• Football news

Granddad of Wales star set to net £125,000 winnings

ESPN staff
October 17, 2013
Harry Wilson became the youngest ever player to represent Wales when coming on as a substitute against Belgium © PA Photos
Enlarge

While Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson is just beginning his professional career, his granddad has called time on his after scooping £125,000 from a bet he had on his grandson to play for Wales.

Wilson made his Wales debut on Tuesday when coming on as a substitute in their World Cup 2014 qualifier against Belgium.

Back in 2000, Peter Edwards was offered odds of 2,500/1 that Wilson would one day play for Wales. Edwards, 62, placed a £50 bet in a William Hill shop in Wrexham and, years later, watched on his iPad as Wilson became the youngest player to represent the country at 16.

Edwards, who is an electrical contractor, revealed he told his manager he would not return to work after seeing his bet come in.

"She [his wife] is over the moon. I retired immediately. I told my manager yesterday that if Harry plays I wouldn't be coming back," Wilson told The Guardian.

"I've retired one year early. I have come home now and will not be going back. Not bad for a daft bet.

"He used to chase the ball around the front room on his hands and knees even before he could walk, that's what gave me the idea. But I hoped the bet would come up."

Wilson is a product of the Liverpool academy and Edwards confirmed his grandson would be getting some of the winnings.

"This means I will be able to help Harry out," Edwards said. "You can be quite sure that he will get a share of it."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices