The world of football lost a true pioneer this week, as former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie sadly passed away at the age of 65. A man of remarkable presence both on and off the pitch, Rennie made history as the top flight’s first Black referee and became a widely respected figure across the English game.
For Cobblers fans, Rennie’s name will be remembered not just for his legacy in the Premier League, but for the part he played in four key matches during the 1990s – including one of the most significant games in our modern history.
🟥🟨 The Man in Black at Sixfields
Rennie, born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield, began refereeing in 1979 and joined the Football League list in 1994. He quickly made an impression with his authoritative style, remarkable fitness, and ability to command a match without ever stealing the spotlight.
Between 1994 and 1997, he took charge of four Northampton Town fixtures:
• Lincoln City (A), 1 Oct 1994 – 2-2
A fiery Division Three (North) clash at Sincil Bank, where Rennie’s control helped keep a pulsating game in check.
• Colchester United (H), 17 Apr 1995 – 1-1
A tense mid-table draw at Sixfields, remembered more for missed chances than flashpoints – largely due to Rennie’s calm handling.
• Preston North End (H), 31 Oct 1995 – 1-2
A frustrating Halloween night defeat, but one where Rennie’s refereeing helped maintain fairness despite the stakes.
• Cardiff City (H), 14 May 1997 – 3-2 (Play-off Semi-Final Second Leg)
Perhaps the most memorable of all – a crucial and high-pressure match that sent the Cobblers to Wembley. Rennie’s steady presence allowed the football to flourish, as we edged past Cardiff in a Sixfields thriller.
🏃 A Career Built on Respect and Resilience
Outside of the Cobblers connection, Rennie carved out an extraordinary refereeing journey. In 1997, he became the first Black referee to officiate in the Premier League, going on to take charge of over 300 matches at the highest level. He was a FIFA-listed referee between 2000 and 2004 and widely praised for his fairness and fitness – often regarded as one of the fittest referees in English football history.
His life off the pitch was just as impressive: a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996, a qualified kickboxer and aikido practitioner, and most recently, an honorary chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University. He was a rare figure who balanced authority with intellect and integrity.
💔 A Brave Final Chapter
In late 2024, Rennie was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition following back pain that began while on holiday. The illness tragically left him partially paralysed and facing a long road of rehabilitation. Reports from earlier this year described his courage and determination as he learned to walk again using a frame.
He passed away on 8 June 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy. Tributes poured in from across football, including from the FA, Premier League clubs, and countless fans who remembered not only a top referee but a role model.
🕊️ A Lasting Legacy
For Northampton Town, Uriah Rennie wasn’t just a name on the teamsheet — he was the official in the middle of one of our greatest nights. But more than that, he was an ambassador for integrity in football. His journey from local leagues to the Premier League, and through adversity, is nothing short of inspiring.
Rest in peace, Uriah. Football is better for having had you in it