DigiGuide Library

Programme Information

Ricky Tomlinson plays Mike Bassett, the football manager suddenly handed the England job when everyone else turns it down. Using the tactics that saw him take Norwich to a minor cup win, he starts by replacing the Beckham-figure with Dean Lennox Kelly, an over-the-hill player with a drink problem, and hires a car salesman as his coach. Despite losing in the qualifiers, England get to the finals via a loophole. Now all Bassett has to do is make good his promise: England will win the World Cup. Steven Barron's comedy gives Tomlinson full rein, and if it has the odd maudlin moment, it also has enough laughs to keep the action moving along.

Keywords:

Comedy, Football, Sport, Movie, Film, Soccer, Movies, Films

Additional Information:

(2001) (UK) (3 Star)

Cast:

Ricky Tomlinson	.... Mike Bassett
Amanda Redman	.... Karine Bassett
Bradley Walsh	.... Dave Dodds
Philip Jackson	.... Lonnie Urquart
Phill Jupitus	.... Tommo Thompson
Dean Lennox Kelly	.... Kevin Tonkinson

Supporting Cast:

Martin Bashir	.... Interviewer
Robbie Gee	.... Smallsy
Pelé	.... Himself
Kevin Piper	.... Norwich newsreader
Robert Putt	.... Jack Marshall
Malcolm Terris	.... Phil Cope
Philip Dunbar	.... Sussex rep
Ulrich Thomsen	.... Dr. Hans Shoegaarten
Lloyd McGuire	.... Midlands rep

Directors:

Steve Barron

Writers:

John R. Smith
Rob Sprackling