S1-5 Guest Characters>> Eric Hardwick (Jonathan Magnanti) 2.19 (83), 2.57 (121)  |  1998, 1999 FA official who comes to the club to investigate Councillor Lal's accusations that his son Hari was racially bullied whilst in the youth team. He interviews Des and Helen, whose answers unintentionally put Frank in the firing line, though Helen defends Frank saying he shouldn't be blamed for what went on. Later in the season, he returns to perform a surprise inspection on the hostel, at the precise time there is trouble with drugs courtesy of Alex Wilkinson.