Leicester City fan from Desborough wins £20,000

John Sharman won more than £20,000 from a modest £7.50 each way bet on Leicester City.

And the delighted carpet fitter, 55, said: “The latest couple of games have been nervy.

“But it wasn’t a big bet, so generally it’s made a great season even more fun for me.”

John has put a modest bet on City to win the league they’re in every year for “at least 20 years”.

This season he manged to get 2,000-1 on City to win the Premiership – generous odds because the club only just avoided relegation last season.

City’s Premiership win was confirmed last night when Spurs, the only club left that could have overtaken them, fell short with a 2-2 draw at Chelsea.

As John joined City fans around the world celebrating a remarkable season, he was also thinking about what he’d do with his winnings.

He said: “I’m going to buy myself a nice new work van and have a holiday.

“And the rest is going into the bank, so I can forget about it until there’s a rainy day.”

So who does he think has been Leicester City’s key man this season?

He said: “Well Vardy and Mahrez have been fantastic, but it’s definitely been a team effort.

“They key to this Leicester team is that they play so well together.”

And manager Claudio Ranieri?

He said: “I wasn’t too sure when he first turned up, but he’s been brilliant, and his good nature coming out is really why everyone’s been backing Leicester.

“I should also say I think Nigel Pearson [the previous City manager] put down the roots for this team.”

John said he has turned down offers up to £10,000 for his betting slip.

And next season? “I’ll be backing City to win the Premiership again - and the Champions League!”