 He made the step up to the role of referee in the Football League in 1996 and became a Premier League referee in 2001, his first appointment being a 0–0 draw between Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic in December 2001.Earlier in that year Foy was appointed fourth official for the FA Trophy final at Villa Park, where Canvey Island defeated Forest Green Rovers 1–0.He was also fourth official during the international friendly match when England lost 2–1 to Italy at Elland Road in March 2002, and in May 2006 for the Football League Championship play-off between Leeds United and Watford, the latter winning 3–0.