Harry's Heroes

Did You Know?

• Neil Ruddock learned he was at high risk of heart problems after a medical checkup in Series 1.
• Jamie Thompson, the team's physiotherapist, had to play in the match against San Marino in Series 2 due to player injuries.

Episodes

The first episode of Harry's Heroes aired on March 18, 2019. Harry Redknapp gathered his former players, who were caught off guard by what followed. They were weighed and underwent body composition analysis before their opening match against Ridgeway Rovers Youth Football Club. That game ended early to avoid injuries, with the squad losing 2-1.

While most of the players started working on their fitness and weight, Neil Ruddock went on a cruise. David Seaman took Robbie Fowler and Paul Merson fishing, where Merson opened up about his past struggles with drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Back in training, the group completed a bleep test. Mark Wright and Ray Parlour met at a golf course and convinced John Barnes to join the team's diet plan, even though Barnes wasn't playing.

The squad later gathered at a gym for strength and endurance work, then went to a recording studio to re-record "World in Motion." Their second match was against Crystal Palace Ladies, which they won 1-0. Episode two aired on March 19, 2019. Most of the squad traveled to Spain for a training camp, but Robbie Fowler missed a session because he was hungover.

Back in England, Paul Merson admitted he had relapsed into a gambling addiction and met with Drewe Broughton, a former footballer who had dealt with similar addictions. When the squad returned to England, Merson again spoke with Seaman and Fowler about his issues. Several players then tried cryotherapy, a modern recovery technique. Neil Ruddock met with David Ginola, a former footballer who survived a heart attack, to discuss health.

Ruddock then had a medical checkup, where he learned he was at high risk for heart problems. The entire squad assembled for final weigh-ins and suits before their third game against a Germany Legends team. Before the match, they watched video messages of support from Peter Shilton and Paul Gascoigne. The team went on to win that game 4-2.

Cast

For the first season, which began on 18 March 2019, the ages of both players and coaches were recorded on that date. The second season started on 29 April 2020, with ages similarly noted. Vinnie Jones, though born in England, earned his caps and goals for Wales and represented them internationally; however, in Season Two he played as a guest for the England legends. Jamie Thompson was not a professional footballer but the team’s physiotherapist; he was required to play because of injuries among the squad. Neil Ruddock took part in the first two episodes of Season Two but could not play due to a heart condition. Thompson ultimately played in the match against San Marino.