FOOTBALL fans are keeping their fingers crossed as Sunderland AFC prepares to unveil the winners of its One of the Lads competition.

The competition, which attracted 10,000 entries, will give one lucky fan the chance of a lifetime to sign for the club for a season.

Seven finalists will now be selected by the club and placed on the club's official website, safc.com.

The public will then vote off one person each day in a Big Brother-style competition.

By Saturday, September 8 only two finalists will be left and they will go head-to-head at a soccer skills showdown at half-time during the match against Blackburn.

The winner will be chosen by fans and unveiled by manager Peter Reid at a press conference on Tuesday, September 11.

Throughout the season the winner will gain an insight into the life of a Premiership player by taking part in training sessions, travelling to away games, and attending club functions.