SEASON-TICKET holder Simon Chawner was about the only Stoke City fan who did not leave the Brit feeling hard done by after Saturday's defeat.

The 37-year-old, from Newcastle, pictured right, is going to the World Cup final in South Africa after winning a lottery of 10,000 Stoke fans who have already bought their season tickets for the 2010/11 campaign.

The prize is worth more than £10,000 and includes two tickets to the final in Johannesburg on July 11, as well as flights and accommodation.

"It is just unbelievable," said Boothen-Ender Simon, who was invited on to the pitch at half-time of Saturday's game.

"I have been a Stoke fan since I was a young lad, but a season-ticket holder for the last three years, so this isn't a bad return.

"I was self-conscious going on to the pitch, but it was a dream come true to get on and shake hands with some of the players."

The prize has certainly gone to an appreciative winner. Simon attended the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but did not get near the final.

He said: "I've been to England games a few times and went to Germany, although I couldn't get tickets for the games. I watched them at the Fan-Fests over there.

"That was a good experience and there were loads of supporters there, although I suppose it is still watching it on TV."

Simon is hopeful his luck will stretch to seeing England in the final.

He said: "They've got a chance and Ryan Shawcross has a chance of making the squad.

"I don't know if he'll make the team, but it would put the icing on the cake if England got to the final and Ryan nodded the winner in."

In the meantime, Simon has a spare ticket and a selection dilemma to match any of Fabio Capello's problems.

"I've already been inundated with phone calls," he revealed.

Stoke introduced the prize to encourage fans to buy their season tickets early. But supporters still have until this Wednesday to buy season tickets for the "early-bird" cheapest prices.

MICHAEL BAGGALEY