Renford Rejects (1998–2001) User Reviews

We are the rejects blah blah blah, we can't play football...

[kclambeth · 8/10 · 21 May 2007]

First of all i can't believe only one person has commented on this. i suppose this isn't all that well known, when i watched it growing up, my friends were probably watching Friends or Saved by the Bell.

I think this programme is great. The premise is a bunch of kids who can't make their school football team so set up their own five a side team, with Stewart as coach, gobby Jason in midfield, Dopey poet Ben in goal, Italian wannabe Bruno Di Gradi (Barry is his actual name) Fashion victim Ronnie Supra in defence and Robin Walker (the girl) and the best player in the team, and Vinnie as the commentator of their matches on his own t.v show.

Other characters that come later on are bossy Sue, feisty Mia and then Dennis; and Terry, Basil and Eddie are great extra characters too.

Stewart is definitely my favourite and the soul of the rejects, when he left it went downhill, it was way funnier when there was somebody telling the others about tactics and not staying up too late. The episodes are fun, not always about love but basically about the hopeless players trying to stop being relegated from the football league. I love it that they're not the best but they think they are and they play just because they love to.

You don't even have to like football to like this as the episodes provide great laughs and silly situations, plus if you do like football, there's plenty of guest stars popping up to keep your interest. I came across this programme completely by accident and at the time became hooked, i still watch it now if it's ever on as it always makes me smile, especially Stewart and the episode 'Cool Ben' genius.

Certainly worth watching

[colinpeppiatt · 21 July 2002]

About a 5 a side football team, who were all rejects from other teams and came together to form their own team. They don't win many matches. But people who don't like football can still enjoy this, as they don't really play that much. The personnel of the Rejects change gradually over the series'. But actors such as Paul Parris, Martin Delaney and Charlie Rolland remain throughout playing Barry ‘Bruno Di Gradi' Grade, the wannabe Italian, chip-loving-Hull-City-shirt-wearing Jason Summerbee, and gangly goalkeeping poet Ben Phillips, respectively. Other constant characters include Elvis-worshipping café owner Eddie McAvoy, and, for sheer comic value, Basil and Terry Stoker. Basil is the sports' teacher at Renford Comprehensive, and is the sort of teacher everyone can remember having for PE. Loves to shout and scream at people and order them around, lacks intelligence, and has very hard, old-fashioned ideas. His son, Terry, is supposed to be groomed like him, and plays the feared tough man and bully role, but often reveals a softer side. These two provide the comedy as dim characters, prone to being outwitted and saying daft things. Roger Davies also remains through the series as Vinnie Rodriguez, the Rejects' own reporter. The series was probably at its finest during the first series, with the excellent Holly Davidson playing the original girl in the team, and the star player of the Rejects, but it remains an enjoyable programme to watch.