Harry Wilson

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Harry Wilson's grandfather nets £125,000 over Wales debut bet

Harry Wilson became Wales' youngest senior player after making his debut against Belgium
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A grandfather is to net £125,000 after he placed a £50 bet on his grandson playing football for Wales - when he was 18 months old.
Sixteen-year-old Harry Wilson made his international debut on Tuesday as a substitute against Belgium, becoming Wales' youngest ever senior player.
His grandfather Peter Edwards, 62, was quoted odds of 2,500/1 when he placed the bet with a bookmaker in Wrexham.
He is now set to retire a year earlier than originally planned.
Wrexham-born Wilson came on in the 87th minute during Wales' 1-1 draw.
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I was shattered because I had to wait for 85, 86 minutes before he came on and I was panicking because they'd already substituted twice, so I thought he wasn't going to make it”​

Peter EdwardsHarry Wilson's grandfather
At 16 years and 207 days, the Liverpool midfielder was 108 days younger than previous record holder Gareth Bale, now the world's most expensive footballer following his recent move to Real Madrid.
There had been speculation that England were ready to try to persuade Wilson to switch international allegiance, but he opted for Wales.
Mr Edwards explained how he felt when Wilson made his appearance.
"I was shattered because I had to wait for 85, 86 minutes before he came on and I was panicking because they'd already substituted twice, so I thought he wasn't going to make it," he said.
"But when he came on I had another glass of wine. (I was) a proud granddad first for sure.
"I told my wife at half-time that my pulse was 106 - I didn't know whether that was good or bad."
Mr Edwards said Wilson had showed an interest in football from a young age.

Peter Edwards was quoted odds of 2,500/1 when he placed the bet
"When he was about 18 months old he used to chase a ball around on the carpet before he could walk," Mr Edwards said.
"I went into William Hill in Wrexham and asked them how I go about it. I had no idea how to do it and the manageress put me in touch with London."
Electrical contractor Mr Edwards, of Corwen, Denbighshire, works away from home most of the year, spending one weekend a fortnight with wife Dorothy, 58.
"She is over the moon. I retired immediately. I told my manager yesterday that if Harry plays I wouldn't be coming back," said Mr Edwards.
"I've retired one year early. I have come home now and will not be going back. Not bad for a daft bet."
He said after Harry enrolled in the Liverpool FC academy his skills quickly developed and he returned to William Hill in the hope of placing a second bet.
"Harry was about 12 then. But they turned me down and said I already had a substantial bet with them. But they threw in England as a gesture

 

[King Binny]

Rodgers:
[article]“Harry Wilson is not near the Premier League. He’s an extremely talented young player, but I was surprised by his Wales call-up.

“He’s got a great opportunity to continue to develop at Liverpool, but let’s stay calm and let him develop at his own pace.”[/article]

Bellamy
[article]Craig Bellamy believes Harry Wilson has a bright future ahead of him after becoming the youngest player to represent Wales, but is uneasy about capping players in order to secure their international allegiance.

Bellamy won his 78th and final cap in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Belgium in Brussels, and his last telling contribution in a Wales jersey saw him pick out Aaron Ramsey for the Dragons' late equaliser, as they ended a disappointing World Cup campaign on a positive note.

Liverpool winger Wilson, aged 16 years and 207 days, was introduced for the final few minutes of the Group A qualifier by Chris Coleman, meaning he broke Gareth Bale's previous record for the most youthful Welsh cap by 108 days.

While Wilson was born in Wrexham and both his parents are Welsh, he has an English grandparent. But his cameo in Brussels means he is now tied to Wales and cannot represent the Three Lions.

Bellamy has no doubt Wilson can go on to be a Wales regular, but admitted he has reservations about capping a player to prevent him from potentially representing another country.

"I'm not too sure about that one," said Bellamy. "I think he's a talent, I think he's going to do well in the years to come, but I'd like to see him do well first (before being capped).

"I don't mean that in a bad way, but 16 is young, it's young. He can't play for anyone else now, but is that really the most important thing? I don't know.

"I take an interest because he's my boy's age, it's one of those. It probably brought home a little bit how old I really am!"


Bellamy admits he will look back on his 78 caps and 15 years of involvement with the Wales national team with fond memories.

"I hadn't thought too much about it being my last game, but then it probably sunk in during the national anthem because I knew it would be the last time I would ever be in that position as a player," added Bellamy.

"The anthem is something that leaves me speechless to say what it means. It's important to me, something I cherish.

"So it did hit home a little bit then that I'm never going to be this side of things ever again, but I've enjoyed every second of it.

"To reach 78 caps, with the injuries I've had over the years, is special to me."[/article]