Morrisons approach ex-Sutton United goalkeeper Wayne Shaw to with official 'pie-taster' job offer

The supermarket is keen to add Shaw to their ‘Pie Tasting’ team and has made quite the offer: a year’s worth of pies

Wayne Shaw tucks into a snack on the sideline during Sutton's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal (BBC)

Supermarket chain Morrisons has approached ex-Sutton United reserve goalkeeper Wayne Shaw after Monday night’s FA Cup pie-eating antics.

The supermarket is keen to add the 23-stone goalkeeper to their ‘Pie Tasting’ team and has made quite the offer: a year’s worth of pies.

Should Shaw accept, it’s expected the 46-year-old will join Morrisons on a one-year deal, joining the backroom staff as a Pie Taster.

Morrisons’ Chief Pie Buyer Tessa Callaghan said: “We’re always looking for the best talent to taste our pies and make sure they hit the back of the net.

“Wayne’s performance last night sets him apart as one of the country’s most famous pie connoisseurs.

“We were really impressed by his commitment to pie eating, and we understand that a good pie is the best way to warm up for any occasion, even if it is the biggest night of your football career."

Despite Sutton’s courageous performance against Arsenal in Monday night’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat, it is Shaw’s pie-eating display that has since dominated the headlines.

The 46-year-old reserve goalkeeper caught the attention of the cameras when, after manager Paul Doswell made all three substitutions, he tucked into a pie while standing in the dug-out.

The incident caused great laughter both at the ground and on social media, but it quickly transpired that Shaw appeared to have an ulterior motive.

Before the match, Sun Bet tweeted an offer of 8/1 odds on Shaw to be pictured eating a pie during the match, and the fact that the same betting company had taken out a one-off shirt sponsor for the match was not lost on critics who felt the publicity stunt overshadowed the match.

Worse was to follow though. Shaw confirmed that he knew about the offer, with both the Football Association and Gambling Commission announcing they would be launching an investigation into a possible breach of betting rules.

In light of such developments, Shaw has since handed in his resignation at the club.

A statement from Sutton United read: “Wayne Shaw has resigned from his role at Sutton United following the events of last evening and subsequent publicity. He has said that he 'fully understands the club's position regarding this matter.

Sutton's good start at Gander Green Lane on Monday night was punctured by Lucas Perez's fortunate goal (Getty)

“We are naturally disappointed that Wayne's time with us should end in this manner, and would like to thank him for his contribution to the club and wish him well for the future.”

Doswell explained that the goalkeeper, who doubles up as one of the coaches among his backroom staff, had allowed himself to get caught up in the media attention that surrounded Sutton’s fairy tale run to the FA Cup fifth round.

"I think Wayne's been swept along in the last few weeks and he's just made a very genuine mistake,” Doswell said.

"He's obviously going to pay the price for his mistake. The first I knew about it was when I was taken up to see the written press after the game.

"I was asked but wasn't really aware about it at the time.”