Dad Trouble Jamie Johnson

Has Jamie had much contact with his dad?

Not at the moment. His grandad's always been more of a father figure

-than Ian ever was.

-I'm presuming Jamie didn't stash that letter

from his dad in the newspaper.

Want to tell me what's going on?

Since when has Ian bought us anything but trouble?

This is my decision, Dad.

Just promise me you won't say anything to Jamie.

-ALL:

-Let's do this!

What's going on out there?

You should be making mincemeat of this team.

Give Jamie the ball as much as possible.

He's the only one out there making anything happen.

"Jamie Johnson, a talent to watch out for."

-Fantastic.

-Well done, Jamie.

DOORBELL RINGS I'll get it.

One, two, three, four!

-CROWD CHANTS:

-Jamie! Jamie! Jamie! Jamie!

-Dad?

-Hi, Jamie.

Long time no see. Hey, I'm proud of you, son.

-What are you doing here?

-Karen, lovely to see you, too.

You can't just turn up out of the blue like this.

It's not out of the blue. I told Jamie in me letter

-I might call round some time, didn't I, Jamie?

-What letter?

You didn't get it?

-You didn't give it to him.

-Can you go now?

That's pretty despicable, Karen.

-Did you hear what I said?

-Why didn't you give him me letter?

You heard my daughter. You're not welcome here.

It's me new mobile number. Call me, Jamie. Yeah?

Go!

It's for me, like, the letter was for me.

Jamie!

Don't, Dad.

I knew it was a bad idea, keeping it from him.

The timing was wrong. I explained all that.

Jamie's just changed his name.

He's moving on.

He's forgetting about his dad and the letter would have started that

-all off again.

-Maybe if you explain some of this to Jamie...

when you give him the letter.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Jamie?

-Can I come in?

-Your head already is.

I wanted to explain why I didn't give you these.

-There's more?

-Well, that's a birthday card.

-And you didn't give it to me?

-I'm going to explain why.

I don't want your excuses.

-Jamie.

-Just go.

-Please.

Leave me alone.

-How did it go?

-SHE SIGHS

'And you can imagine how surprised I were when your uncle Ellis told me

'you'd come looking for me. You've been on me mind a lot since then.

'I wish you'd stuck around to say hello, Jamie.'

'I heard you're living at Mike's now.

'Perhaps I'll pop round there one of these days and say hello to you

'instead. Be good to hang out occasionally.'

'Thinking of you, love, Dad.'

DIAL TONE RINGS

Dad, it's me, Jamie.

What time's Ian supposed to be picking him up?

Ten o'clock, Jamie said.

-Late as usual.

-CAR HORN TOOTS

All right, pal?

OK, now, pass me the bait.

You seen them?

-Go on, then.

-Errr! HE LAUGHS

Oh, hello, Harry, love.

Dillon, are you out of your pit yet?

Harry's here.

He's still in bed. You'd better come in.

So, you said you moved back round here?

That's right, I have.

With your new family?

What new family?

Mum said you left because you got a new girlfriend.

I left because your mum chucked me out.

But you do have a girlfriend?

No.

What you've got to understand is that your mum and me

weren't seeing eye to eye.

And you had a baby with her?

No.

Who told you that?

That is so not true.

-I've seen him, Dad.

-What?

That time I came looking for you.

Followed you home and I saw him.

I'm sorry.

I didn't want you to know.

I thought you might hate me.

I was just trying to protect you, Jamie.

Why does everyone say they want to protect me?

I wish you'd all just tell me the truth instead.

You are spot on there, my son.

From now on, the truth it is.

Promise. Deal?

Deal.

We need to get in some serious practice today.

Competition at the Academy is fierce, man.

I was well off my game yesterday.

We've got Westfield High in the semis.

Apparently that's the team to beat.

Well, if it isn't my very own sleeping beauty.

Honestly, Harry, if there was a gold medal for lying in bed...

Go on.

Flipping heck, Dillon.

I only bought this yesterday.

Recycling.

Hey. You all right, duck?

-You're looking a bit peaky.

-Mum...

Oh, no, I was wrong, Harry.

He's not a sleeping beauty.

It's sleeping beastie.

SHE LAUGHS

Let's go.

You seen that car?

So what's it like living at Mike's, then?

OK.

I notice they made you change your surname.

They didn't make me.

It's all right. I understand.

Mike still know it all when it comes to football, then?

-Er, yeah.

-Yeah.

I could have been a professional player, you know.

-Really?

-Bet Mike and your mum never told you that, did they?

-So what happened?

-Well, my parents weren't particularly supportive.

Picked up a couple of injuries.

That set me back a bit.

And then,

well, and then I met your mum.

And that were that.

Right.

Never let a girl come between you and your career.

I won't.

Cos from that write-up in the papers,

a footballing career is definitely on the cards.

Any scouts been sniffing round yet?

Don't you worry. They will.

Right, how about we head up to the park and I'll show you where you get

-your talent from.

-You're on.

20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25...

No! I'm having another go.

Look at the grass.

-Too long.

-Well, in that case, some posts on the other side of the park.

Game of one-on-one, then.

Come on.

It's hot. Pass me that water bottle, Harry.

Cheers.

Who's that with Jamie?

Don't know.

They're not getting on here, if that's what they're thinking.

Come on. Let's have a kickabout.

-Want to join in?

-No, I'm all right.

-Come on, then.

-Come on.

-Come on.

-Oh, mate!

He's not bad. The smaller one.

-Dillon's better.

-Don't look like it from here.

-Plays for Hawkstone.

-No way!

Been a bit off recently, though.

You're telling me. He's not even Foxborough material.

And we all know what rubbish players they sign.

Come on, then. It's probably time to get you back home in any case.

How come he's at Hawkstone and you're not?

You should be in there. Can't leave it too late these days, you know.

Mike says it's not a problem

and I shouldn't stress about it.

Yeah, well, Mike should be getting you a trial.

-It's not that easy.

-Yeah, it's not that difficult either.

I tell you what...

-..I'll sort it.

-You?

Don't sound so surprised.

I know some people at Hawkstone.

Pull a few strings.

He's back.

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

Hiya, love. Did you have a nice time?

Great. We went fishing.

He said I could keep these.

And, Mike, he said he can get me a trial at Hawkstone.

He knows some people there.

-Does he now?

-And cos he's moved back round here,

I'm going to be seeing a lot more of him.

There's no use trying to stop me.

Who said anything about trying to stop you?

Was just saying, all right.

I'll take these upstairs.

Hey, what happened to you the other night? I never saw you leave.

Well, you were all dancing and I don't really do dancing, so...

Neither do I.

Fortunately, Indira had other ideas.

We had the quarters the next day.

I decided I better go home.

That was a great win, by the way.

I don't know about great but it was a win

-and that's what counts.

-Who are you playing in the semis?

Westfield High. They're favourites to win the whole tournament.

It will be a toughie. Good job we've got a secret ingredient.

-Oh?

-Boggy.

-Boggy?

-I have direct access to the rival team.

So I can scout them out, do some research

and process all the information on this new app I'm designing.

Boggy, got a lesson in two minutes.

As do you. So, perhaps...

If I do my homework right,

we can know everything we need to know about every single player

-on that team.

-I already know that team.

Quite well. We've played them before.

I'm talking specific details.

Stats, Mr Hansard. Not a generalised idea of how they play.

Quietly!

You are young adults, not baby elephants.

So, I'll make a start then, shall I?

-Huh?

-On my research.

Yeah, yeah. All right.

Great!

Dillon?

Are you OK?

Listen, it's all going to be fine.

Just wait there.

I'll get help.

Quick! Dillon's ill!

Boggy!

Dillon?

You more or less passed out on me.

Nice one.

-He did.

-Boggy, you really are the king of pranksters.

I'm fine, as you can see.

And then I got a mammoth telling off for wasting her time.

-Weird.

-I know.

What do you think he's up to? Is he deliberately trying to get me into

-trouble, or what?

-I think there might be something wrong with him,

-you know.

-He did have a terrible game the other day.

I seen him at the park on the weekend,

and he didn't look too good then, either.

Have you noticed how he's always asking to go to the toilet?

-Oh, yeah.

-You don't think he might be on drugs, do you?

Maybe we should talk to that teacher again.

There's no point. She won't believe you.

What about your mum, Jamie?

Yeah, I'll talk to her tonight.

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-The other team has the ball.

Then everyone on our team has to defend.

Keep on your toes.

Eyes on the target, Dillon.

-Nine...

-Come on, Jack. You should be good at this.

-Ten. Yes!

-Nice one, Jamie!

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-OK, OK. Well done, everyone.

Well done. Good work.

Jamie, over here.

OK. Now, I want you to defend this.

OK?

Dillon?

OK, so you're attacking.

Yeah?

Now, stop him.

-OK!

-WHISTLE BLOWS

Let's go.

CROWD CHEERS

Come on, then. Easy.

Coach.

He's playacting.

-Are you all right?

-I didn't foul him.

-Did I say you did?

-He's faking!

Send him off!

Who is that idiot?

Come on, mate. Come on. There we are.

Up we get. That's it.

-You go for a rest, yeah?

-I'm OK.

Go for a rest.

A few early nights wouldn't go amiss, either.

Definitely something not right, there.

Come on, Jamie.

My dad. He's back.

Today, Jamie, if that's OK with you?

WHISTLE BLOWS

I'll tell you what, that coach of yours doesn't seem to know

-very much.

-I used to think that. But I don't know, he's all right.

As for your so-called star player...

-Dillon?

-Yeah.

We think there might be something wrong with him.

Well, there is. He can't play.

Do you want to come in for a cup of tea?

I don't think Mike or your mum would like that, do you?

Mum's at work and Mike will be at the allotments.

Well, in that case, a quick cuppa will be very nice.

Thanks, son.

So, who would you say is your star player?

Carl Barker.

Definitely. I think he might even be at Hawkstone Academy.

Hmm. Really? That's interesting.

What about the rest of your team? Who's the fastest?

Jodie Edwards.

But he's more of an athlete than a footballer, I'd say.

Why are you suddenly so interested in our football team, anyway?

Haven't you heard? Your team are playing our team in the semifinal

-of the Inter-school Cup.

-So?

I'm doing a bit of research.

Can we go watch them train sometime?

You're using me to spy on our players?

It's not spying. It's research, like I said.

I suddenly feel rather exploited, Boggy.

Wait... No, Nancy.

I can walk myself home, thank you very much.

I forgot what a nice gaff Mike has here.

So, when do you think I'll be able to come round to your house?

-My house?

-Yeah.

-I don't know.

-Only, I'd like to meet my brother sometime.

Yeah. It's early days.

Jamie?

Is that you? I thought you...

-Hello, again.

-Dad came to watch me train.

And he gave me a lift home, so...

Who gave you permission to pick him up from school?

I don't need permission, I'm his father.

Sorry, I don't think we've been introduced.

-Ian.

-You do need permission.

And you need permission to enter this house.

Well, Jamie invited me in, so...

And you absolutely need my permission to see Jamie at any point

in the future. There's no official contact order in place here.

Well, maybe I'll just get one, then.

The courts will listen to what Jamie wants, and he wants to see me.

-Don't you, Jamie?

-Leave him out of this.

-Don't be ridiculous.

I'm back in the area, and I want to see my son.

-Get used to the idea.

-And why are you back?

Why do you suddenly want to see him?

Has she kicked you out? Is that it?

-No.

-Maybe it was that article about Jamie doing so well

that caught your interest? Bit of a coincidence, isn't it?

You showing up on the day it's printed.

-It's only paranoia, as per usual.

-No.

You used to make me think that I was paranoid,

but it turns out I wasn't, though, was I?

-Oh, here we go.

-And if you think I'm going to let you waltz back into his

-life and fill his head with false promises...

-What false promises?

-A trial at Hawkstone!

-What are you trying to say?

-That I can't get him one?

-Let's just calm this down.

I already have got him a trial, as it happens.

Tomorrow. Of course, if you are now saying that he can't go, well...

Mum.

Well, if what you're saying is true...

then how can I stand in his way?

Jamie. Don't put yourself under too much pressure.

It took me time to achieve my goals.

When I was first scouted there was nothing better.

Playing with footballers who were stronger and quicker.

Challenging myself, wanting to learn.

But getting into Academy is the first step.

Becoming a professional player is tough.

I had to sit on the bench and bide my time,

but with hard work and practice, when my chance came, I was ready.

And look where I am now -

playing with and against some of the best players in the world.

So remember, Jamie, don't rush.

Just be ready, and your time will come.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

-Hey, Jack.

-Oh, hi, Jamie.

Listen up. I've got some news.

-About Dillon?

-What?

Did you talk to your mum about him?

No. That's not what I...

Sorry, I forgot.

-Jamie.

-I've got a lot on my mind.

-You don't say.

-Hi.

Hi, Michel.

Looks like I'm not the only one.

Nancy, I'm so sorry.

I didn't mean for you to feel used.

It's not cheating, what I was doing.

It's what all professional teams do.

Research on the opposition.

I mean, you can research our team, if you like.

I might give that one a miss.

-Where did you get those?

-My father's rose garden.

They're for you.

Thanks.

So, are you still mad at me?

If you want to research our team, Boggy,

-you're going to have to do it without my help.

-Yes, I will.

In that case, I'm not still mad at you.

These smell nice.

SHE SNIFFS THEM AND STARTS COUGHING

Gross. I just inhaled a greenfly.

THEY LAUGH

What do you think they'll ask me to do?

I don't know. Maybe get you playing with some of the Academy lads,

-see how you shape up.

-Let's do it.

That bloke who was with your mum yesterday...

-Jeremy?

-Yeah.

Is that your mum's boyfriend?

Yeah.

Seems like a bit of a nerd to me.

He is a bit.

He's sound, though.

Listen, I know me and your mum had words yesterday,

but that's just what grown-ups do.

I am still very fond of her.

You do know that, don't you, Jamie?

I'm sure she'll get used to seeing me around.

Who knows, down the line, maybe we can even be friends again?

Ah. Here we go.

CROWD CHEERS

WHISTLE BLOWS

Come on, can we have a bit of effort?

My little sister's faster than you.

THEY LAUGH

Right, come on, boys. Let's set up a practice match, please.

Bibs this side, non-bibs over there with Coach. Come on.

What do you mean there's no record of him?

I'm telling you I've got an appointment.

Do you know Lenny Sans?

Well, you should, he's one of the groundsmen here.

He fixed it up for me.

Look, stop being such a jobsworth and just let us in.

Come on!

-What a complete and utter...

-So, we've not even got an appointment?

My mate said he'd sort it.

-But he hasn't.

-Look, I said I'd get you a trial, didn't I?

And that's what I'm going to do.

Oi! Over here!

-Have none of you read this?

-Dad, it's OK.

Can we just go now?

-PLAYER:

-I'm open!

Pass it, come on.

Dillon, concentrate!

-This boy's a natural. He just needs a break.

-Dad, please!

-I want to go.

-Hey, don't ignore me!

Oi, you!

-Yeah, you!

-Dad, no!

I'm going to sort it, don't worry.

I'm sorry, sir, I'm going to have to ask you to move on.

-You're disturbing the players.

-I just want you to take a look

at my lad. He's good. I promise you won't regret it.

-Jamie Johnson.

-Ah, so you know him already?

-You'll know how good he is, then.

-He's got some talent,

-I'll give you that.

-There you are, then.

But I'm afraid his temperament isn't quite right for this club.

What do you mean, his temperament?

Look, I think it's best if you just leave.

I'm not leaving. I asked you a question.

What's wrong with his temperament?

Ah! Show a bit of passion on the field, does he?

-IN SLOW MOTION:

-I see where he gets it from.

Stop it, Dad. Please.

Something's wrong with Dillon.

# Son

# What have you done?

# You're caught by the river

# You're coming undone

# Life

# You know it can't be so easy

# But you can't just leave it

# Cos you're not in control no more

# And you give it all away

# Would you give it all away now? #

Jamie... I did try.

Honest. It's my mate.

He let me down big-time.

-It's all right.

-So...

When shall we...?

Maybe leave it for a bit, then, yeah?

Jamie? Is that you?

HE CRIES

You're hypoglycaemic, which means your blood sugar levels

are excessively high.

That's why you've been feeling so tired all the time.

What does that mean, though? What's wrong with me?

Well, the way you've been feeling so tired and so thirsty,

they're all symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

I can't have diabetes.

I meant to tell you about the symptoms last night.

Maybe if I had, this wouldn't have happened.

Don't beat yourself up.

What do you think it is, Mum?

Well, you say he's been going to the loo a lot?

Do you think that's because he's been drinking more, maybe?

I think so.

I know it's a shock.

To me as much as you.

But I've spoken to the doctors, and it's really not as bad as you think.

Yes, it is. What about my place at the Academy?

I got the semifinals of the Inter-school Cup coming up.

-Will I be able to play?

-Dillon,

we need to get you stabilised first before we even think of playing

football. This condition is something that is going to affect

-the rest of your life.

-But football is the rest of my life.

At least it was supposed to be.

And if it is diabetes, then he will have to be careful and monitor it,

but there's no reason why he shouldn't lead a normal life.

Including playing football.

Gary Mabbutt's got diabetes, he's done all right for himself.

-Could you ring the hospital, Mum, and find out?

-Course I can.

You're a good lad. I know Dillon's not exactly a friend of yours,

but you still care about what he's going through.

We need him fit for the semis, that's why.

You're not fooling me.

You've got heart.

I like that.

Speaking of heart,

don't be too hard on your dad, either.

I know he's got his faults, but...

..I'm sure he meant well.

We're just one game away from being in the final

-at St George's Park.

-I've told Hansard I want to come out of goal

-tomorrow.

-I just can't afford to take that risk.

Not with a game of this magnitude.

I fought so hard for this, and still Hansard doesn't take me seriously.

-I might as well give up now.

-Jack!

Why do you make it harder for her than anyone else?

I treat every member of my squad equally.

-You sure about that?

-People keep banging on about how being diabetic

doesn't stop you from doing stuff.

Please, sir, I'm begging you, don't drop me.

Come on, Jamie!

Come on. Everyone forward.

What are you doing? Not you. Get back in your goal.

-ALL CHANT:

-Jack, Jack, Jack, Jack...

# Be my, be my

# Be my little rock and roll queen

# Be my, be my

# Be my little rock and roll queen

# Be my little rock and roll queen! #