Vinnie's dogs aren't up to a starring role

What have the remake of

The answer can be found in Greenford where former football bad-boy Vinnie Jones is recording his latest big-screen role and his first as a leading man.

Burt Reynolds starred in the 1974 prison comedy adventure about an American football game between wardens and inmates, which won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar in the same year.

The remake, naturally since it stars FA Cup winner Jones, is about a prison football match. Tomorrow night, however, Jones will focus on the drama in SW17, a short distance from Wimbledon Football Club's old Plough Lane ground where he first made his name.

Wimbledon Stadium is the venue for the sport's biggest event of the year, the final of the William Hill Greyhound Derby.

It is a race which affords Jonesadouble chance to walk away with the £50,000 first prize lock, stock and barrel.

Jones said: "Come seven o'clock, I'll be leaving that set come hell or high water and making my way to Wimbledon, nothing will stop me - not even the director."

The former Wimbledon, Chelsea and Leeds hard man will be winging his way to Plough Lane to see if one of his two dogs, Countrywide Tams or Smoking Bullet, can make it second-time lucky for him in the blue riband of greyhound racing.

"Last year was really special. Smoking Bullet was so brave, but when it came to the final I was the more nervous, I couldn't eat a thing all day, but he did us proud in the end, even if he didn't win." Apart from his love affair with the beautiful game, greyhound racing has always been in Vinnie's blood.

"From the age of 10 I used to go to the dogs with my dad and grandad and it's just something that gets to you.

"It's just the pure thrill and adrenaline rush of winning.

"Now I just have £10 or £20 on a dog - the problem is I bet on every race!"

Jones has a third share in Smoking Bullet (drawn in trap five), and Coventry striker John Hartson is one of several other partners in Countrywide Tams (trap one) - the only bitch in the final.

He added: "The draw could nothavebeenbetter for Tams, but the Bullet needs to get out. I just want them to run well and if they win I don't know what I'll do or how I'll feel - maybe it'll be as good as winning the FA Cup."

And what about that princely sum of £50,000? "I'd like to give some of it to the Retired Greyhound Fund, put something back into the sport that has given me so much pleasure," he said.

"But whatever happens I'll be there with my friends Wisey (Dennis Wise), Ronnie Wood and Jimmy White and we'll just enjoy ourselves." Shrewd trainer Derek Knight, in charge of Smoking Bullet, has no doubt that Jones is good for the sport.

"He really is the perfect owner," said Knight. "Well I have to say that, don't I, otherwise he'll slap me! But seriously, he's always ringing up about the welfare of the dog.

"I would have preferred the Bullet to get trap six, but after last week's exertions he is getting his strength back and will be fighting fit."

And therein lies the key to this year's Derby final, Smoking Bullet must use his phenomenal early pace to lead into the first of four bends that make up the 480 metre distance.

However, I doubt his ability to hang on to the lead and I make favourite Sonic Flight the selection to beat outsider Castlelyons Dani, with last year's winner Rapid Ranger back in third place.