THE story of how Harry Redknapp pulled an abusive fan out of the crowd to play for West Ham is being turned into a big-budget film.
’s production firm is behind the movie, working title Half Time Hero.
Harry Redknapp pulled an abusive fan out of the crowd to play for West Ham Credit: Steve Bacon
The moment the fan brought on Steve Davies is set to be made into a film Credit: Steve Bacon
In 1994, assistant boss brought on boozed-up Steve Davies who spent the first half heckling striker Lee Chapman.
Steve, then 27, scored as the Hammers beat Oxford City 4-0 in a friendly. A week later Harry was made manager.
Insiders said the , which starts production next week, will star actor Anson Boon as Steve.
A source said: “Harry made history that day and now Ridley’s team are bringing it to life.
“No real footage or pictures exist of the moment Steve was brought onto the pitch so they’re recreating it. Anson is in place but the actor playing Harry is under wraps.
“They have spoken to Harry. He may even get a cameo.”
Gladiator director Ridley Scott’s production firm is behind the upcoming movie Half Time Hero Credit: Getty
Casting details of who will play Harry Redknapp have yet to be confirmed Credit: Getty
The fan was subbed on after criticising star player Lee Chapman Credit: Andrew Styczynski – The Sun
Loudmouth Steve was rewarded for his abuse – with a spot in the team Credit: Andrew Styczynski – The Sun
Explaining the substitution, Harry, now 79, said previously: “There’s a guy next to the dug-out.
“He’s got tattooed all over his arms and neck. After two minutes, he started on me, ‘We ain’t got Lee Chapman up front do we? I ain’t coming every week if he’s playing.’
“Half-time I made five subs. I was running out of players. Then we got another injury, so I said to this guy, ‘Oi, can you play as good as you talk?’”
Harry later told the stadium announcer he’d brought on “a great Bulgarian, Tittyshev”.
Steve, who went on to run a courier firm, said in 2013 of his goal: “I just hit it. It was like time stopped still. It was the greatest moment of my life.
After that, I was exhausted. I was on 30 cigarettes a day back then. I had a couple of cigs and a couple of beers in the first half, didn’t I?”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
