Eddie Marsan has been cast to portray Harry Redknapp in an upcoming film that dramatizes a remarkable episode from English football history. The production, helmed by director Ridley Scott, focuses on a 1994 pre-season friendly match involving West Ham United and non-league side Oxford City.

At the time, Redknapp was serving as assistant manager at West Ham. During the game, an outspoken fan named Steve Davies vocally criticized the team’s striker Lee Chapman from the stands, branding him a "donkey" for his performance. In a surprising turn of events, Redknapp invited Davies to join the team on the pitch, responding to the heckling by challenging the fan to show his abilities.

Davies donned a West Ham kit and subsequently scored a goal, contributing to the club’s eventual 4-0 victory. Although the incident was never captured on film, it has since become a well-known story in football circles, emblematic of Redknapp’s unorthodox management style and the passionate connection between fans and the game.

Marsan, who is known for his role in the Sherlock Holmes series and is a devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporter, will set aside his own club loyalties to portray Redknapp, who later managed Spurs. Actor Anson Boon has been cast as Davies, while Ellie Bamber will play the role of Davies’s girlfriend.

According to sources involved with the production, Marsan is preparing to film his scenes in the coming weeks and is enthusiastic about taking on a role that highlights a significant moment in football folklore. Redknapp himself has spoken fondly of the event over the years, once jokingly telling the stadium announcer that he was bringing on a "great Bulgarian" player named “Tittyshev” as part of the stunt.

Steve Davies has described the experience as "the greatest moment" of his life. He has recounted that, at the time, he was a heavy smoker and took several cigarettes and beers during the first half of the match, adding a colorful dimension to the story.

The film, titled "Halftime Hero," aims to bring this unique slice of football history to the screen, casting light on a moment of spontaneity and humor that remains memorable to fans of the sport.