Forest Scoops Sky Bet Fund Despite Embargo

Nottingham Forest have won £250,000 in this year’s Sky Bet Transfer Fund draw at Wembley Stadium, thanks to fan Shaun Lander who made it into draw after betting with Sky Bet this season.

As part of the prize the winning individual was awarded with a £5,000 cheque, while the fan’s club was also awarded £250,000 to spend during the January transfer window. 

However, Forest – along with Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United – were given a transfer embargo by The Football League just 24 hours earlier for breaching financial fair play rules, but the club will still be able to use the funds on loan players’ wages.

Lander was randomly selected in the Final 10 in a pre-draw last Thursday, from over 70,000 entrants, before being picked out of the pot by Independent Football League director Richard Bowker CBE at Wembley Stadium. 

He said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted. I didn’t think I’d win at all. It’s a fantastic treat to have just before Christmas and I’m so happy I can help the club I love.’ 

‘Forest will be able to use the funds on paying for loan players’ wages in January, and I hope whoever they bring in will help our promotion push.’

The event was hosted by Sky Bet Transfer Fund ambassadors Jim White and Natalie Sawyer, who presented Lander with his cheque.

Forest legend John O’Hare added: ‘It’s going to mean a great deal to the club. That kind of money is always welcome. On behalf of the club I’d like to thank Shaun for signing up to the initiative and I hope he enjoys his winnings.’

The Transfer Fund reopened again yesterday, with an opportunity for Football League fans to earn their club £250,000 to spend in the next transfer window in the summer.