ONE OF Stoke City’s new signings may have felt just like an excited schoolkid when he reported for training this week . . . but another addition to the squad was actually one!
While Michael Owen likened his arrival at the Club to a “first day at school”, young Joshua Nixon was enjoying the time of his life as the new number 150 in the Potters squad.
The 11-year-old City supporter was chosen as the lucky winner of the #win150 competition which offered the chance to become a member of the first team squad this season.
Therefore, Joshua was given the VIP treatment when he was invited down to the Clayton Wood Training Ground at the height of all the interest surrounding Owen’s arrival.
In familiar new signing fashion, he posed for pictures with the number 150 home shirt before being given a tour of the training complex and interviewed by the media team.
“I am very happy,” he told Stoke City Player. “I have dreamed this all my life and I feel very honoured to be in the same programme as all the players. Hopefully, I’ll get to meet them.”
Joshua, wearing a shirt bearing the name and number of another new signing, Adam 16, when he arrived at Clayton Wood, had difficulty in singling out one particular player as his hero: “Peter Crouch, Charlie Adam, Andy Wilkinson, Robert Huth; probably the whole team,” he added.
There was no hesitation, however, in picking out his favourite game from all those he has watched at the Britannia Stadium from the Family Area with his brother and father.
“I’ve been to nearly all the games over the past three years, but Stoke City-Manchester City last season was the best. That was fun,” he beamed. “And yes, I did the Poznan.”
Not surprisingly, he would like to return to Clayton Wood and play for the Potters one day, saying: “It’s just dreams at the moment, but like this, dreams do come true.”
Joshua emerged as the winner of the competition which was run to commemorate the Club’s 150th anniversary and offered the chance to become a member of the squad.
With the number 150, he will have the honour of his name appearing in the Matchday Magazine, while he will also be included among the squad profiles on the website.
Supporters were automatically entered into the competition when they purchased either a new home or away shirt for the 2012-13 season and the draw was made by manager Tony Pulis on transfer deadline day to determine another ‘addition’ to his squad.
Other benefits of the special prize include receiving a framed shirt which has been signed by his fellow squad members and a mascot experience at one of our matches.
Supporters are reminded that they can still purchase home and away shirts for the 2012-13 season online at scfcdirect.com or by contacting the Mail Order line on 01782 826419.
Alternatively, they can be bought in person from the Britannia Stadium Superstore or the Club Stores in the Potteries Shopping Centre and the Roebuck Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.