Stu Carpenter wins OneCom prize
Pompey are about to launch their newest signing – a 37-year-old fireman who has quite literally won his place in the squad.
Dad-of-two Stu Carpenter will be officially presented to the Fratton faithful on Saturday after winning honorary squad membership in a free prize draw organised by business communications provider OneCom.
OneCom, along with Express FM, used social media to invite fans to sign up for the chance to win the unique prize.
Whiteley-based OneCom paid £5,000 for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with all funds going towards the Blues’ Tifosy fanfunding campaign.
Avid Pompey fan Stu, who works as a fireman at Heathrow Airport, was the lucky winner chosen at random, and now has his own squad number – 44.
On Saturday, as Pompey prepare to take on Wycombe, Stu will be introduced to Blues boss Andy Awford.
Stu will be given a full set of kit and be listed in every match programme as a member of the team.
He’ll be joined by wife Dannii and their two sons Joshua, 8, and Harry, 6 – both Pompey supporters.
He will then enjoy full matchday hospitality and the best view in the ground as he watches the game from the players’ tunnel area – all courtesy of OneCom.
As part of his prize, Stu will also enjoy a training session with the players and have lunch with his new squad-mates.
“I’ve grown up supporting Pompey so I’m especially looking forward to training with the players.
“I’ve never won anything before. The kids are very excited – they think I’ve signed for the club and am going to play on Saturday.
“My wife entered me in the draw so I didn’t know I was even in with a chance,” explained Stu. “When I got the phone call to say I’d won it took me a while to realise what had happened.
“Obviously when you’re young you do dream of being a member of the squad, so this really is a dream come true.”
OneCom, the UK’s biggest independent business-to-business communications provider, is an official supplier and main sponsor of Portsmouth Football Club and recently announced that it was to sponsor the Milton End for the next two years.
They also created Pompey OneCommunity, giving fans the opportunity to donate to the Pompey Supporters’ Trust while at the same time reducing their mobile phone bill.
Darren Ridge, chief executive of OneCom, commented: “Being an official squad member must be the ultimate dream for any Pompey fan, and I’m delighted the prize has gone to such a well-deserving supporter."