Charlie Austin bet could win Poole Town fans thousands

Charlie Austin began his playing career in the lower leagues

A bet on QPR striker Charlie Austin to score for England could earn thousands for speculative Poole Town fans.

A group of 16, including commercial chief Mark Bumford, placed a £155 bet at 50-1 in 2010 when Austin had started at Swindon, having left Poole.

Now with the 25-year-old having received his first call-up, the group are closing in on a £7,905 payout.

"The local bookies are aware they might have to cough up. They don't mind. It's good publicity," said Bumford.

Southern Premier League club Poole were in the Wessex League Premier Division when Austin joined them in 2008 from Thatcham Town.

The forward spent a season at the Dorset club where he had a remarkable scoring record.

Bumford added: "He was always confident and sure of himself. A little cocky.

"But with 46 goals in 46 games in his first season, then 18 goals in his last 11 matches for us, including five in his last game, he could afford to be."