Do You Want To Win?

Do You Want To Win? is a poignant and stirring 2017 documentary that digs into an extraordinary period in English football history. Directed by Gabriel Clarke and John McKenna, the film is brought to life through its strong and dynamic cast including Hayden Evans, Bill Fotherby, and Martin Goldman.

The title of the film raises an apparently simple question that is explored through a complex, intricate narrative that doesn't just delineate a football club's trials and triumphs but also implicitly questions the price of success. Hayden Evans, a former football agent within this story, lends an insider's perspective, giving the viewer a clear view of the backroom politics, tense negotiations, and the raw, biting reality of the football industry.

Bill Fotherby, the former managing director of Leeds United, brings a wealth of experience and insight to this tale. His eye for business, a knack for deals, and a lifetime spent in the corridors of power within football administration all lend authenticity and depth to his role in the narrative.

Respected sports journalist Martin Goldman provides a critical and informed view of the story as it unfolds, providing both context and commentary. His role in the film provides viewers with a holistic view of the game, bringing in the societal, cultural, and economic dimensions that so often make football such an engrossing spectacle.

Set against the backdrop of Leeds United’s 1988-1992 football seasons, the story follows the tumultuous period of the soccer club’s quest towards becoming champions. The film captures the highs and lows of the club, from the despair of the Second Division to the euphoria that came with winning the final First Division title before the inception of the Premier League.

While the sport's essence is faithfully retold on the field, off it, the film delves into the real story behind the headlines. It investigates the dramatic boardroom politics, the financial gambles, the fierce ambition, and the personalities that galvanised to engender transformation.

This film goes beyond mere tactics and performances; it portrays the journey of a club and its community, both on and off the pitch. With a mix of archival footage, dramatisations, and exclusive interviews, it presents a comprehensive, in-depth look at the turbulent and triumphant times for Leeds United.

Do You Want To Win? is as much a tribute to those involved in the rise of Leeds United as it is an unsentimental exploration of their challenges. The film not only explores the trials of a football club hungry for success but interrogates the nature of ambition, the drive for achievement, and the captivating allure of football itself.

What sets Do You Want To Win? apart is its ability to humanise these larger-than-life figures. The directors craftily explore the personal stakes of each participant in the drama, creating emotional resonance that goes far beyond the stadium noise. Non-football fans may be intrigued by the often complex and turbulent world behind a successful football team - the triumphs, the tragedies, the celebrations, and the sacrifices.

The film takes a hard look at how a collective effort, by players, managers, board members, and fans, turned around the fortunes of a struggling club. This documentary beautifully encapsulates the environment of the 1980s and early 1990s English football culture, showing how the pieces of the puzzle came together to propel Leeds United to the pinnacle of English Football.

In conclusion, Do You Want To Win? is a heartfelt, incisive, and historical journey that should be essential viewing for football fans, but it also makes for good watching for non-fans. Its narrative is about more than a sport; it's about ambition, community, teamwork, and the unrelenting human spirit that seeks to overcome odds and attain success. This is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by sports, history, nuanced character studies, and stories of remarkable turnaround.