Former firefighter set to become a Premier League referee

On Boxing Day, Sam Allison will become the first black man to officiate a Premier League game in 15 years when he takes charge of Sheffield United’s home game against Luton.

Allison, 42, had played at Swindon, Bristol City, Bournemouth and Exeter before moving down the football pyramid into the semi-professional game.

After considering what to do when he eventually hung up his boots, Allison decided to keep them on for a while longer – but this time with a whistle in hand.

Sam Allison is currently a referee in the EFL (Image: PA)

As well as his love for the game, Allison also needed an income to help support the next steps of his referee’s journey.

In 2006, he joined the fire service part-time.

“I had to look at something that would give me the time and flexibility to do both careers,” he said.

“I’ve gone from being totally operational and ‘Fireman Sam’ getting out there fighting fires and wearing breathing apparatus and doing water rescue and rope rescue, to progressing as a station manager.”

Mr Allison is from Trowbridge, his most recent role at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue was service-wide, supporting the fire service's inclusion and recruitment activity.

Sam Allison in his firefighting days (Image: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue)

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said: “We are so proud of Sam and glad we have been able to support him in his refereeing journey.

"He’s a genuinely brilliant, inspiring and dedicated individual who is a credit to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and someone who is a pleasure to work with.

"I have no doubt that he will continue to excel.”