The Damned United Cast: The Netflix Sports Drama Featuring Line of Duty Star Martin Compston

A football story filled with rivalry, ambition and one of the most turbulent managerial spells in English football is finding a new audience on Netflix. The Damned United, the acclaimed 2009 sports drama, has entered Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched list after arriving on the streaming service, bringing a remarkable ensemble cast back into the spotlight.

The film tells the story of Brian Clough’s infamous 44-day spell as manager of Leeds United in 1974. Based on David Peace’s novel, published three years before the film’s release, it follows Clough as he attempts to take charge of the reigning champions after repeatedly criticising their former manager, Don Revie.

His time at Leeds quickly turns sour. Clough struggles to win over the players and board, while his confrontational relationship with the club’s established figures contributes to one of the shortest and most talked-about managerial reigns in football history.

For Netflix viewers discovering the film for the first time, its cast is another major attraction, bringing together stars from Line of Duty, Harry Potter, Good Omens, Adolescence and The Queen.

Michael Sheen as Brian Clough

At the centre of The Damned United is Brian Clough, played by Michael Sheen.

Clough is portrayed as an outspoken and confident manager who had been particularly vocal in his criticism of Don Revie and Leeds United. That makes his appointment as Revie’s successor an unexpected turn, especially given the circumstances surrounding their rivalry.

Sheen brings the controversial football manager to life after building an extensive screen career in projects including The Queen, Good Omens, Masters of Sex, The Twilight Saga and Frost/Nixon.

Timothy Spall as Peter Taylor

Timothy Spall plays Peter Taylor, Clough’s assistant manager and close friend.

Taylor serves as an important counterbalance to Clough’s fiery personality, helping to steady his friend when tensions begin to rise.

Spall is widely known for a career spanning film and television, including his performances in Mr Turner, The King’s Speech and the Harry Potter franchise, where he played Peter Pettigrew.

Stephen Graham as Billy Bremner

Billy Bremner, Leeds United’s hardworking captain, is played by Stephen Graham.

Bremner becomes one of the central figures opposing Clough. His resistance to the new manager plays an important part in the increasingly difficult relationship between Clough and the Leeds squad.

Graham has since become one of Britain’s most recognisable actors, with credits including Netflix’s Adolescence, This Is England, A Thousand Blows and Boardwalk Empire. He is also an Emmy Award-winning performer.

Martin Compston as John O’Hare

For Line of Duty fans, one of the film’s most notable casting choices is Martin Compston as Leeds striker John O’Hare.

O’Hare is portrayed as an aggressive and committed player during Clough’s time at the club.

Compston is best known to television audiences as DI Steve Arnott in Line of Duty. Before becoming closely associated with the BBC crime drama, however, he had a connection to football himself. The Scottish actor was a professional footballer and made several appearances for Greenock Morton.

His presence in The Damned United adds another layer of interest for viewers familiar with his later career.

Colm Meaney as Don Revie

Colm Meaney takes on the role of Don Revie, the highly regarded Leeds United manager whose departure sets the film’s central story in motion.

Revie leaves Leeds to take charge of the England national team, opening the door for Clough to take over at the club.

Meaney has appeared in a wide range of film and television productions, including Remarkably Bright Creatures, In the Land of Saints and Sinners and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Jim Broadbent as Sam Longson

Jim Broadbent plays Sam Longson, who was chairman of Derby County while Clough was managing the club before his move to Leeds United.

Broadbent is another familiar face in the ensemble, having appeared in the Harry Potter and Bridget Jones franchises, as well as Game of Thrones and Only Fools and Horses.

His casting adds yet another major British acting name to a film already packed with recognisable performers.

A Football Drama With A Standout British Cast

Part of the appeal of The Damned United lies in the combination of its extraordinary football story and its ensemble of established British and Irish actors.

Michael Sheen’s portrayal of Clough anchors the film, while Timothy Spall, Stephen Graham, Martin Compston, Colm Meaney and Jim Broadbent bring key figures from the Leeds United and Derby County worlds to the screen.

Originally released in 2009, the film is now reaching a fresh audience through Netflix, with its appearance in the streamer’s Top 10 putting the football drama back in the spotlight.

The Damned United is available to watch on Netflix.