John Lydon to help with public image at Wembley
An Oxford painter and decorator will get the chance to carry out his dream job this weekend – painting the Wembley pitch lines before watching his side play in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final at the iconic stadium.John Lydon, from Kennington, has won a nationwide competition for painters and decorators organised by tournament sponsors Johnstone’s Paint, to paint the lines at Wembley ahead of the final between Oxford United and Barnsley.
John will carry out the work under the watchful eye and guidance of the Wembley groundstaff and admits he is overwhelmed at winning the unique prize, which also includes tickets to the final and weekend accommodation in London for him and his wife Lynn.
“I’ve been painting and decorating for 37 years but never thought I’d ever have the opportunity to do this at Wembley,” said the 53-year-old, whose Oxfordshire business is called John Lydon Decorating.
“It’s a fantastic prize and I’m absolutely thrilled to have won it. It will be the most unusual job I’ve ever done – but also the one I’m looking forward to most.
“I used to run the Kennington Boys junior football team and I’d paint the lines for the games, but that was 15 years ago so hopefully I’m not too rusty!
“It’s going to be a great experience and the fact Oxford – a club I’ve followed for 43 years – are in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final as well makes it all the more special.”
Richard Mazurkiewicz, marketing manager of Johnstone’s Trade, said: “As this is our tenth season of sponsoring the Football League Trophy, we were keen to offer a money can’t buy opportunity such as this.
“What John will be doing is very unique and I’m sure he will have memories which will last a lifetime.”
John will paint the Wembley lines on Saturday afternoon, 24 hours before Oxford face Barnsley in front of around 60,000 fans in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final.