A lifelong Leeds supporter from Morley turned a casual flutter into life changing cash when the Whites sealed the Championship title. James Thorpe, 28, placed a 100 pound wager at 160 to 1 odds in August predicting Leeds would win the league on goal difference. Bookmaker Coral confirmed Thorpe’s slip was the only active ticket with that exact outcome. When Manor Solomon’s stoppage time strike secured the crucial goal difference swing over Burnley, Thorpe’s phone exploded with notifications. He visited the Vicar Lane branch on 5 May to collect a cheque for 16 000 pounds, posing for photos with staff who had teased him about the long shot bet. Thorpe plans to use the winnings to fund his wedding and a honeymoon in Bali. Coral spokesperson Simon Clare called the payout one of the year’s most remarkable underdog success stories. Thorpe credited unwavering faith in Daniel Farke’s tactical nous and a summer spent analysing expected goals data. He revealed he will stake 50 pounds on Leeds finishing top half in the Premier League at odds of 9 to 2. Friends joked that he should be hired as an analyst at Thorp Arch. For now, the lucky supporter is content knowing belief in his club delivered a financial bonus as sweet as promotion itself.
