Sky Bet punter cashes out Leicester title bet for big money
Monday 21 March 2016 17:05, UK
A lifelong Leicester fan has cashed out his £10 bet on the Foxes to win the Premier League for £28,907.51 with Sky Bet, but insists he still believes they will be champions.
Sam North from Loughborough was on course to win £50,000 as the Foxes sit five points clear of second-placed Tottenham with seven games remaining, but has opted to take his money and run under the duress of friends and family.
The Sky Bet punter has been a season-ticket holder since the 2001/02 season when, at the age of 12, he watched his beloved Foxes finish bottom of the Premier League, and is now looking forward to funding his European away days with Champions League qualification all but secured.
He told Sky Sports: "Based on form from those last nine games of last season we would have been top and I just thought, from watching us all of season, we could carry on like that if we retained that spirit and it would be stupid not to put some money on 5000/1.
"I knew we'd be top half, although I certainly didn't really think we'd be where we are right now, so it's a win-win situation now I've taken the money."
The 26-year-old garage manager insists he is still confident his side will win the title following three successive nerve-filled 1-0 victories.
He added: "I don't want the lads to start thinking I've lost faith by cashing out as I genuinely do still believe they'll win the league.
"However, after what happened in their game on Sunday, I think Southampton will be a tough one for us and I can't see Liverpool stopping Tottenham, so with nearly £30k on the table I just felt it was the right time.
"It's also the fact that my Dad can't enjoy the season any more and he's blaming me for it. He had to leave the house and go to the pub with 10 minutes to go against Crystal Palace on Saturday."
He is now looking forward to seeing the Foxes maintain their title charge after the international break, insisting winning the Premier League will mean more than the money, regardless of whether his decision turns out to be right or not.
"I'm not sure many other fans would see it the same way but, with what Leicester have been through, winning the league is a far bigger deal to me than the money," he added.
"I'd be more nervous about the actual title on the final day than the money if I hadn't cashed out, but I actually think we'll have it won before then due to the tough games Tottenham have got coming up.
"Then even if it does come down to it, I'm not convinced Chelsea will be giving it their all to stop us if it means Tottenham or Arsenal benefit."
The 26-year-old can now enjoy what would surely be the greatest sporting upset of all time, while the rest of their backers weigh up whether to Cash Out or hang in there.
Would you have pressed the Cash Out button for £29k? Leave a comment or tweet us @SkyFootball.
