5.The Damned United
If Brian Clough was the best England manager England never had then this movie is surely the best football movie not to feature any football (or Soccer if thats your way). Tom - soon to be toast of Hollywood and Oscar winning director of The Kings Speech Hoppers adaptation of David Peaces controversial novel of the same name explores the life of one of Britains most outspoken and successful football managers Brian Clough with Martin Sheen giving a real start turn. The film focuses on Cloughs tumultuous reign as manager of Leeds United, which lasted just 44 days. After taking lowly Derby Country from a struggling second division side to Champions of England in just two years, Clough goes against the advisement of best friend and assistant Peter Taylor and takes over as manager of the side of the day Leeds United, whom he had openly bad mouthed for two whole seasons. He encounters a hostile dressing room, an unsupportive board and fans who would rather have his head on their shelf than him step into their beloved Don Revies polished shoes. For me, the film is a huge success for a number of reasons: the succinct coverage of a long period of time; the way it captures the atmosphere of a football match without focusing on the on-pitch action; the relationship between Clough and Taylor and his family; the accuracy and attention to detail in the actors depictions of Clough and co.