities are keen to fast-track players into the refereeing ranks when they finish playing.

"You just need to be confident and have the ability to do it.

"Players know the game better than most and they know all the ins and outs and there's no pulling the wool over their eyes.

"It's early days at the moment so I'll have to see how things go. I'm still concentrating fully on playing but you've always got to have one eye on the future."

Browning, whose existing contract at Dean Court is due to expire next month, added: "I feel as fit now as I did when I was 29 so I don't see why can't play for at least another three years.

"When the younger lads start beating me in the running, I'll start worrying, but, at the moment, I can still give them a run for their money.

"I'm in talks with the club at the moment. I'd like a two-year contract and that's what we're trying to thrash out."