One lucky Leicester fan went to bed last night £29,000 richer after cashing out on a bet which would have yielded a whopping £100,000.
John Pryke, 59, decided to take a punt on Leicester at the start of the season after seeing them go on an incredible run of form, winning seven of their remaining nine games and secure their Premier League status in May 2015.
Pryke decided to opt out of the bet claiming he "couldn't bear" the title run-in and bookmakers Ladbrokes have settled, offering under a third of the potential maximum return.
“I put the bet on before the season as a laugh, but the nearer it gets to the end of the season the more I’m thinking about the money and less about the team,” Pryke told the Leicester Mercury.
"I couldn’t bear it any more so before the West Bromwich Albion game I called Ladbrokes to see how much they would give me if I cashed in the bet early and they offered £16,000.
“I said no, but after the last match Ladbrokes upped their offer to £29,000. It was like being on ‘Deal or No Deal’ and I just thought to myself that £29,000 isn’t a bad return on £20, but if I walk away with nothing I’ll be kicking myself.
“I want to enjoy watching the team for the rest of the season and I don’t want the thought of the money niggling away spoiling my enjoyment.
“I won’t be upset at all if Leicester win the title, I want them to do it. If they do I’ve watched my team lift the trophy and made £29,000 which isn’t a bad outcome is it?"
He added: “My wife said the money will be going towards a new kitchen and doing the floors out of our house. My son didn’t want me to cash it in, but it’s my decision at the end of the day.”
Tottenham and Arsenal drew 2-2 on Saturday afternoon to give Claudio Ranieri's side the chance to go five points clear at the top of the league with nine games remaining.
Pryke revealed he had turned down an offer to cash out at £16,000 before the sides 2-2 draw with West Brom on Tuesday night.
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