Yesterday's Hero (1979)

Banal and cliched story of former great footballer, now alcoholic and playing non-league, who is given a lifeline by pop star Nicholas, owner of a team on the rise and in the midst of a cup run. Bleary egomaniac McShane treats his lady friends callously but old flame Somers, now singing partner to Nicholas, somehow convinces him to reform and shape up. Faith is the coach forced to accept him. Pitches were muddy in those days and pop duos were as bland as ever. Written by Jackie Collins, so the characters are cliched and one-dimensional, while the situations are turgid. Nicholas and Somers enthusiastically perform several upbeat pop songs. McShane looks the part of an out of shape sportsman and Faith is on target as a frustated cockney coach. The football scenes offer the only excitement here. Can McShane stay off the bottle long enough and learn to co-operate with others to help his team win?