AT 29, Colin Lynch thought his best days on the pitch were behind him.

But winning a Sunderland FC competition means he will soon be dashing around the Black Cats' training pitch like a starstruck schoolboy.

Yesterday, manager Peter Reid welcomed his newest signing to the Stadium of Light - left-winger Colin.

Colin, of Jarrow, South Tyneside, beat off competition from more than 10,000 Sunderland supporters to win the club's One of the Lads competition, thought to be a first in football.

He went head-to-head in a skills showdown with the other remaining finalist during half-time at Saturday's match against Blackburn. Then it was up to supporters to vote for the winner on the Club's official website, safc.com.

Colin came out on top and will put pen to paper on a one-year deal today, subject to his forthcoming medical.

He said: "This is fantastic and I aim to make the most of my year at Sunderland.

"It's been a nervy week, but I always had faith in my ability. It's good for the club to give me a chance and I'm going to enjoy it."

Colin will meet Reid's squad at their training ground HQ and get ready for a year as a Premiership footballer.

The prize includes attending training sessions, travelling to games on the team coach, tickets for the players' lounge and a deal with Sunderland's kit sponsor, Nike.

During the next few weeks, Colin will be given dietary advice and a training programme in a bid to get him into shape for the Premiership.