by Alice Hamilton

As football fans up and down the country gear up for weeks of World Cup excitement, one four-legged sports fan only has one goal – to find a home.

Two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Sidney, has been at the Battersea Rehoming Centre in Brands Hatch for almost 300 days, making him the longest resident there.

The centre’s staff say Sidney is looking for a home where his new owners could help him overcome his anxiety, but say whoever takes him home will “feel like they’ve won the World Cup”.

Sidney was passed from home to home as a puppy, and has been left feeling a little insecure and nervous, but staff say Sidney is never happier than when he’s having a kickabout.

Beth Stevenson, from Battersea Brands Hatch, said: “Sidney is an energetic dog and some of his favourite things are playing with footballs, tennis balls…any sort of ball. When he’s not running around, Sidney likes to chill out with Disney tunes playing in the background.

“Someone who can offer Sidney a calm environment and will work with him to combat his anxieties would be ideal.”

If you think you and World Cup pup Sidney would be a good match, email Battersea on bbh.rehomers@battersea.org.uk. For more information, visit www.battersea.org.uk.