Ex-PGMOL chief names three 'standout' options to replace retired Premier League referee Anthony Taylor

Howard Webb has several options when trying to fill the void left by Anthony Taylor in the Premier League's list of referees.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the head of the PGMOL, now rebranded as Pro Ref, has an "interesting" dilemma on his hands.

Webb has lost an extremely experienced official ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Taylor retiring after 16 seasons in the top tier of English football.

Just like footballers, the referee's career had plenty of ups and downs, but after officiating at the 2026 World Cup, it certainly ended on a very high high.

Taylor was seen as one of the best and most experienced officials in the Premier League last season, alongside Michael Oliver and Jarred Gillett.

Now, Webb has been left scrambling to find a new figure to fill his spot near the top of the table, but Hackett believes there is more than enough talent available to do so.

Who can replace Anthony Taylor in the Premier League?

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett named three officials who have what it takes to become one of the next biggest Premier League referees.

"I think that's an interesting question, and three have stood out to me. My first choice would be Sam Barrott. He's a very solid referee, and he's just on the UEFA Under-19s final," he said.

"Therefore, I think he's a solid pair of hands for the Premier League. He's really come from a couple of years of establishing himself.

"I think he's now established; he's a competent official. Jarred Gillett is a very experienced, albeit Australian-born referee, but operating on the Premier League.

"He was out at the World Cup as VAR and will have gained a great deal of experience. So I think that those are two that will take on or have the ability to take on the big games in the Premier League.

"The other guy is Farai Hallam. Every time I see this referee, he impresses me. So again, he's a good referee that's established himself, reads the game well, and officiates well."

What has Taylor said about his retirement from football?

Whatever you, as a football fan, thought about Taylor, there is no doubt that he was one of the most competent officials over the last few seasons.

That is exactly why he was chosen for the 2026 World Cup, officiating clashes between Uzbekistan and Colombia, Australia and Egypt, and Spain and Portugal.

Upon retiring, he said: Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense, and the scrutiny is constant.

"The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career."