A Manchester United fan is £36,000 richer after he staked a huge £55,000 on Liverpool winning the Premier League in October at odds of 4/6.
Tony Ward - 55 - from Bradford was so sure of the Reds' chances of success that he stuck on the whole inheritance he was left by his mother Rose when she passed away in 2017.
He had to endure a nervous wait during lockdown as football was suspended as a result of the coronavirus crisis, but once it resumed it did not take long until Chelsea's win over Manchester City on June 25 confirmed Liverpool as champions.
It saw Mr Ward collect an eyewatering £91,000, including his stake, from Ladbrokes, and he is now planning a holiday abroad before saving the rest.
Speaking to The Sun he said: “Liverpool were always looking like they could win the title. I picked them after a long, long debate.
“I would have got my stake back, I think, if the season had been cancelled. But that would have been unfair. Liverpool were that far clear. They only needed six points.
“I fancy a big holiday. The rest is for a rainy day.”
Mr Ward also insisted his mother would have approved of his risky bet, adding: “She wouldn’t have minded what I did with the money — not at all. She liked a flutter!
“She liked the horses. But I’d give it all back to have my mum still around.”
Liverpool had a superb start to the season, winning their first eight games in the Premier League, so it was perhaps no surprise that they were seen as a worthwhile bet for the title.
Some bookmakers were paying out on bets on the Reds to win the league as early as November, by which time it was becoming apparent that no other side would be capable of stopping Jurgen Klopp's team.
