Di Canio Picks Pro Contract Winner
Amateur footballer Chris Smith has won Samsung’s second Win A Pro Contract competition, signing a professional contract with League Two Swindon Town.
Chris, 21, of Stoke-on-Trent, beat more than 5,500 entrants to win the nationwide competition.
He was then one of four players selected to spend a week training at the club by Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio.
Chris, who is studying Sports Coaching and Development at Staffordshire University, was then picked as the winner after impressing the Italian and his backroom staff.
Chris said: ‘When Paolo told me I’d won I just couldn’t believe it. I was in shock and didn’t know what to say. It was a very surreal moment and I’m still not sure it’s really sunk in. I’m sure it will when I move to Swindon and start training.’
‘I entered the competition last summer but never expected to win it. Luckily my first trial went well and from there I took it game-by-game.’
‘Paolo has been excellent with me. He’s very organised and knows exactly how to get his point across. I can’t wait to start working with him.’
‘I’ve wanted to be a professional footballer from the moment I first kicked a ball. Winning this competition really is a dream come true.’
The former Everton and Stoke City youngster will now defer his studies for a year to join up with Di Canio’s title-chasing squad as they bid to secure an immediate return to League One.
Swindon boss Di Canio added: ‘Chris is intelligent, strong and has quality on the ball. He has shown great hunger to win the competition and become a professional. He deserves a chance to prove himself and become a good player.’
‘Chris did very well during his week of training with my squad. He fitted in well, concentrated hard and showed his spirit.’
‘Samsung have given Chris an amazing opportunity. I am very happy for him.’
Smith will be unveiled at half-time during Swindon’s League Two home game with Burton Albion on Tuesday 28th February and will join Di Canio’s squad on a 12-month contract.
As part of the prize Chris will also receive a year-long boot deal with online football store www.prodirectsoccer.com.
