In April 1987 he refereed the FA Cup semi-final between Tottenham and Watford and a few months later the Charity Shield between Everton and Coventry.
He took thirteen and a half seasons on the full List to reach this level, the longest period in modern times.
Tottenham emerged surprise 3-1 winners over the eventual League champions in a game which saw a goal from a long-range free-kick by Paul Gascoigne.
He reached the domestic retirement age a few months later but achieved an extension and was included in the first set of Premier League referees for 1992–1993.
His career on the Football League had lasted twenty four years (1969-1993) as linesman and referee, the longest period in modern times.