Fan wins place in Swansea squad with 32Red Casino

9 Oct 2009

32Red has shown that the path to football success does not have to be littered by blood, sweat, tears and shattered dreams after one lucky online casino player managed to secure himself a place in the first-team squad at Coca-Cola side Swansea City.

Lifelong Swans supporter Ross Mitchell won the chance to join his football heroes after winning an online blackjack competition with 32Red to become part of the first team squad at the Swans for the 2009/2010 season.

Whilst Mitchell, by his own admission, is not quite first team standard just yet, he will feature in the official team photo, have his name on the official squad list, be involved in numerous club events and even have his own squad number – number 32.

"Most fans have dreamt of seeing their name in the matchday programme, and given my lack of footballing ability this is the only way I could have got to do it,” said Ross. “The entire competition is a terrific idea and I hope others get a chance to experience what I have, thank you Swansea City, and thank you 32Red.com".

"This is the first of a number of initiatives we will be working on with our new sponsor 32Red this season,” added Swansea City FC vice-chairman, Leigh Dineen.

"They have given us fantastic support so far and I know that they want to involve the fans as much as possible.

"Ross attended our game against Sheffield United recently where he was given the full VIP treatment. Manager Paulo Sousa presented him with his No.32 shirt and had a good chat with Ross. With the amount of injuries we've got at the moment, he may have to wear the shirt on the pitch soon''