Trial and Error Jamie Johnson

-I know all about you and Hansard.

-You've got the wrong idea here.

I never meant to hurt him, not like that.

There's going to be a scout at the cup match tomorrow.

Keep it to yourself.

Another fine and Savage will be showing him the door.

What we need to do is light that short fuse of his.

I'm Michael Roberts, Hawkestone United.

Just wondered if I could have a word with you.

One little shove and you blew it.

# One, two, three, four! #

CROWD CHANT: Jamie! Jamie! Jamie! Jamie!

FOOTBALL CROWD CHEERS

CHEERING, WHISTLE BLOWS

ALARM RINGS

-KNOCKING

-Jamie? I hope you're up.

Don't think you're lying in bed all day.

MUSIC: Lightning Bolt by Jake Bugg

Dillon, Dillon, pass it, come on!

Yeah!

Well in, Aaron. Back to me, back to me.

-Oi, that was a foul!

-Yeah, right.

-Yes!

-Get in!

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

I think you'll find that's 2-1.

-Would have been the other way round if we had a ref.

-Dream on.

It was too easy taking the ball off you, though.

You're going to need to be sharper at your trial tonight.

Five minutes with me at Hawkestone and everyone will know who's boss.

Jack? Can I have a word with you in my office, please?

-What about form class?

-I've spoken to her, it won't take a minute.

Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes in trouble, eh? What have you done?

Get a life.

Right, there's a lot of work to do from school.

Once he's finished today's lot,

there's a list of jobs round the house on there.

Don't be too hard on him.

He needs bringing into line.

The kid made a mistake.

And there's a lad sitting at home who can barely walk because of it!

I know that.

Right, breakfast then straight on with your schoolwork.

-Going out for a kickabout.

-Oh! Yeah, that'll be right.

-You can't keep me in here all day.

-Oh, and what about Harry, huh?

He won't be having a kickabout any time soon, will he?

Schoolwork first.

Then that lot when you finish.

-I can't do all that!

-Oh, yes, you can.

And you will. And if you don't, you'll be grounded for another week.

Just do what your mum tells you.

I mean it, Jamie. That lot better be done by the time I get home.

-Don't worry, you're not in trouble.

-Why am I here, then?

I've got an assignment you might be interested in.

At the Hawkestone Academy.

Now, I'm sure you know Dillon's got a trial down there this evening.

Everyone knows. Might as well have bought himself a megaphone.

Well, it's a big thing for Kingsmount.

So we're going to do a feature on it on the school website.

-And I was wondering if you might be interested in helping us.

-Me?

Why not? You've got good football knowledge, writing ability.

But it's fine if you don't want to.

It's not that.

I know you'd rather be writing about your friend Jamie.

But you have a talent with words and this is a massive opportunity.

And sometimes you just have to put your personal feelings to one side.

It's your choice,

and you can have some time to think about it if you like.

-I'll do it.

-You're sure?

-Definitely.

-Great!

-You make sure Jamie gets all that work done.

-Aye-aye, boss.

I'm being serious.

If I see him slacking, I'll be right there, cracking the whip.

You might want to have a word with yourself while you're at it.

What's that supposed to mean?

This business with you and Mr Hansard.

You've got to sort it, once and for all.

There's nothing to sort. It's ancient history.

-Oh, you reckon?

-Come on, love.

It was a football match years ago.

What's the point of going over it all again now?

You really want me to answer that?

Fair enough, I shouldn't have gone in so hard on Hansard.

-But it wasn't dirty, these things happen in football.

-Look...

I'm not blaming you entirely.

I'm just saying that this little feud is part of the problem here.

I mean, how is Jamie supposed to learn when he's got two adults

behaving like kids over something that happened such a long time ago?

His name's Michael Roberts.

He's a pretty young scout but he's one of the best in the business.

So how much money will you get?

I'll leave my agent to deal with the contract negotiations.

-You've got an agent?

-I will have soon.

Slightly presumptuous.

-It's called confidence.

-I guess we'll find out tonight.

-I'm really looking forward to it.

-What?!

I'm doing a feature on the Academy for the school website.

-I'll be watching.

-So we'll get true representation,

-whether you like it or not.

-Good.

The more people that read about it, the better.

Just make sure you write an honest report.

I hope you're not questioning Jack's integrity.

She's fully aware of the responsibilities placed on

the effective free media.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

Does he really think the trial will be that easy?

Who knows what he thinks?

Funny thing, confidence.

Not enough and you never get off the ground.

Too much and you crash and burn.

He'll be up against quality players tonight.

-It should be Jamie going to that trial.

-I know.

But maybe I can do something about that.

Just do your best, nobody can ask any more than that.

You heard her. I'm in trouble if I don't finish it.

And I've got all them jobs to do after as well.

Your mum's just making a point. She's worried about you.

I'm on your side, Jamie. You do know that, don't you?

If you were on my side, you would have told me about you and Hansard.

-What difference would that have made?

-A big difference.

Harry and Dillon wouldn't have been able to use it against me.

I wouldn't have lost my temper.

-You sure you don't want a hand?

-I can do it by myself.

Are you sure this is a good idea?

You said it yourself. Jamie deserves that trial more than Dillon.

Doesn't mean you should risk messing up your assignment.

The Academy director needs all the facts about Jamie.

Don't tell me you've suddenly lost faith in stats and analysis.

Of course not.

If it works with Hansard, it could work at Hawkestone tonight.

The difference is, I see Hansard every day.

How are you going to get the Academy director to even read it?

Easy, I'll track him down at half-time

and hand it over when the scout isn't there.

-You don't even know what he looks like.

-Of course I do.

His picture's on the club website. That's him there.

Fair enough. It's your neck on the block, though.

And he was like, "No way Maradona was as good as Messi."

And I'm like, "You're kidding. Have you ever seen the videos?"

Right, lads, listen in.

This is Dillon, he's here on trial.

Going in at centre mid.

So, I'm sure you'll all make him feel very welcome, all right?

We've already got a centre mid.

Sit down then.

Not there, that's my space.

That one's taken as well.

What do you want?

Just a quick word.

HE SIGHS

-We need to clear the air.

-The air doesn't need to be clear, OK?

Now, if you'll excuse me...

-What happened between me and you was a long time ago.

-Exactly.

It was a mistake. But that's football.

But I still should have apologised.

And if it makes a difference, I will now.

It's not necessary.

It's crazy that something between me and you

should be causing problems for our grandkids.

-Apology accepted.

-ENGINE STARTS

Right, lads, now, I know it's only a training game

and it's against the older lads,

but that means you're going to have to give me 100%.

Dillon, you're going to go straight in at centre mid. All right?

We play a certain way here, ball on the deck. Short passes, understand?

And I want you working hard up top as always, Jethro.

You're the first line of defence as soon as they're on the ball, got it?

Good. OK.

So, enjoy yourself. These lads know what they're doing,

but, you know, don't be afraid to get on the ball

and just do your thing. All right?

That's what you're here for. Good.

-OK, then, lads. Who are we?

-ALL: Hawkestone.

-Again, on your feet, who are we?

-ALL: Hawkestone!

Good, have a good game.

-Hey!

-I've been inside all day.

You heard your mum, schoolwork then chores.

The attitude stops now, do you understand me?

I've made my mistakes and I've learned from them.

It's about time you did the same.

I want what's best for you, Jamie.

But the more time you spend blaming other people,

the less you'll learn from your own mistakes.

I've just been to see Mr Hansard.

-What about?

-To clear the air. To apologise.

I was wrong, just like you were yesterday.

Now, let's get home.

-There's something I want to give you.

-What is it?

You'll see when we get there.

-Go on, go on.

-I'm open!

Go on, boys, go on.

-Keep up, keep up.

-Come on!

Dillon, find me, I'm on!

Dillon, work rate! Up it, come on!

That's yours, that's yours.

-Jethro's on, Dillon.

-Play it!

Here you are, Jethro.

Dillon, Dillon. What is that?

Your friend's not started so well.

I've already told you, Dad, he's not my friend.

Looks like he needs to be a few yards further forward.

Maybe that's where the coaches told him to play.

Watch that run, Dillon.

Come on, up your work rate, Dillon, come on!

Now, hold it up. Now, get it back.

Yes!

Oh, come on.

THEY CHEER

I thought you were supposed to be a decent player.

-Man on shout would have been nice.

-You've got no chance here.

-There's always the second half.

-Yeah, that's kind of how it works.

-Back in a bit.

-Where are you going?

-Half-time interview.

So. Not the best half of football, lads, eh?

You were half asleep for the first 15 minutes.

We've hardly had the ball up front. He's not found me once with a pass.

We play as a team, Jethro, remember?

All right, what we need to do is get back to basics.

We need to work harder off the ball, and ship it

a lot quicker when we're on it.

Dillon, I want to see a lot more of you in this game, young man.

You were all over the pitch when you played for your school.

Are you all right?

OK, well, just try and relax and enjoy yourself.

But everybody, let's have a better second half of football, shall we?

Now, we'll give it the first ten, then make changes if we need to.

Hope we don't wait that long.

-Come on, boys, who are we?

-ALL: Hawkestone.

-Again, come on, who are we?

-ALL: Hawkestone!

OK, get out there, come on, focus.

I hadn't looked at this for ages until today.

Perhaps I should have.

What is it?

I thought long and hard about giving it you.

But now seems like the right time.

It might help.

My book of legends.

Notes on all the great players.

Advice, tactics.

Like a scrapbook?

It's much more than a scrapbook.

I started putting it together after all that stuff with Mr Hansard.

-It's that old?

-I spent years adding to it.

Some of it's your handwriting.

Yeah, it's been like a diary at times.

All the situations I've had to deal with in matches.

Things I've learned. Stuff I've heard the top players say.

Everything important.

And I can have it?

Only if you promise to really think about what's in there.

-I've been having a fresh look myself.

-Because of you and Hansard?

It's not your fault. It's me that did that to Harry, no-one else.

Just make sure you read it.

Think really hard about the choices you're making when things get tough.

And give your mum a break as well.

She only wants what's best for you.

DOOR SLAMS

SHE CLEARS HER THROAT

Excuse me? Who let you in here?

I'm sorry for interrupting.

-I'll only take a minute of your time.

-I beg your pardon?

There's something I want to share with you, an opportunity.

Details of a player that's slipped through your net.

He's a complete player.

Goals, assists, tenacity, positional awareness, he's got the lot.

-Expert, are you?

-I know enough.

Hmm.

Well, if he's that good, I'm sure he's been picked up by our scouts.

If it's who I'm thinking of, he almost was.

-I recognise this one, and her mate Jamie Johnson.

-You know the lad?

-Same school as the kid on trial today.

-And?

Very talented player, don't get me wrong. Little bit on the small side.

-His biggest problem is his temperament.

-Ah.

He's working on that.

-Look, if we've already said no...

-Jamie deserves another chance.

And not just because of stats. He's an exceptional player.

If we've made a decision, then we've made a decision.

Ten out of ten for effort, though.

Pretty good herself, actually.

-Sign me up then.

-We don't have a girls' team here.

Maybe you should have.

What are you doing here anyway?

Reporting on the match.

Ah! You're the budding sports journalist from Kingsmount School.

Well, I'll be interested to read your piece when it's done.

Now, if you'll excuse us. We've got work to do in here.

That's it, better energy, Hawkestone. Good. Work rate!

-Get everything you need?

-Kind of.

Mmm. You enjoy this journalism, don't you?

-I'd rather be out there playing.

-I know.

-Hold the line.

-Come on, hold the line.

Oh, looks like they're trying a gegenpress.

You don't even know what a gegenpress is, Dad.

Course I do!

HE LAUGHS

Now use it!

Oh! Come on.

Right, Sam, going to swap you in, mate.

Get yourself warmed up, five more minutes.

'You'll never make it here.

'I was expecting more from you, young man.

'Come on, Dillon. Time to show them what you're made of.'

Here, here!

Man on!

And again.

Here.

Lovely feet!

That's better, lads, come on. Heads up.

Good vision, Dillon.

Much better, Hawkestone, come on!

-Dillon, come on!

-Mine, mine, mine!

THEY GROAN

I was on a play, Jethro.

Shut up, that's about the only decent thing you've done.

Come on!

Yes! Get in there!

-That's better.

-FINAL WHISTLE BLOWS

That's how you do it, boys. Right over his head. Simple as that.

You were rubbish most of the game.

My nan's a better centre mid than you.

Came through when it mattered, though. Like all the best players.

Didn't see you chipping in with an equaliser.

-I've scored 15 this season.

-But you didn't score today.

Without me, you lot would have been doomed.

You've got a big mouth.

-Anyone ever told you that?

-No.

They've told me I've got a sweet right foot. And they were correct.

Ten minutes in one game's nothing. They might not even sign you.

Everything all right, boys?

Remember, respect, all right?

Zero tolerance on any bullying in here.

You all know that.

So...

-That was a bit better, second half.

-Yeah, I thought so.

-Good.

We'd like to invite you back for a few more training sessions,

maybe another game, you know, see how you shape up. All right?

I was nearly 22 when I got my chance to be a professional.

Everyone had written me off.

Said I was too small. That my attitude wasn't right.

I thought the chance to be a top player had gone.

But I never gave up.

So work hard and listen to the people who care about you.

Treat them with respect, and your opponents too. Be hard but fair.

If you can't learn to make the right choices,

you might as well give up now.

Words are one thing, Jamie, but it's what you do that matters.

You've got to ask yourself, do I really believe in myself?

Can I really make it in this game?

-Nice of you to wait around.

-I've got a story to write.

A story about Dillon's glorious victory?

-Doubt I'll be using those exact words.

-Why not? Be a great headline.

See, now I'm doing your job as well as mine.

Go on, then. Ask me some questions.

How did it feel to be playing with the proper Academy?

It felt normal, I belong at this level.

Were you nervous before the game?

I don't get nerves, nerves are for losers.

-I think that will be enough questions for now.

-Sure?

I'll need to get to writing.

The Academy director wants to read my piece as soon as possible.

What?

And I'm sure he'll be interested in your thoughts

on being part of a team.

"Dillon's glorious victory." No mention of anyone else, though.

I'll make sure I quote you on that.

Nice to spend some proper time together.

Even if I do cramp your style.

-I never said you cramped my style.

-You didn't have to.

You should bring your mum along to your next assignment.

-Like she'd ever have time for that.

-She works hard, Jack.

-She does her best.

-Yeah, her best to be away for days on end.

It's not by choice, it's part of her job.

We all have to do things we don't want to sometimes.

-Like you and this writing.

-I love writing about football.

You didn't want to write about that lad's goal, though, did you?

But you'll have to, because it's part of the job.

Oi, you've got your own!

I was really proud of you today.

You should really think about it as a career.

Now, how's about you explain that gegenpress to me?

-So, Mr Hansard accepted your apology?

-Kind of.

At least you tried, I suppose.

-How's Jamie been?

-We had a good chat today.

-He seems genuinely sorry for what happened.

-So he should be.

DOOR OPENS

I want to say sorry for yesterday. And for this morning.

No-one made me do that to Harry. It was a stupid decision.

I appreciate you saying sorry, Jamie. I really do.

But your words aren't enough on their own.

I'm going to be different from now on.

-I'll start by saying sorry to Harry.

-That would be good.

I missed out at Hawkestone.

It was my own fault. No-one else's.

Can I go out for a few minutes?

-Ten minutes then straight back.

-Thanks, Mum.

I just can't bear to write an article with Dillon as the hero.

-It sounds like you've got no choice.

-"Dillon's glorious victory."

-How's it going?

-She went to the Hawkestone Academy

to write an article about Dillon for the school website.

I thought it would be a chance to get you a trial.

-But I failed.

-And Dillon scored a wonder goal.

-I'm sorry, Jamie.

There's no need to say sorry.

Today was a big deal for you, and you were busy trying to help me.

-You deserved that trial, not Dillon.

-I didn't, not this time.

What I did to Harry was wrong.

I tried to blame it on Mike, and on Harry.

But it was me that made the wrong choice.

Meanwhile, Jack still has to write an article

about how brilliant Dillon was.

Just pretend you're writing about someone else.

-Jamie's right.

-Cos I'm going to make it as a player.

That's the spirit.

And I'm going to make sure that it's me that gets the next trial.

And when I do, it'll be because I deserve it.

Tell me exactly what she said.

All I know is that we're meeting in the park.

-And she wants it to be top secret.

-16 hours and counting.

Sports Personality of the Year?

You, Jacqueline, are going to enter Savage's competition

-and you are going to win.

-What?

Do you want me to say you're off the hook?

What you did to me was OK? Well, tough, it's not.

Your first Kingsmount Sports Personality is...