TV: Football on the small screen
How has the world of football translated onto the small screen?
We have picked some excellent documentaries and TV series that are worth a watch.
Dream Team
Dream Team was a drama that aired on Sky One from 1997 to 2007. It chronicled the on-field and off-field affairs of the fictional Harchester United Football Club. It was more dramatic than many of the Netflix and Amazon Prime series based on real-life football teams.
Renford Rejects
A series that examines and explores the grassroots side of football. The centre of this show is a five-a-side school football team, made up of aspiring players who had been turned down by their school team. They were named Renford Rejects when a rival player sabotaged their league entry form. They ultimately decided to stick with the name as it suited the outcast nature.
Welcome to Wrexham
An American sports documentary series that premiered in August 2022. It documents the events of Wrexham A.F.C. It was told by the club's owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. Despite a successful season, they missed out on promotion to League Two.
Sunderland ‘Till I Die
A documentary series focusing on Sunderland A.F.C. The first series showcases their year in the Championship and a second successive relegation. During the second series, fortunes start to improve for the Tyne and Wear side, but it ultimately ends in heartbreak as they lose in the League One Play-Off Final. You can watch the trailer in the video below.
All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur
This focuses on the 2019–20 season of Tottenham Hotspur. It showcases a difficult season for the club. It begins with the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino and being replaced by José Mourinho. It focuses on the attempt by Mourinho to guide the team in an ultimately unfulfilling season.
More Spurs news and stories can be found here>>>
The English Game
A new take on dramatizing football, The English Game is a miniseries developed by Julian Fellowes for Netflix about the origins of modern football in England. It has received mostly positive reviews, despite some historical inaccuracies.
All or Nothing: Manchester City
This looks at Manchester City during one of the most successful seasons in its history. Occasionally, it did go wrong. This clip looks at the angry scenes after they lost 3-2 against Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In
The man often regarded as the greatest manager of all time has been featured in a number of documentaries. This documentary film takes an intimate look at the life of the former Scotland, Aberdeen and Manchester United manager. It examines his early experiences in Govan, from a playing career to his long and successful managerial career. It uses archive footage and interviews with Ferguson that first took place in 2016.
The Phenomenon: Ronaldo
Ronaldo Nazário was one of the best footballers on the planet. This film chronicles his life and career, exploring some of the best moments and disappointments. For us at European Super Football, this is one of the greatest football documentaries ever made. One man commented: "The greatest player that I’ve seen in my lifetime. Messi and Ronaldo have been amazing. However, in terms of skill and ability, nobody comes close. Injuries and lifestyle prevented him from being the greatest, but still, he’s one of the greats. This documentary is definitely worth a watch."
A history of football video games (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
