Season 8 Episode 1 Episode 325 Sky One Transmission Date: Sunday 17th October 2004 Directed by Shani Grewal

Clyde Eli Ryan Frank, Don Clyde, Barker, Tommy Christine Jodie, Sofia

GS: Eli Knox (Shane Lynch) Christine Thorsvelt (Phoebe Sweeney) Court of Arbitration Spokesman (David Annen) The lads are celebrating their win when the news comes through about their relegation. Two months later the club’s final appeal is rejected and UEFA’s decision upheld. The players are forced to accept that they will remain in the First Division although do fulfill the entry requirements for the Champions League. In London, former Wigan manager Don Barker meets with millionaire businessman Eli Knox who is considering buying the club. Eli says he can't do this and put in a bid for Chelsea’s Tommy Valentine also, but Don informs him they won’t be needing money there and to trust him. On the flip of a coin, Eli decides to go ahead and buy Harchester United. Also in London, Don and his daughter Jodie arrange for a photographer to snap Tommy seeing his team mate’s wife Christine. Dean arrives for work to find Eli, Don and his son-in-law Frank Stone sitting in his office. Dean takes the trio down to the dressing room where Eli explains the true nature of their deal with Coopers Bank, that they would only receive their Champions League bonuses and their wages when they qualified for that competition, and as they didn't finish first or second, but fourth, they still have two qualifying legs to play next season. Dean asks Eli when he wants him out, but Eli tells him he doesn't because Dean and Don are going to put the club back in the Premiership. Tommy meets his agent Sofia Moxham and she shows him a newspaper exposing his affair with Christine. Sofia tells Tommy Kenyan wants him out. Don suddenly passes by and attempts to discuss the possibility of Tommy coming to Harchester, which Tommy is dead against. Outside Don tells Dean that in a couple of weeks time when Tommy has exhausted all his options, Sofia will come knocking and he is to make her an offer she can't refuse. The team are preparing for their first match against Brighton & Hove Albion. Don turns to Ryan, on crutches after breaking his leg in the warm up to Euro 2004, and tells him this is the last time he comes to training as his injury is the last thing the players need to see. Don has his eye on Clyde and tells Frank he will be the one to toughen him up, and in a meeting with Clyde Don bluntly lets him know that Spurs lost interest in him long ago so he can forget a move there. Sofia tells Tommy that Chelsea want 12 million for him and no-one's buying, and they won't loan him to another Premier League club. She goes to talk to Dean and lays down the rules for Tommy joining - on loan until Christmas and his wages at 35K a week. Dean tells Sofia he could make it her worthwhile as they have a lot of players that need to get back into the Premiership. Sofia tells Clyde that she's tried every team in the Premiership and there is no interest in him. Clyde asks her to try Norwich as he has got to get out and will take any offer. When Don tells Clyde that he disrespected his team by keeping them waiting for a nightcap, Clyde tells Don that he knows as much about the Premiership as he will ever know about the lower leagues, and is dropped. At the game, Sofia makes Clyde go and apologise to Don as he needs to be on the pitch for Nigel Worthington’s rep Colin will be watching. Don tells Clyde it should be the team he is apologising to, which he does and is accepted back. Made to play in each other’s regular positions, Tommy tells Clyde they are switching places in order to save the game. This throws the game into further chaos, and Barker's fury leads to him being sent from the technical area, and Colin is not impressed by Clyde’s game, leaving before the end of the match. The full time whistle is blown and Harchester have been beaten in their first Championship game. Don warns Clyde he hasn't even begun to realise the season he has let himself in for. Notes: First appearances of Don Barker (Jon Morrison), Jodie Stone (Lucinda Rhodes-Flaherty), Tommy Valentine (Chris Brazier), Frank Stone (Colin Parry) and Sofia Moxham (Lisa McAllister) Best Known For: Shane Lynch was one fifth of boyband Boyzone from 1993-2000 and again for their reunion from 2007 onwards. He was a participant in “The Games” (2004 & 06) and has since taken part in dozens of reality shows. Colin Parry was involved in one of “Hollyoaks” best remembered storylines, where he played the nasty Mark Gibbs from 1999-2000, and reprised the role in 2017. Amongst his career has been many appearances on "Coronation Street" and the film “The Wind That Shakes The Barley” (2006) Lucinda Rhodes began in many children’s dramas, notably "Harry and Cosh" (1999-2003) and as Big Sis in “Cavegirl” (2002-2003). Her film credits include “Dead Cert” (2010), alongside Philip Brodie in "A Landscape of Lies" (2011), “Fall of the Essex Boys” (2013) and the TV series “Floogals“ (2016-17). She has also been a producer on more than 30 titles. Jon Morrison has had a successful television acting career since the 1970’s, including both series of Scottish sitcom "High Times" (2004 & 08) and has notched up over a decade as DC Kenny Lockhart on “Vera” (2011-) Chris Brazier's credits include regular Ewan Murdoch in "River City (2008-10), "Coronation Street" (2011), "Jo" (2013), Reuben in "A.D. The Bible Continues" (2015) and "Resurrection" (2021) Lisa McAllister also appeared in "Dead Cert" (2010), Tim Smith's short film "Ivory" (2007) and Anthea in "Sherlock" (2010-14) Phoebe Sweeney starred as Celeste Dexter in “Night & Day” from 2002-2003. The Best: Eli’s helicopter arrival and the introduction of his ‘Pink Ladies’. Christine Thorsvelt, who is only around for this episode. Jodie and Sofia's showdown, on how Jodie “leaked the Tommy story to her father who in turn went to the press in order to get Tommy to come to Harchester on the cheap” Quotes: Eli upon meeting Dean whilst in his office with his feet on his desk: "Dean Boyle" Dean: "Yeah… and who the hell are you?!". Don: "We have been lucky to get Mr. Valentine off Chelsea. And that's not your wife Viv, that's the football club" Viv: "If he goes anywhere near my wife, he won't be going back there!". Censored if viewing a daytime repeat: This deserves a whole section, especially as the summer 2005 (orange Sky One logo) S8 repeat are the episodes available to watch. Clyde [to Dean]: “So Deano, what did you say to piss UEFA off?”. Barker [to Frank]: “Cocky little sod that Connelly… you’re gonna toughen him up”. Barker [to Clyde]: “And I know Spurs lost interest in you a long time ago. You pissed off Levy”. And the great line as they stand in the showers: Barker [to Clyde and Tommy]: “You will. Tomorrow. Now piss off the pair of you!” Additional Info: The Nisan Murano sponsored Dream Team during Season 8. Until 10.1 (#388) Dragon Til I Die this was the latest the show returned from its summer hiatus. Don refers to how Chelsea paid 10 million for Tommy and left him on the bench all last season. Clyde has moved out of his canal-side apartment and is now living with Ryan and Curtis at The Barrons. What Was The Score?: A nice visit to the Withdean though Harchester lose 1-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion. Soundtrack: Dean Martin: "Papa Loves Mambo", Dope Smugglaz: "The Word PMT MIX; THE AFTER HOURS", Gisli: "TV=The Devil", Groove Armada: "Madder", Lemon Jelly: "The Curse of Ka'Zar", Maroon 5: "Harder to Breathe", Maxi Priest Feat. Shaggy: "That Girl", Moby: "God Moving Over the Face of Waters", Quivver: "She Does", Republica: "Ready To Go", Scissor Sisters: "Laura” Behind The Scenes: Ricky Whittle broke his leg during a charity match at Bury which the actors were playing at the close of Season 7. <<SE07 EP32 | Season 8 Main Page | SE08 EP02>>