1.

EXT. HIGHBURY STADIUM-LONDON ENGLAND 1980-DAY

A LARGE FOOTBALL STADIUM FILLED TO CAPACITY. The SCOREBOARD tells the tale of the match. “FOURTH ROUND FA CUP DECEMBER 26, 1980. Below, the score. ARSENAL 0, MANCHESTER CITY 0. 25 minutes to play.

SEAMUS (V.O.)Football is beauty, style and grace.

We move to the PITCH. TWO FOOTBALL TEAMS in a competitive tussle. ARSENAL and MANCHESTER CITY.

SEAMUS (V.O.)When played with effective skill, Football can be poetry in motion.

THE BALL PUNTED to the SEAMUS O’BRIEN. 28, small with a muscular build and scraggily hair. He sprints to the ball with rugged determination and wins the battle from the ARSENAL FULLBACK. He dribbles up pitch full of passion and cheek. The whole stadium is glued to see what one of the best of his generation will do next.

SEAMUS (V.O.)I believe I was ten when I fell in love with the game. I was sixteen

SEAMUS, a burst of speed and he dribbles right through the ARSENAL DEFENSE and cuts up the wing.

EXT. TOWN SQUARE-BELFAST NORTHERN IRELAND-SAME

A DARK BLUE SEDAN alone by a grove of trees. We move closer and hear a RADIO BROADCAST of a FOOTBALL MATCH. The WINDOW CLOUDED by cigarette smoke. ROARY RIORDAN. 28. Thin with blonde hair. ROARY, contemplates a heavy burden. A deep drag off his cigarette.

SEAMUS (V.O.)If my mate Roary Riordan hadn’tfailed the City trial, the Troubles wouldn’t have consumed him, like it did all of Belfast.

ROARY sees THE CROWD REACHES all the way to THE WALL in front of the SEDAN. In the background the passionate voice of HANNAH LAUGHLIN, 26. Pretty and vibrant with fiery red hair. She speaks

2.

with a passion that inspires. She is Northern Ireland’s hope and dream for peace and a United Ireland.

SEAMUS (V.O)When Southern Ireland won freedom from the English, the North was left behind. The country was partitioned into six counties. Catholics never had they’re say. The Protestant Government gerrymandered districts to keep Catholics outnumbered at the polls. Bernadette Devlin and Martin McGuinness dared to speak out forcivil rights. Protestants met Catholicsin the streets. Violence ensued. As a lad, I never paid attention to the Troubles. I had two passions, Football and Hannah Laughlin.

EION LAUGHLIN and his wife KATHERINE beam with pride at HANNAH.

SEAMUS (V.O.)Eion Laughlin, encouraged open minds and debate. He taught Hannah to love her faith, but not the IRA. Hannah was tough and eloquent with the tongue, like a young man before her named Sean Cleary.

The crowd erupts with spirited applause followed by a rally cry. PEACE FOR BELFAST, JOBS FOR BELFAST.

INT. WAREHOUSE-OUTSIDE BELFAST-SAME

IRA STREET GUERILLAS dressed in army fatigues prepare a full-scale attack.

INT. WEARHOUSE OFFICE-SAME

PADDY CLEARY. 28. Tall and full of bravado and recklessness. He contemplates his face in the MIRROR. A hard, cold face with a tormented soul. A long battle scar down his cheek. He’s proud of it.

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SEAMUS (V.O.)One day a Catholic will be forced to sacrifice his family. In the Cleary household one fought for peace, one fought for war. Both were sacrificed.

PADDY tightens his TWEED CAP over his face.

SEAMUS (V.O.)Paddy Cleary was Roary’s cousin. As lads, the three of us were best mates. We had a love of reading and calledourselves The Three Musketeers. OurMa’s were proud that we gave our time to help those in need at local foodshelves.

PADDY trots down the stairs. He lights a cigarette and survey’s the activity. He moves among the men. LEE BARRET 43, a medium built American with shaved head and goatee becomes PADDY’S concern. They two stare at each other with intense dislike. BARRET walks over to PADDY and steals a drag off his cigarette. Paddy feels put upon.

BARRET.You know what to do?

PADDYWe’ve gone over the plan a thousandtimes. It’s full proof.

BARRETMake sure that Protestant Cop, does his job.

BARRET takes a deep breath. He smells victory for the cause.

BARRET.I know what you’re thinking Cleary.

What does Renneville see in this American? Why am I a figure head, while he’s coming up with all the plans. My Grand Parents came from Ulster. I want to show those English and Protestant pricks whose boss.

4.

BARRET puts on his ski mask and prepares his weapon and jumps in the front of a LORRY.

EXT. MOTORWAY TO BELFAST-SAME

PADDY stares out the window at the BEAUTIFUL NORTHERN IRISH COUNTRYSIDE leading towards BELFAST. PADDY takes a hard drag off his cigarette and flicks it out the window. He daydreams of the past.

FLASHBACK TO O’DOUL’S PUB 1966-EVENING

The PUB is quiet. SEAN CLEARY, 28 short cropped blonde hair and a medium build buys a pint and brings it over to a booth in the far corner. He meets with a YOUNG MAN THE SAME AGE with a Beatles haircut and a YOUNG WOMAN WITH a DAISY in her hair. They talk privately. SEAN hands out flyers and posters of a BELFAST PEACE LEAGUE EVENT.

SEAMUS (V.O)Paddy turned after Sean’s death. During marching season, Sean was tohave a meeting of the Belfast PeaceLeague, at O’Doul’s pub. Sean hadstarted the Peace League with themoney he made from his poetry. Paddy was a poet in his own right and wantedto be just like Sean.

EXT. O’DOUL’S PUB STREET-SAME EVENING

YOUNG PADDY CLEARY and his mates YOUNG SEAMUS O’BRIEN AND YOUNG ROARY RIORDAN, wide eyed and innocent known watch PROTESTANTS march up the street in the colors OF WILLIAM OF ORANGE. YOUNG PADDY is mystified by the event, while YOUNG SEAMUS AND YOUNG ROARY afraid of what will happen. Catholics are not welcome at a Protestantcelebration.

SEAMUS (V.O.)Paddy took Roary and I to watch Protestants celebrate they’re victory of The Battle of the Boyne.Roary and I knew this was dangerous. Paddy said nothing would happen.We were young and too curious for our own good.

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YOUNG PADDY’S attention is on a DRUMMER, banging his drum and dancing to the beat of the music. He comes to rest across the street from O’DOUL’S PUB. He plays a DRUM ROLL, three times in succession. Seconds later, a LOUD EXPLOSION from behind rocks in the street. Within minutes AMBULANCE AND POLICE SIRENS BLARE. GERRY THE PUBLICAN AND SEAN tosses PATRONS OUT to safety. SEAN runs inside and THROW TWO MORE PATRONS TO SAFETY. He turns around and sees his COLLEAGUES DEAD BODIES on the FLOOR. SEAN overcome with emotion staggers out deflated. Suddenly TWO VANS SPEED FULL THROTTLE TOWARDS SEAN. They OPEN FIRE ON SEAN RIDDLING HIM WITH BULLETS. YOUNG PADDY horrified, and he breaks through the street to get to SEAN. A POLICE OFFICER tears him away, kicking, screaming and crying. YOUNG ROARY AND YOUNG SEAMUS watch in horror.

FLASHFORWARD TO INT. LORRY-MOTORWAY-A FEW MINUTES LATER.

PADDY opens his POCKET WATCH. A PICTURE OF 16-YEAR-OLD HANNAH LAUGHLIN.

SEAMUS (V.O.) The pub had been bombed by the Ulster Volunteer Force. It was to avenge an IRA killing. From that day, Paddy stopped writing poetry. His anger was ripe for IRA propaganda.

DONNY MONAGHAN 43, with a medium build and striking blonde hair, doesn’t like where PADDY’S head is at.

SEAMUS (V.O.)I was lucky. I found Football as my way out, but if you’re from Northern Ireland, the Troubles always seem

to find you and suck you inside.

MONAGHAN punches Paddy’s shoulder to wake him from his daydream.

MONAGHANCarrying that, doesn’t make sense. You know what is to happen here.

PADDY doesn’t like to be told what to do. He snaps the watch shut.

6.INT. SEDAN-SAME

ROARY belts back some whiskey. A deeper drag off the cigarette. He rests his head back on the seat, praying for another option from his torment. A heavy sigh followed by the same curse word repeated in a recorded loop.

COMMENTATOR (V.O.)Oh, I say, O’Brien has gone rightthrough Meaken and Dobbs.

ROARY up from his seat like a rocket. A gleeful bang on the dash.

ROARYThat’s it Shamie! Away you cheekydevil. Away! Away! Away!

EXT. BELFAST SQUARE-SAME

HANNAH composed at the podium with a soft serious tone.

HANNAHWe need peace in order to create change.Change for better economic conditions,better housing and better education for our children. How do we do that?

Hannah, a quick glance down at her speech.

HANNAHWe are told to bargain for peace, while the IRA fights to bring England and the Protestants to the table. That’s not peace! That’s trying to have it

both ways!

Strong applause and shouts of “NO MORE WAR, NO MORE DEATH.”

INT. SEDAN-SAME

ROARY on top of the radio, biting his nails.

COMMENTATOR (V.O.)O’Brien wins the ball. He nutmegsBates. Oh, and he is away again.

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ROARYCome on Shamie!

ROARY looks ahead. PADDY takes a seat in the park. COLM ROURKE 55, a small pudgy man with flecks of gray along his sideburns, sits behind him next to his BODY GUARD EDDIE RILEY, TALL with wisps of blonde hair. ROURKE holds a BRIEFCASE with three fingers. We see he’s missing a THUMB. This is a man that has obviously seen the war first hand. ROURKE pulls out a flask from his briefcase. PADDY declines an offer of tea and takes a folder from ROURKE and examines the contents. A cheer from the crowd directs ROURKE and PADDY to HANNAH. Her eyes locked on the crowd.

HANNAHWho says we can’t have peace? I look here and I see Protestants and Catholics. I see brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers…there are Meatpackers, teachers and dockworkers from both sides. This is proof we all want peace and we’retired of sectarian troubles!

ROURKE approves and applauds with the crowd. PADDY bites his cigarette hard between his lips. For a moment he remembers a time with HANNAH that was far better. Then it’s gone and the hatred returns. Hannah eyes fall upon a LARGE MAN wearing the SKY-BLUE UNIFORM OF MANCHESTER CITY. He holds his son over his shoulders. HANNAH can’t help but smile.

HANNAHI was chatting with a famous Football Player the other day.

PADDY rolls his eyes. He knows where this is going. The crowd does too and they let out a roar and then break into a chant of “SEAMUS O’BRIEN, SEAMUS O’BRIEN.”

HANNAHSeamus O’Brien says…

The crowd interrupt with a louder chant of SEAMUS O’BRIEN. HANNAH shakes her head and laughs. The crowd slowly simmers.

HANNAH Seamus told me that in English Football,

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HANNAHthere are no religious squabbles out onthe pitch. It’s all about the game. Menbeing children on the Football pitch. What a refreshing thought.

We move back to ROARY’S SEDAN. He watches from the car and turns pale. HANNAH is on stage. He knows the enormity of this. This isn’t what he needed today. He snaps open the car door and bolts to the street. The DOOR hangs open. THE RADIO LEFT PLAYING.

EXT. HIGHBURY STADIUM-SAME

SEAMUS sprints hard to the PENALTY BOX. TEDDY MEAKEN, the behemoth Arsenal Center Half bares down on him. The BALL high in the air. SEAMUS and MEAKEN leap in unison.

EXT. BELFAST TOWN SQUARE-DAY

ROARY hurdles through the crowd. His eyes fall upon the TOWN PARK. ROURKE grows impatient for a response from PADDY.

ROURKEAre those times and places sufficientfor a meeting with Sinn Fein?

PADDY distracted and annoyed by HANNAH.

PADDY

It’ll do.

ROURKEI think we should invite Ms. Laughlin to one of the meetings.

Paddy can’t believe he just said that. He looks down at ROURKE’S HAND.

PADDYDo you regret losing the thumb Colm?

ROURKEI’m weary of the violence Paddy.

ROURKE a hard look into PADDY’S EYES as if searching into his soul. He senses something troubling.

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ROURKEThere was some daft rumor you’d joined forces with tough Irish muscle from Sheffield.

PADDY looks to RILEY. They have the same menacing look, as if they are speaking in code.

PADDYColm, I’m loyal to Belfast not Sheffield.

Rourke points to the document in his hand.

ROURKERead that over and get back to me. Our meeting should include Hannah. She’s got ideas.

PADDY leaves the park. He has an acute focus on ALL ENDS OF THE STREET. He reaches into his coat. RILEY moves away from ROURKE’S side. Out comes a PISTOL WITH A SILENCER.

ROARY shoves through the TOWN SQUARE CROWD until he reaches a LARGE MAN WITH A COLORFUL FEDORA. ROARY’S doesn’t have time for this. Frustrated, he bulldozes through the LARGE MAN and moves towards the STAGE.

EXT. HIGHBURY STADIUM-SAME

MEAKEN ELBOWS SEAMUS IN THE RIBS. Legs tangle as they CLUNK HEADS.

EXT. TOWN SQUARE-SAME

HANNAH speaks with passion and inspiration.

HANNAHNow is the time to build up courage and let both sides know, we will take back the streets so that our children can finally be safe!!

Cheers and loud applause, followed by PEACE FOR BELFAST, JOBS FOR BELFAST. HANNAH grabs a PICKET SIGN BEHIND HER and steps off the stage. ROARY, urgent to get to Hannah as quick as possible.

ROURKE turns and is confronted with RILEY. He’s been set up.

10.

HANNAH, leads the MARCH towards the west end of the TOWN SQUARE. CROWD MEMBERS begin to sing WE WILL NOT BE MOVED.

PADDY’S, BACK faces Rourke. His FACE CLENCHED and INTENSE. He reaches ROARY’S CAR. A quick turn towards ROURKE.

PADDYStart the motor Roary!

PADDY listens for the sound of an engine. Nothing. PADDY frantic.

PADDYStart the motor!

ROARY blocks HANNAH from moving any further. She senses what ROARY’S presence means. ROARY reaches for her arm.

ROARYHannah, it’s not safe here.

HANNAH, rips her arm away as PROTESTERS keep the march going without her. HANNAH shakes her head with anguish and heartache. Roary can do nothing but plead with his eyes.

HANNAHRoary, you’re breaking my heart lad.Seamus and I told you that Paddy andthe IRA would lead to trouble.

ROARYThen if you know, leave with me now.

HANNAHNo! I have an obligation to these peopleand for the peace of Northern Ireland.

ROARYI wouldn’t hurt you; you know that. I’m Shamie’s best man, why would I hurt you.

HANNAH I’ll not have it today Roary!

11.

HANNAH pushes ROARY away and blends in with the crowd. She looks back to the STREET and sees impending disaster. A FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL wanders into the street. We hear the sound of a RUMBLINGENGINE. A LORRY directly across from ROURKE. THE MOTHER helpless. THE CROWD sucks the MOTHER back and pins her in.

MOTHERMierna!!!

HANNAH looks to the other side of the street. A SECOND RUMBLING LORRY barrels down on MIERNA.

EXT. BANK ROOF.

MONAGHAN and his BATTALION, GUNS aimed towards the WEST END OF THE SQUARE.

HANNAH has no choice. She has to save the child now! She tosses her PICKET SIGN TO THE GROUND. THE LORRY EXCELERATES.

PADDY cocks back the trigger.

PADDY

Long live the Brotherhood!!!

PADDY and RILEY shoot followed by shots from the ROOF OF THE BANK. MORE SHOTS FROM THE TWO LORRIES. ROURKE peppered with bullets falls precariously to the ground. TWO POLICE OFFICERS return fire and are hit by stray bullets. HANNAH runs into the street and PUSHES MIERNA from the oncoming LORRY. A spray of gunfire cuts HANNAH down. The MOTHER grabs MIERNA and pulls her away from the street. Her mouth agape as HANNAH lays in the street in her own blood. A POLICE OFFICER drags THE MOTHER AND MIERNA to safety. THE CROWD SCATTERS. MORE GUN FIRE AND CHAOS.

EXT. HIGHBURY STADIUM-SAME

SEAMUS tumbles to the turf.

EXT. WEST END OF TOWN SQUARE-SAME

ROARY must get to Hannah and runs full bore to her.

EXT. HIGHBURY STADIUM-SAME

12.

SEAMUS lands hard and cracks his knee on the frozen turf. A HIDEOUS CRUMPLING SOUND rings in his ears.

EXT. WEST END OF TOWN SQUARE-SAME

ROARY cradles HANNAH. She opens her eyes, not sure what’s happening.

HANNAHRoary. Roary. My sweet Roary Dan.

ROARYShhh! We have to get you to hospital.

EXT. HIGHBURY STADIUM-SAME

SEAMUS lies on the pitch dazed. He opens his eyes. MEAKENstares down at SEAMUS’ SHATTERED KNEE CAP. He’s horrified.

MEAKENCrikey! We need a stretcher!

EXT. WEST END OF TOWN SQUARE-SAME

HANNAH struggles to take off her ST. JUDE MEDALLION. Roary helps her.

HANNAHTell Shamie I love him. Give St. Jude to him when you see him.

HANNAH’S body goes limp. ROARY checks her pulse. He listens for breathing. No breathing. Roary, frantic to revive her.

ROARYHannah? Hannah? You can’t die on me. You can’t die on me. The wedding? Seamus will be cross if you don’t make it.

ROARY, frantic. He shakes her again. Nothing.

INTERCUT BETWEEN HIGHBURY STADIUM AND WEST END OF TOWN SQUARE

13.

SEAMUS stretchered off the pitch to the applause of both sets of SUPPORTERS.

ROARY stares at HANNAH’S limp body helpless and numb.

SEAMUS closes his eyes and grits his teeth. The pain unbearable.

ROARY this is all too much to consume. He gives Hannah’s body violent shakes. ROARY realizes it’s over. He stares at Hannah’s limp body and cradles her, sobbing into her.

SEAMUS, the pain seers like a red, hot poker.

SPLIT SCREEN TO SEAMUS AND ROARY

Both let out blood curdling screams.

ROARY/SEAMUSHannah!!!!!!!!!!

DISSOLVE TO.

EXT. ECCLESHALL WOODS SHEFFIELD ENGLAND-1990-DAY

We hear THE HARD GALLOP OF HORSES HOOVES. TWO RIDERS. ELIZABETH MANNING in the lead. 37 with dark hair fixed into a bun under herRIDERS HARD HAT. She’s sophisticated, intelligent, witty, with the class of Emma Peel. LORD HERBERT MANNING, 68, vibrant, a jokester and wealthy. LORD MANNING hates that he is behind. His competitive juices kick in and he encourages AZCAR with a good thwack of his crop. AZCAR is up for the challenge and pushes hard to the STONE WALL. ELIZABETH swings her horse around and tightens her reigns. ELIZABETH fears he is going to fall. He doesn’t care and its full speed towards the STONE WALL, prepared to vault it.

ELIZABETHFather, don’t you dare!

LORD MANNINGRight my good fellow, on you go!

AZCAR leaps the wall and pushes past Elizabeth. LORD MANNING gallops hard towards ELIZABETH with a hearty laugh and a wave ofhis hard hat.

14.

ELIZABETHFather, surely you are mad.

LORD MANNINGMy dear, I have always said, when I go, I will go in a blaze of glory.On with the hunts my dear!

LORD MANNING, swats AZCAR and a hard charge into the woods with ELIZABETH on his heels.

ECCLESHALL WOODS-HALF HOUR LATER-SAME

ELIZABETH AND LORD MANNING ride at a leisurely pace. LORD MANNING admires the scenery.

LORD MANNINGBet if I were younger…

ELIZABETH bursts into laughter at the mere thought.

LORD MANNINGHow are you going to control me whenI retire?

ELIZABETH, a brief smile followed by a more serious tone. LORD MANNING, senses that something heavy weighs on her mind.

LORD MANNINGElizabeth, you and Albert, you’re nothaving second thoughts, are you?

ELIZABETHGood heavens no. Albert has many fine qualities. He’s smart, wonderful in the community, philanthropic to a fault and he’s the most charming man I’ve ever met.

LORD MANNING’S not buying it. Elizabeth can see LORD MANNING isfull of questions.

LORD MANNINGI see that whole insubordination rot put a strain on you. I knew JackFrisdale, he was a fine man. His son

15.

LORD MANNINGMax…it’s never a good sign when a buffoon takes control. Bet? Has Albert ever inquired about…

ELIZABETHMI5? No and he mustn’t find out.

LORD MANNING shakes his head. He can’t focus on anything solid. THE GROUND SPINS, ELIZABETH SPINS. He jerks AZCAR’S reigns. AZCAR, whinnies and kicks. ELIZABETH grabs hold and steadies AZCAR.

LORD MANNINGMy medicine is in my saddle bag.

ELIZABETH tosses the contents out of his SADDLEBAG. A BOOK falls under AZCAR’S HOOVES. She plunges a syringe into a medicine bottle and fills it. She rips open LORD MANNING’S SHIRT EXPOSING his stomach. She plunges the needle and pushes the medicine into him. ELIZABETH checks LORD MANNING’S PULSE. ELIZABETH moves her lips counting silently. LORD MANNING slowly recovers.

ELIZABETHFather, the Doctor has told you to make sure you eat breakfast so yourblood sugar remains steady.

LORD MANNING.I’m all right love.

LORD MANNING points his finger to the BOOK. ELIZABETH hops down from her horse and picks it up.

LORD MANNINGThat’s my diary. Keep it safe in your vault. Open it after I havepassed. There are things you shouldknow.

ELIZABETHFather! You’re going to be arounda long time.

LORD MANNINGElizabeth, I trust you with all my

16.

LORD MANNINGworldly possessions. Don’t tellanyone about the diary. EspeciallyAlbert.

LORD MANNING has ELIZABETH puzzled. What secret does he have about Albert?

DISSOLVE TO.

EXT. MANNING HALL-EARLY THAT EVENING

AN OPULENT JACOBEAN MANOR HOME outside Sheffield with 300 rooms and 180 acres of Park and land preserve space. A long-graveled

drive leads up to the front of the house. A LIGHT FLICKERS from the west end of the home.

INT. BEDROOM-SAME

ALBERT RENNEVILLE 48. He’s tall, elegant and well-groomed and cunning. He adjusts his tie and then puts a pair of GOLD CUFF LINKS ON. TWO SLENDER HANDS roam his WELL-FORMED PHYSIQUE. RENNEVILLE clasps ELIZABETH’S hands and kisses them gently. ELIZABETH holds him tight and admires his dashing attire through the MIRROR.

ELIZABETHVery handsome love. That tie suits you.

RENNEVILLE, playful, brings her in close and firmly kisses her, then drinks her beauty.

RENNEVILLEI popped in on his Lordship. I wasworried about that diabetic spell.

ELIZABETHYou love him almost as much as I do.

RENNEVILLEI never knew my own father. Heleft my mother when she was sixteen. In a sense your Father has replaced him.

17.

ELIZABETHI think he adores you just as much.

RENNEVILLEDo you know what I told him? Hemustn’t spoil his Grandson. Itold him that would be up to you.

ELIZABETHYou’re so sure that our first child is going to be a boy, are you?

RENNEVILLE

Lord Manning does plan for his Grandsonto play Football for United right?

ELIZABETH laughs.

ELIZABETHHow horribly nepotistic of you Albert.

ELIZABETH turns her back. RENNEVILLE kisses the nape of her neck then zips up her dress. He pulls her towards him and holds her hands.

RENNEVILLEAll right Lady Manning, when can we set our wedding?

ELIZABETH gauges his mood.

ELIZABETHWould you mind if I had a few more days?

RENNEVILLEPerhaps I can offer you one last enticement.

He places a GOLD BOX in her hands. ELIZABETH opens it. She’s overwhelmed. A PEARL BROACH.

RENNEVILLEIt was my Mother’s.

ELIZABETHAlbert this is far too much. This

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ELIZABETH (Cont)should go to your daughter…

RENNEVILLEIt shall someday, when we have a daughter.

All this talk of children makes ELIZABETH uncomfortable.

ELIZABETHAlbert, I hope you don’t think I amhaving doubts. It’s just that my

past romantic entanglements have beenso haphazard.

RENNEVILLEI shall wait as long as you want.

RENNEVILLE holds ELIZABETH close. ELIZABETH stares out the window at the grounds with a lot of doubt in her mind.

DISSOLVE TO.

INT. THE KING GEORGE HOTEL DINING HALL-SHEFFIELD-LATER EVENING.

A CROWDED BANQUET TABLE that includes LORD MANNING, ELIZABETH, RENNEVILLE and employees of Manning Steel. RENNEVILLE rises from his seat takes a deep breath. This is a big speech and we get the sense that Renneville isn’t comfortable with big speeches.

RENNEVILLEWhat can I say about Lord Manningthat we don’t already know?

LORD MANNING, a cold stare at RENNEVIILE. He bites into a healthy piece of venison as if he’s gnawing on RENNEVILLE’S insides.

RENNEVILLELord Herbert has welcomed me into Manning Steele with a warm heart and a generous soul. He’s willing tolisten. However; he is also a manwho keeps one on his toes.

The crowd chuckles.

19.

RENNEVILLEComing aboard Manning Steel fromthe trade Unions has allowed me to improve our corporate standing and to begin to export our product throughout Europe. As Lord Manning takes his leave of this fine company, I only hope I can be half the leader he has been. I give you Lord Herbert Manning Esquire.

RENNEVILLE steps aside and leads the chorus of applause. LORD MANNING wipes his mouth and tosses his napkin and rises to his feet. RENNEVILLE extends his hand and then a cold embrace from LORD MANNING, followed by an icy whisper in his ear.

LORD MANNINGA word in my office after this. Someparting words of advice.

LORD MANNING greets the table with a warm smile. He is in his element.

LORD MANNINGThank you, all for holding an eveningin my honor.

LORD MANNING turns serious.

LORD MANNINGUnfortunately, I cannot accept the fussover my retirement. I’m not retiring.

Stunned silence. ELIZABETH is taken completely by surprise. RENNEVILLE sits, hands clasped with an edge of concern. LORD MANNING and RENNEVILLE’S EYES MEET. The longer LORD MANNING remains silent, the more RENNEVILLE’S concern grows. He covers it with a laugh. LORD MANNING, eyes him with cold intent. He knows Renneville’s secrets. LORD MANNING’S face slowly warms, a smile appears and a soft chuckle. The Crowd realize they’ve been had and erupt into laughter. RENNEVILLE a sense of relief. He takes a swallow of his wine. LORD MANNING AND RENNEVILLE haven’t taken their eyes off each other. RENNEVILLE doesn’t like being made a fool of. RENNEVILLE takes a bite of his venison, knowing the last laugh will be his.

20.

LORD MANNINGI see my little joke gave Albert heartfailure. Albert, we’re going to have to work on that sense of humor of yoursmy boy.

RENNEVILLE, disgusted, wipes his mouth and tosses the napkin down on the table.

INT. KING GEORGE HOTEL LOUNGE-HALF HOUR LATER-EVENING

RENNEVILLE sprinkles a MYSTERIOUS POWDER into a BRANDY GLASS. He offers LORD MANNING his snifter. LORD MANNING stews in his chair. He won’t even look at RENNEVILLE.

RENNEVILLEYou haven’t lost your touch Herbert.I shall miss having you around.

RENNEVILLE reaches into his suit pocket and pulls out a NEWSPAPER CLIPPING OF AN ANTIQUE TRAIN.

RENNEVILLEI have something to show you.

LORD HERBERT takes the CLIPPING and gives it a look. He’s not impressed. He takes a hard swallow of his brandy.

RENNEVILLEI bought it. Lovely isn’t it. OnceI get it up to snuff, I thought I’duse it as my personal train.

LORD MANNINGIs your love of trains, why my accountis overdrawn, or could it possibly bethis?

LORD MANNING shows him his own NEWSPAPER CLIPPING. RENNEVILLEREADS THE HEADLINE. “HANLOCH FREIGHTER RAIDED OFF THE COAST OFBELFAST. IRA GUNS CONFISCATED.”

LORD MANNINGYou brokered a deal with the AmericanLee Barret. I heard he has a historywith a gang called the Westies in

21.

LORD MANNINGNew York. I heard that’s part ofthe syndicate!

LORD MANNING hands RENNEVILLE more DOCUMENTS.

LORD MANNINGThere’s a Swiss Bank Account in Barret’sname. That’s your name on the check. I will not allow you to use my company as a front for the IRA or the syndicate!

LORD MANNING angrily belts back his last swallow of brandy.

LORD MANNINGI am going to the authorities andWhen Elizabeth this she won’t wantanything to do with you.

LORD MANNING picks up the phone and starts to dial. The room becomes hot and he starts to sweat and loosen his tie. THE BRANDY GLASS FALLS TO THE FLOOR AND CRACKS IN TWO. LORD MANNING falls forward. RENNEVILLE catches him and helps him to his chair. LORD MANNING realizes what’s happening.

RENNEVILLEHerbert you’re having a spell.

LORD MANNING feebly pushes RENNEVILLE away and manages to stand for a brief moment. He holds the arm of the chair for support.

LORD MANNINGIf I’m to die at your hands, know this…your days are numbered.

LORD MANNING drops to the floor. RENNEVILLE checks his pulse. LORD MANNING is dead. PADDY and MONAGHAN enter and attend to the body.

RENNEVILLEPaddy, make it look like a car accident.

PADDY nods his head and grabs him by the shoulder before he leaves. Renneville looks down at his hand. He doesn’t like being

22.

manhandled. PADDY realizes his mistake and pulls his hand off him.

PADDY.Mr. Renneville, I was wondering how

long you plan on keeping Barret incharge of Belfast. You promisedme I would run Belfast for you.

RENNEVILLEPaddy this is obviously not the righttime. Now get him out of here.

PADDY a contemptuous stare as RENNEVILLE leaves.

MONAGHANWhat the bloody hell did you go do that for?

PADDYI took out Rourke and Hannah Laughlin for him. The deal was I would run Belfast. It’s been ten years. Barret is stillin charge.

INT. ELIZABETH’S OFFICE-A FEW DAYS LATER

ELIZABETH, melancholy, stares out the window in deep thought. SHE REMEMBERS HER LAST RIDE WITH LORD MANNING. LORD MANNING points to the BOOK. The memory has triggered something. She opens a VAULT behind the wall. She grabs LORD MANNING’S diary, locks the door and reads. The More she reads, the more horrified she becomes. She picks up the phone.

ELIZABETHTrevor, it’s Bet. Can you send meany information you have on an IRAterrorist named Albert Renneville.Oh, you are. Operation Defuse?I want in. No you have to tellMax, I have to be involved in this. The man is living in my home.

A knock at the door, cuts her conversation short.

23.

RENNEVILLE (O.S.)Elizabeth are you all right?

Hearing Renneville’s voice startles her. ELIZABETH cups the phone.

ELIZABETHFine darling, just working on Father’seulogy. I’ll be a while.

RENNEVILLEAll right. Let me know if you need anything.

ELIZABETHI will.

Back to the phone.

ELIZABETHTell me about this Operation Defuse.

EXT. SHEFFIELD CEMETARY-A FEW WEEKS LATER-MORNING

LORD MANNING’S casket lowered into the ground. RENNEVILLE reaches for her ELIZABETH’S hand. She can’t remain stoic any longer and lets her emotions consume her. RENNEVILLE accepts ELIZABETH into his arms. He’s thankful he’s there. OWEN ROCASTLE, close to 80 is the withered miserly owner of Sheffield United Football club. He props his stooped back with the aid of a cane. Watching Elizabeth grieve, pains him. Watching Renneville comfort her vexes him.

EXT. CEMETARY CAR PARK-LATER THAT MORNING

ELIZABETH and RENNEVILLE receive condolences from friends and family that knew Lord Manning well. ROCASTLE approaches ELIZABETH.

ROCASTLEElizabeth, I am truly sorry for your loss.

ELIZABETHThank you, Owen. Coming from you makes today bearable.

ROCASTLEElizabeth I was wondering if…

24.

A suspicious glance over at RENNEVILLE. ELIZABETH understands the hidden meaning.

ELIZABETHCertainly Owen. I won’t be a moment Albert.

RENNEVILLE tips his cap to ROCASTLE as ELIZABETH walks him away from prying ears.

ROCASTLEI’m not well. Monday I am retiring.

ROCASTLE another disgusted glance towards RENNEVILLE.

ROCASTLEI can’t see you very happy at Manningor with…It’s no secret Herbert was gobbling up Blades stock. Despite our heated arguments there was something about that blasted man, that I did enjoy. Let’s make this official.

ROCASTLE hands her an ENVELOPE. She opens it. OWEN’S SHEFFIELD UNITED STOCK BEQUETHED TO HER.

ELIZABETHOwen, this wouldn’t be right.

ROCASTLEIt is right. The blasted team needs sorting out. Your Father had such passion for The Blades and you do as well. I know you will make them a smashing success.

ELIZABETH kisses ROCASTLE sweetly on the cheek. He steps into his limousine and drives away. ELIZABETH makes a move to the church. She stops when she sees TREVOR SUCH in the cemetery. TREVOR 58 and tall with an athletic build runs his fingers through his receding hairline. TREVOR gazes upon a GRAVESTONE under an OAK TREE. “HERE LIES VERA SUCH, DEVOTED WIFE OF TREVOR AND MOTHER OF MICK.” TREVOR PLACES FLOWERS AT THE GRAVE AND KNEELS BEFORE IT. A SOFT KISS on the STONE as if VERA was there with him. The silent moment is broken by the sound of a twig snapping. TREVOR startled

25.

at the sight of MICK SUCH a 20-year-old rebellious, arrogant, youth wearing a punk outfit and a Billy Idol haircut. TREVOR and MICK’s eyes meet and it’s not pleasant moment between father and son. From MICK’S perspective, resentful. MICK can’t be there, and he runs off to his MOTORCYCLE, hops on it and starts it and tears off, kicking up grass and dust. TREVOR throws his head down. He’s failed Mick and he knows it.

ELIZABETH (OS)I had forgot Vera was buried here.

TREVOR and ELIZABETH glimpse RENNEVILLE in the car. He is suspicious of this strange man Elizabeth meets privately. He wonders if he should be worried.

ELIZABETHWe shouldn’t talk long. Was I right?

TREVORAs you suspected, a compound reacted with his diabetes and caused his heart attack. I must say that diary and the volumes of information you gave us helps. Max is interested in speakingwith you.

.TREVOR has a but written all over his face.

ELIZABETHHe still blames me for Sandra McFarland’sdeath.

TREVORI’m not hopeful he’ll take you back.

ELIZABETHI am. I have an idea about your Operation Defuse and it involvesmy recent acquisition.

TREVORWhich acquisition is this?

ELIZABETHSheffield United. Trevor I’ve just

hired you as our Physio. I’ll see you26.

ELIZABETH (Cont)soon.

ELIZABETH watches TREVOR disappear into the WOODS behind the cemetery. She picks a CRYSANETHEMUM and breathes in the sweet fragrance. She lays it upon LORD MANNING’S GRAVE.

RENNEVILLE (OS)Elizabeth?

ELIZABETH rises to her feet and finds RENNEVILLE standing behind her at a distance.

RENNEVILLEAre you all right?

ELIZABETHI’ll do. We better head back to the hall.Father’s friends will be waiting for us.

ELIZABETH takes RENNEVILLE’S hand and they walk back towards the car.

DISSOLVE TO.

EXT. THAMES HOUSE LONDON-TWO DAYS LATER.

AN EIGHT STORY HIGH RISE BUILDING THAT LOOKS MORE LIKE A PRISON than English Secret Service. ELIZABETH pulls up to the front gate and hands over her identification. The OFFICER at the gate examines it and sends her through.

INT. MI5 CONFERENCE ROOM-A HALF HOUR LATER-DAY

MAX FRISDALE the CHIEF of MI5 39, with black hair. A sharp dresser and a neat freak. He is a smarmy bastard who uses shortcuts and resents being made a fool of. Frisdale is in a prickly mood and seeing ELIZABETH once again, has made him defensive, hostile and a whiny child playing the part of an adult.

FRISDALEYou acted improperly. Sandra’s deathwas a direct result of your affair with that FBI agent.

ELIZABETH That’s your excuse. It had nothing to do

27.

ELIZABETH (Cont)with Sandra’s death Max and you know it.

FRISDALELady Manning let’s not examine the past.

ELIZABETHNo, let’s examine Max. I am curious. Why did you strenuously stop me investigating your father’s disappearance?

FRISDALEAfter the McFarland debacle, I didn’t feel you were right for the task.

ELIZABETH, feels she has no choice. Other tactics are required here. A look up at TREVOR. The two know something that Frisdale doesn’t.

ELIZABETHYour operation is called Defuse isn’t it?

FRISDALE’S worst nightmare, Elizabeth knows something about the operation. Direct eye contact with TREVOR. He told her. He had to of. He shifts his eye contact to ELIZABETH. FRISDALE hates Elizabeth pushing his face in it. He wants to test her.

FRISDALEYou know about our inside man, whocan get into the IRA?

ELIZABETHYes, I know all about Roary Riordan.

FRISDALE is now convinced she knows the operation. Still more testing is required.

FRISDALERenneville has been fixing the Football season.

ELIZABETH

I do believe I have the answer to your problem.

ELIZABETH opens a DOSSIER in her hands and shows FRISDALE. AGENT28.

SEAMUS O’BRIEN’S complete file contains where he was born, the different aliases he’s used and many exemplary commendations.

FRISDALEI can’t spare Agent O’Brien right now.

ELIZABETHYou do know who he was don’t you?

FRISDALEI know his history and that’s precisely why I have kept him away from all IRAOperations. He’d go rogue.

TREVOR

We don’t see it that way Max.

FRISDALELaughlin was his lover. Cleary was partlyresponsible. He’d take matters into his own hands.

ELIZABETHMax, he’s a former Footballer. He’sthe perfect agent to set up Albert.

FRISDALE contemplates the idea. He resigned himself to the fact he has no choice.

FRISDALEAll right, but if he goes rogue…

ELIZABETHI’ll be his eyes and ears Max.

FRISDALEThat’s fine, but I do not want you tolet on to Agent O’Brien that you areinvolved.

TREVOR

How’s the other half of this case coming?

FRISDALEAfter that Hanloch raid no one is talking. The American has disappeared without a

29.

FRISDALE (Cont)trace. We have no idea when Renneville plans to attack.

ELIZABETHLet me work on that.

FRISDALEYou will not snoop into Renneville’s personal effects. Do I make myself clear Agent Manning?

ELIZABETHOh, perfectly Max. I assume since you regarded me as Agent Manningthat means I am being reinstated.

FRISDALE doesn’t like her attitude.

FRISDALEI will alert the office that youare to be given a temporary status.

ELIZABETH has won and FRISDALE knows it. He picks up the phone angrily

FRISDALELasenby, I need you to reinstate Agent Manning on a temporary basis.

ELIZABETH and TREVOR exit the office as they move down the hall,ELIZABETH conjures a delicious idea.

ELIZABETHTrevor, I’ll need some rudimentary toolsof the trade.

TREVOR doesn’t like what she’s thinking.

TREVOR

Bet?

ELIZABETHTrevor do lighten up dear. I’ll need a dark burglar’s outfit, some rope with a large hook on the end and a blank

30.

ELIZABETH (Cont)computer disk. That’s not too much trouble is it Trev?

TREVOR can’t believe he’s agreeing to this.

TREVORNo trouble at all.

DISSOLVE TO.

INT. HOTEL ROOM-THE NEXT MORNING LATER.

SEAMUS 38 now, takes his sour mood out on his breakfast. His bites of food are angry and full of rage. We hear a DOOR open. TREVOR stops eating and takes a look at SEAMUS. SEAMUS disgusted with the look of ROARY, also 38. The years have not been kind. Along the loss of hair his temples are gray, and he looks like he’s been starving himself. Silence between the two is deafening. ROARY can’t take it anymore. He throws his fork across the table in disgust. SEAMUS can’t look at him.

ROARYShamie, I betrayed you and I don’t know how to apologize to you or make it upto you.

SEAMUS hangs his head not wanting to hear it.

ROARYAnd Hannah, how do I forgive myselffor that? Shamie, I wish I couldtake it back so you wouldn’t hate me.

SEAMUS jerks his head up, eyes wide open and full of fire. He pounds the table with his clenched fist.

SEAMUSI don’t hate you Roary!

SEAMUS wipes his face and composes himself.

SEAMUSI don’t hate you. I hate what you and

31.

SEAMUS (Cont)Paddy have become. We were the Three Musketeers of Dowling Street. You were Porthos, Paddy, Aramis and I was Dartagnon. You allowed yourselves to get sucked into the IRA.

ROARYIt was easy for you. You were the schoolboy talent in Belfast. I wasn’t so lucky. I failed the City trial. I had to return to Belfast.

SEAMUSYou had a choice! You gave up on Football. That’s what breaks my heart. You’re lucky I’m real Catholic. Real Catholics don’t hate, they forgive.

ROARY soaks in the lecture. The reality has hit him.

SEAMUSI gave up on Paddy a long time ago. It’s too late for him, but it’s nottoo late for your salvation.

ROARYWhat do you want me to do?

TREVORWe need a man inside the IRAto bring down Albert Renneville.We want you to worm your way intohis organization.

SEAMUSContact Paddy first and he’ll get you in.

ROARYHow’s he going to do that?

SEAMUSPaddy works for Renneville now. Hedoesn’t trust him, so he keeps himclose.

32.

TREVOROnce you’re in, tip us off when Renneville moves his stash of weapons. You’ll bein charge of coordinating the routes.Once we know those routes, we can stopthe cache.

ROARYHow’s he planning to pay for all this?

SEAMUSHe’s planning to fix the Football season.That’s where I come in. I’m on the take.

ROARYThat means he’ll be including One EyedSandy.

TREVOR and SEAMUS a look to one another. The interesting name has they’re attention.

ROARYHe runs Liverpool. Renneville and One Eyed Sandy ran numbers for Rab Taggert.

SEAMUSWhy’s he called One Eyed Sandy then?

ROARYWhen he was a lad, some bloke bit hiseye out and spit it on the pavement.

SEAMUS and TREVOR, share the same gruesome thought.

ROARYWhat do I tell Paddy about my freedom?

SEAMUS dumps an IRISH TIMES on the table. ROARY starts to read the story of his escape.

EXT. THE ONE EYED JACK CLUB-LIVERPOOL-A WEEK LATER-DAY

A betting shop in one of the seedier sides of Liverpool. PADDY and MONAGHAN watch a hub of activity coming and going into the club. A cigarette burns between MONAGHAN’S fingers.

33.

MONAGHANAre you sure you want to go through with this?

PADDYDo you want Belfast run by me or Barret?

MONAGHANI never had a problem with Barret. You’re the one that…

PADDYThen maybe you should have Donny.

PADDY and MONAGHAN step out of the car. MONAGHAN tosses his cigarette across the street.

MONAGHANIf Renneville finds out…

PADDYAre you gonna tell him? If you cross me, I will deal with you and you may come outon the wrong end.

PADDY and MONAGHAN approach the door and are confronted by a LARGE BOUNCER about 34, with a scruffy face and broad shoulders. He stares straight ahead and folds his arms. They’re not gettingin.

PADDY

We’re here to see One Eyed Sandy McMenemy.

BOUNCERAre you now? Sorry son, that’s not

gonna happen without getting by me.

PADDY and MONAGHAN see they have met their match. They trick THE BOUNCER and make him think they are going to leave. PADDY reaches into his coat and in one fell swoop, he cracks a LEAD PIPE onto the BOUNCER’S knee. The Bouncer cries out and falls down onto his knees. MONAGHAN grabs the back of his head and smashes it into the glass window. To add insult to injury. PADDY spits on him.

34.

PADDYDo you think we can get by you now?

PADDY and MONAGHAN enter a busy betting shop. TELEVISIONS monitor of HORSE RACES from around the country, RUGBY, SQUASH, TENNIS and AMERICAN FOOTBALL. Paddy and Monaghan’s act of brutality has brought the BETTING WINDOWS to a standstill.

MCMENEMY (O.S)Is there something I can help you with?

PADDY and MONAGHAN directed to the voice behind them. We see an intimidating GLASS EYE. Then a short squat hardened MAN about 49. He examines the two intruders with suspicion. His sits on the edge a large leather chair. This is his throne. This is his kingdom. All are welcome except those who choose to destroy it.

PADDYWe’d like to speak to One Eyed Sandy.

The MAN WITH THE GLASS EYE stalks PADDY and MONAGHAN. PADDY can’t keep his eye away from the GLASS EYE. THE MAN WITH THE GLASS EYE takes a deep breath and a tug of his thick chin as he contemplates friend or foe.

MCMENEMYThat’s Sandy to my mates.

He snatches PADDY by the scruff of the neck and slams his face hard onto the table, cutting him open. MONAGHAN makes a move for his gun. Not a smart move. MONAGHAN’S in enemy territory and this King has HARDENED STRONG ARMED MEN with nun chucks, knives and any other weapon at their disposal. They circle him. ONE

HARDENED THUG menaces MONAGHAN with his NUN CHUCK, beating it over and over again. He’s looking for real agro.

MCMENEMYI’m Mr. McMenemy to all others.

MCMENEMY squeezes PADDY’S EAR and pulls him up to his FACE.

MCMENEMYDominic Lesker is one of my highly prized enforcers. I’d like to knowyour name and if you don’t tell me

35.

MCMENEMY (Cont)soon, I’m going to snip your ear offwith a stake knife and feed it tomy Doberman pincer. Are we clear son?

PADDYPaddy Cleary.

MCMENEMY lets Paddy go. His attention turns to MONAGHAN.

MCMENEMYYou I’ve seen before. You’re with Albert Renneville. This must beimportant then. Come in the back.

MCMENEMY leads PADDY and MONAGHAN in to his office with TWO of his BODY GUARDS. MCMENEMY takes a seat at his desk.

MCMENEMYMr. Cleary you and your mate have arather hard set of Irish bollocks.

PADDYYou have a reputation Mr. McMenemy.I didn’t want you to think I wasintimidated by it.

MCMENEMY lets out a hearty laugh. If anything, he likes his gumption.

MCMENEMY

If Albert wants something from me, why did he send you?

PADDYIt’s not what he wants, it’s what I want.

MCMENEMYOh, a favor is what you want.

PADDYThere’s a rumor that you’re not happywith Renneville. He’s handed Belfast toan American with Irish roots. I thinkBelfast should be mine.

36.

MCMENEMYLee Barret. A very shrewd man. He keeps his nose clean. You seem reckless.

PADDYIf I have to be reckless to obtainBelfast then yes. See, I think wecan work out some sort of alliance.

PADDY puts out his hand to seal the deal. MCMENEMY an icy reception to it.

INT. PADDY’S FLAT SHEFFIELD-EVENING

PADDY examines A LARGE BLUE PRINT OF A SAINSBURY’S IN COVENTRY. He plays out different scenarios with SUBBUTEO FOOTBALL PLAYERS. He takes a long swallow of lager and holds his fingers on a SUBBUTEO PLAYER WITH A BROKEN HEAD.

ROARY (OS)The way I see it cousin, the getawaydriver needs to be in the back by theside street. You see there’s open spacehere. No one can see the car on the darkside.

PADDY gobsmacked as if he has seen a ghost. He watches ROARY move the SUBBUTEO FIGURE to a TOY CAR. ROARY, full of confidence rolls a toothpick between his teeth. ROARY picks up the Subbuteo player and examines the missing head.

ROARYYou still play Subbuteo on the floor don’tyou cousin. Remind me to buy you a bigtable.

PADDY, a nervous smile.

EXT. HALLAM ACADEMY TRAINING GROUND-SHIRECLIFFE-MINUTES LATER.

DENNIS HOPE 47 a mass of Yorkshire rock watches a debacle of a TRAINING SESSION. He glances down at his watch, then to the CAR PARK, where he sees a smattering of CARS. and then at his Assistant Manager, SIMON JAMES 40. JAMES can tell he’s going to blow his stack at any moment. All he can do is shrug. HOPE turns his attention back to the TRAINING SESSION.

37.

GORDON JESSUP 27, a marginal squad player dribbles to the end of the flag line and spanks the ball way too hard. The ball misses DEREK AWDLEY by a mile.

AWDLEYBloody hell Gordon my feet are here,Not in row Zed.

Hope wipes his face. He wants to be taken away from this torture.

HOPEJessup! Soft touches lad. Don’ttry to drive every pass. Crikey!Someone please find me a craftsman on the flipping Wing! Lads gather round.

A GROUP OF SHEFFIELD UNITED PLAYERS in training attire gather in a group around HOPE and JAMES. They’re age range is between late teens and mid to late thirties.

HOPERight. I want to try another dribbleand pass drill. Here’s…

The ROAR of a MOTORCYCLE directs everyone’s attention to the CAR PARK. The MOTORBIKE DRIVER shows off, burning a patch of rubber and lifting his bike into a wheelie. Like Evil Knievel, he lands perfectly and slows to a stop. Off comes his helmet. It’s MICK SUCH full of arrogance. Some of his TEAMMATES, like wide eyed

18-year-old youth product KENNY DAYKEN are in awe. Some others like veteran Striker DEREK AWDLEY 34, are disgusted by the display. MICK assists JEAN off the bike. JEAN, 20, is Mick’s daft one-night stand. She removes her helmet and pulls JEAN in for a kiss. Catcalls, including DAYKEN. AWDLEY groans and shakes his head.

DAYKENBloody hell! She’s got an ass doesn’tshe Derek?

AWDLEYI wouldn’t know. I’m married with with two kids. I’m past that phase.

HOPE marches up the hill into the car park burning mad. Like a Drill Sergeant, HOPE prepares to give Mick a good kick in the ass.

38.

Another catcall from the training ground sets HOPE’S fuse and blows it through MICK’S eardrum.

HOPEStifle it!!!!!,

MICK opens one eye with his lips pressed to JEAN’S. JEAN opens her eyes and stares into HOPE’S sarcastic smile.

HOPEHello love. I’m the Gaffer. You Follow Football do you love?

JEANJust Mick. It’s the tightness of himin those cut shorts I fancy watching.

HOPEThen you watched our Mick last Saturdayagainst Manchester United?

JEAN gushes with excitement.

JEANNot half!!

HOPEOh, then you saw him miss pass afterpass, then lose the ball three timeswhich allowed Man U to put 3 pastour Keeper.

HOPE seems calm to JEAN, but he’s Mt. Vesuvius simmering and ready to explode.

HOPEYou must also know we’re at the bottom of the First Division and it’s almost the bleeding month of October!!!!

JEAN loosens her grip on MICK. She has no idea what he is talking about.

MICKLook mate, that’s no way to speak to…

39.

MICK’s gone blank. He can’t remember her name. What is her bloody name?

HOPEYou know Sonny Jim, I’ve played forEngland forty-nine times. I’ve wonThe European Cup Winners Cup underBobby Robson. I’m the Manager ofthis Football club. I believe that affords me the right to speak to your tart anyway I fucking please. Nowtell your tart to hop on that bike and get the bloody hell out training!

JEAN looks at the bike, petrified of it. She doesn’t know how to ride.

JEANBut…But…I can’t ride. Mick!!

MICKBloody hell!

MICK slaps a few shillings in her hand.

MICKTake a bus.

HOPESuch, laps while others do drills.

EXT. TRAINING GROUND AN HOUR LATER-SAME DAY.

DANAN BJORGESEN, a skillful Dane of 30, dribbles the ball from his Sweeper position. BJORGESEN skips over 21-year-old GARETH LLEWELLYN and collects the ball on his other foot. BJORGESEN searches the PENALTY BOX. AWDLEY is marked. BJROGESEN passes to PETER BROADLEY, 24, a good looking blonde player with perfect hair. Before BROADLEY can put on foot on the ball MICK blazes through and steals the ball from BROADLEY’S feet. BROADLEY is gobsmacked. MICK takes two touches into the box and shanks a shot high and way into the CAR PARK. AWDLEY looks across the penalty box at MICK. It’s unbelievable to him.

AWDLEYGet me to Liverpool yesterday!

40.

MICK and BROADLEY run back up the pitch together.

MICKBroadley, a little advice, perhaps if you passed the ball once in a while instead being all fancy with it…

BROADLEYWell Such, if I’d had a chance to touch the ball, I would have passed,but not to you. It would have beenDerek!!!!

MICK lets out and amused chortle. He doesn’t understand Broadley’s anger.

EXT. CAR PARK-MINUTES LATER-SAME DAY

MICK thunders down the middle of the pitch and collides into LLEWELLYN. MICK flips in the air and lands face first. DAYKEN seizes the loose ball and shows a bit of deft skill with a nutmeg past TEDDY MEAKEN. MEAKEN turns the other way. DAYKEN passes to BRENDAN O’COYNE, the Dublin born veteran of 30. He one touches

the ball neatly into the back of the net. HOPE is beside himself and blows his whistle to stop MICK and LLEWELLYN from going at it.

JAMESDennis why do you keep him? He’sblithering idiot and he can’t play.

We hear the roar of a sports car behind him. HOPE’S attention turns to the CAR PARK. ELIZABETH steps out of her fancy AUSTIN HEALY.

HOPEThat’s why. Do you have God Save the Queen handy?

JAMESWatch it. She’s coming.

HOPEI know Simon. I’ve got eyes.

HOPE blows his whistle and watches the restart. ELIZABETH 41.

encroaches HOPE’S territory. ELIZABETH senses Hope is ignoring her, and she lets out a brusque cough. JAMES nudges HOPE to attention. HOPE forces a curt smile and then turns sour again. ELIZABETH takes a few steps away and her eyes are on the BENCH. SEAMUS ties his boots and then stretches his legs. He takes a glance over at ELIZABETH and HOPE.

ELIZABETHI hope you don’t mind, I allowed himpast security.

HOPE examines SEAMUS with skepticism and refuses to answer.

ELIZABETHMy God man! You do know who that isright?

HOPE folds his arms like a spoiled child.

ELIZABETHYou should give Mr. O’Brien a trial.He might still have it.

HOPEIf he were Gary Lineker and Graeme Sharprolled into one, I wouldn’t stay.

ELIZABETHI won’t let you resign Dennis. I shelledout good money on the Dane and the ArsenalCenter Half. Both of them accredited Internationals. I’m committed to winning.

SEAMUS presents himself to HOPE, waiting for an acknowledgement of some kind. HOPE won’t look at him. His eyes are still on the scrimmage. SEAMUS and ELIZABETH make eye contact. They greet each other with a friendly smile. HOPE sneaks a look down at a LONG UGLY SCAR down SEAMUS’ knee. His eyes back to the scrimmage. ELIZABETH and SEAMUS not sure what to say. HOPE another quick glance down at the knee. Now he’s curious but won’t give Elizabeth the satisfaction that SEAMUS intrigues him.

HOPEHow’s the knee?

42.

SEAMUSI’m walking on it.

HOPE finally addresses SEAMUS. He sizes up his attitude and looks into his eyes for sincerity.

HOPECouldn’t hurt to give you a look. I won’t be here much longer any road.

HOPE blows loud and long on his whistle in the direction of ELIZABETH’S ear, startling her.

HOPEJessup! Have a jog. Broadley I want youto switch sides with Dayken.

JESSUPBut Gaffer, I need training,

HOPE

Now Jessup, don’t start son. Needs training. Oh, bloody hell does he need training.

SEAMUS jogs past JESSUP to the CENTER CIRCLE. In front of him TEDDY MEAKEN the Arsenal International Center Half. MEAKEN is as surprised as anyone to see SEAMUS on the pitch.

MEAKENOh, blimey. It’s like old home weekhere. How are you Seamus O’Brien?

SEAMUS and MEAKEN exchange a firm hand shake.

MEAKENI still owe you a pint for the…

SEAMUSMake that refreshment a Jameson’s andwe’re square Teddy.

SEAMUS looks at the rest of the PLAYERS standing around. His match face appears.

43.

SEAMUSWell…what are we here for? Let’s kickoff.

A PAIR OF BINOCULARS from another part of the training ground watch the action. SEAMUS dribbles down the pitch. DARON PARKER, A BLACK PLAYER, 28 with dreadlocks lunges at SEAMUS. SEAMUS, undaunted flies right by him as if PARKER is standing still. SEAMUS unleashes a cross pitch pass to AWDLEY. AWDLEY raises his foot for a volley towards goal. MICK out of nowhere, takes a reckless shot and his foot catches AWDLEY’S ankle. AWDLEY crumbles to the turf in agonizing pain. He cries out. PARKER steals the ball and charges hard down the pitch with such pace, no one can keep up with him. He whacks a pass. The ball drifts into BROADLEY’S path. BROADLEY, shoots first time past BLACK GOALKEEPER COLIN HOLCOMB and scores. RENNEVILLE pulls the binoculars away from his face.

RENNEVILLEDear oh dear. The poor lads hopeless.

Just the key for the Derby match withSheffield Wednesday.

RENNEVILLE, a bemused grin. He takes a glance up at ROARY. ROARY has no expression. They return to watching the action on the pitch. MICK and AWDLEY forehead to forehead and eye to eye. This could be ugly.

AWDLEYIf you come near me again, I’ll kick your bollocks so hard, you won’t be able to have kids!

SEAMUS weighs the pros and cons of putting an end to the fight but holds back. He wants to know what this smartass lad is all about.

MICK.Don’t get your nickers in a twist.It was clearly my ball.

SEAMUSYour ball was it? Oh, then, my passing must be off. I was aiming for Derek.

SEAMUS jogs up the pitch confident he’s made his point.

44.

MICKOi! Grandad, who the fuck are you?

SEAMUSI was wondering the same of you. Are you Billy Idol, or a Footballer?

On the TRAINING GROUND a few minutes later, SEAMUS leaps in the air and bounces the ball off his head to his foot and veers right at PARKER. A quick fake and PARKER is beaten. A look to his left. DAYKEN moves with him. SEAMUS, another fake sends MEAKEN the wrong way. A quick pass to DAYKEN and SEAMUS moves into the open space. RENNEVILLE pulls down his BINOCULARS. He contemplates SEAMUS. Is he a good candidate for a fix? RENNEVILLE thinks something’s dodgy about this.

RENNEVILLE

Ten years. Why now?

DAYKEN dribbles the ball and passes to SEAMUS. LLEWELLYN, and stocky SEAN GRUPHILL have SEAMUS trapped. SEAMUS, a quick back heel pass to an oncoming DAYKEN. MICK cuts in at an angle and steals the ball. HOPE throws his clipboard in the air. MICK and SEAMUS jaw at one another and it’s not too pleasant.

ELIZABETHWe should offer Mr. O’Brien a contractand make him Captain.

HOPE, his nerves coming unglued. Why won’t she leave him to train them?

ELIZABETHDennis, why is it so hard for youto accept change.

HOPEIn my day, men owned Football clubsand most of them let the Manager run them.

ELIZABETHOh, dear Dennis. I guess your behindthe times.

45.

ELIZABETH satisfied that she has fractured HOPE’S male chauvinist attitude, they concentrate on the training.

SEAMUS dribbles the ball up the pitch. MICK moves alongside him, once again, MICK wants the ball and he prepares to steal it from SEAMUS. SEAMUS lifts the ball in the air and around him, confusing MICK. MICK stumbles on loose BOOTLACES and falls face forward in a large thick patch of mud. SEAMUS sprints full force towards the box. GRUPHILL sticks his foot out and stumbles to the turf.

GRUPHILLBollocks! He’s yours now Gareth.

LLEWELLYN, a cocky smile. SEAMUS moves towards him and stops. He dances the ball from foot to foot.

LLEWELLYNCome on old bloke. Let’s have it then.

SEAMUS, a cheeky smile. He can’t resist the trick he has up his sleeve.

SEAMUSMy pleasure.

SEAMUS juggles the ball in the air and kicks it around LLEWELLYN, sprints past him and collects his own pass. LLEWELLYN, gobsmacked. How did he do that?

LLEWELLYNHoly fuck!

SEAMUS dribbles into the box. WILLIE COX, a small timid GOALKEEPER quakes at the sight of him. SEAMUS shoots and the ball rips the net. COX lets out a curse and boots the ball down the pitch. SEAMUS catches the ball and kneels in front of MICK.

SEAMUSMr. Idol? Pop stars worry about thewee hair. Footballers worry about they’reboots. Now which do you want to be lad?

MICK hates SEAMUS right now and shows how much, spitting a clump of mud and grass at him. RENNEVILLE drops the binoculars. He taps ROARY on the shoulder.

46.

RENNEVILLEO’Brien could disrupt my plans. Paddytold me you scrounge information. Scrounge up O’Brien’s past. I wantto know what he’s been up to for tenyears.

EXT. TOUCHLINE-SAME

JAMES and HOPE in utter amazement at what they just witnessed.

JAMES

Did you see Dennis? Did you see? Remarkable. He hasn’t lost a thing.

HOPEI saw. I think I just found that RightWinger I wanted.

He addresses ELIZABETH.

HOPEAnd he cost you naught.

ELIZABETHDennis, write Mr. O’Brien a blank check and have him fill it in.

HOPE happy to oblige.

HOPEIf you like.

HOPE’S good fortune is short lived. COX shakes the GOALPOST and then bangs his head against it. TREVOR senses COX has lost confidence but sees something in Cox that reminds him of himself.

HOPECox, what are you doing lad?

COX tosses his gloves and kicks his water bottle. HOPE can sense he’s about to wither away. HOPE can’t take this, it’s time for a good talking to and a rough one at that.

47.

HOPEOh, bloody hell lad. Stop feelingsorry for yourself. Now, I’ve toldyou in those situations come outof your area.

TREVOR (OS)I’d say Willie Cox needs some confidence.

HOPE turns his attention to TREVOR. He’s suspicious of the advice from his Physio. TREVOR approaches COX and examines his hands.

TREVORYour fingers need grooming. You can’tsave shots with crooked finger nailslad. Set yourself for a shot, by shuffling your feet, pretend you’re adancer.

TREVOR demonstrates with little stutter steps like a dance. HOPE can’t believe what he’s hearing. He thinks he’s mad.

HOPEBloody hell. Now I have Physio’sgiving me unsolicited advice aboutmy club.

ELIZABETH once again, hovers around HOPE, like a buzzing mosquito.

ELIZABETHI believe it was 1976. Non-League Bedford town came out of nowhere and pulled off one of the greatest FA Cup shocks ever. Liverpool didn’t have a prayer facing the Non-League hands of steel.

HOPE knows what’s coming and he won’t give in.

HOPEI don’t care if he’s Dickie flippingGuy. No! I won’t have it.

ELIZABETH’S attention turns to the PITCH. MICK and SEAMUS jaw at each other to the center circle. ELIZABETH knows a way to smooth this delicate situation.

48.

ELIZABETHTrevor might even be able to help hisson mature.

HOPE a glance from MICK to TREVOR and then to ELIZABETH. He’s ready to concede the point, but he still doesn’t like it.

HOPEAll right. He can do both.

ELIZABETH claps her hands and broadly smiles pleased as punch.

ELIZABETHSmashing. See you at the party ina few weeks’ time Dennis. Trevor if I might have a word with you.

ELIZABETH leads TREVOR towards the CAR PARK. ELIZABETH hands him a packet of DOCTORED PICTURES. SEAMUS RECIEVES MONEY FROMA PROMINENT CRIME FIGURE.

ELIZABETHI think this is my best work. Getthose to Riordan as soon as you can.

TREVOR leaves. ELIZABETH opens her car door and leans over it. She watches SEAMUS adjust his shin pads. He senses someone’s watching and looks up towards ELIZABETH.

ELIZABETHWelcome to Sheffield United Mr. O’Brien.I do hope this will be the start of something magical for you.

ELIZABETH and SEAMUS exchange a smile. ELIZABETH steps into her car and drives away satisfied she’s done a good day’s work with her new venture.

INT. DRESSING ROOM-DAY

HOPE watches SEAMUS dress, wondering how on earth he got so lucky. He ambles over to him as SEAMUS puts on his socks and shoes.

HOPEDid you see Saturday’s starting eleven?

49.

SEAMUSAye and ta.

HOPEI was looking for a Captain to toughen the lads. I not only found myself a Right Winger, it appears I have a

Captain in all.

SEAMUSAye.

HOPEDo us a favor, straighten that problemout.

HOPE points over to MICK. We hold on MICK as he scans the lineup. In the background we observe and hear Hope talking with Awdley.

HOPE (O.S.)Derek, a word. your transfer request has been considered and agreed to. The move won’t be made official till afterThe Sheffield Derby.

MICK, a frantic search for his name among the starting eleven. There must be some sort of mistake until he finds it not where he expected. THE SUBSITUTES LIST. He’s not happy at all and erupts with a FIST to the wall, putting a hole in it. Activity stops. HOPE, BACK facing Mick.

HOPEI’ll have Lady Manning send you a bill,shall I Such?

MICK reacts to the snarky comment by attacking HOPE. AWDLEY sucker punches MICK. MICK jumps to his feet ready to have it out with AWDLEY.

AWDLEYCome on then Such. I’ve been waitingto have go!

MICK considers the challenge but decides it’s a waste of time and punches the door on the way out. SEAMUS sees the altercation has the room stunned to silence. Their eyes fall on SEAMUS. They

50.

know he’s Captain, but will he lead? TREVOR nudges him into action.

SEAMUSJases! All right! The show is over.

Go about your business.

TREVOR and SEAMUS walk out of the dressing room into the SUNLIGHT and CAR PARK. MICK, speeds past them on his MOTORCYCLE.

SEAMUSWhat exactly did happen between youtwo?

TREVORThe night Vera passed away from Leukemia I was in Minsk on a case.

They walk to SEAMUS’ CAR and get in.

TREVORRoary’s in. He tells me there’s a cache of weapons leaving Renneville’s cabaret in two nights.

SEAMUSWho’s running the raid?

TREVORYou’re not going to like this.

SEAMUSOh, Jases help us. How is Max runninga Scotland Yard raid?

TREVORDon’t worry Teague will be there.

SEAMUSAye, but not in charge. This could be trouble.

SEAMUS gets in his car and drives away. LEE BARRET follows in his car all the way to his flat. SEAMUS gets out of his car and watches BARRET drive by. Seeing him makes him edgy.

51.

EXT. The TRANSIT ROOM-TWO EVENINGS LATER

THE TRANSIT ROOM IS RENNEVILLE’S CABARET NIGHT CLUB and it looks like a TRAIN CAR.

INT. TRANSIT ROOM-SAME

TRAIN MEMORABILIA along the walls are a reminder of England’s industrial past. PATRONS sit at BOOTHS designed as FIRST-CLASS COACH COMPARTMENTS. THE BAR designed as a DINING CAR. A hustle and bustle of BARTENDERS, and WAIT STAFF serve GOURMET MEALS. ON STAGE, LIVINIA a lounge singer in her late twenties croons a BILLIE HOLIDAY tune. ROARY enters the club with MCMENEMY and LESKER. He walks with a limp, behind him another RATTY LOOKING BODY GUARD. RENNEVILLE offers MCMENEMY a respectful embrace. MCMENEMY pulls away, he’s in a foul mood.

RENNEVILLEWelcome Sandy to the Transit Room.

MCMENEMY looks around. He’s not impressed.

MCMENEMYFucking trains make my stomach dance.

RENNEVILLE ignores the insult as if this is common. He concentrates on LIVINIA and RENNEVILLE’S ogling isn’t lost on MCMENEMY.

MCMENEMYA replacement for Maggie? Does she have any brothers that run a gang? Perhaps she might tip them off and try to take over our operations.

RENNEVILLESandy you live in the past far too much. Roary, prepare that table over in the corner.

ROARY prepares a PRIVATE BOOTH and plants a small MICROPHONE under the table and returns to RENNEVILLE and MCMENEMY.

ROARYI have something for you.

52.

ROARY hands over an envelope for RENNEVILLE. He opens it and pulls out the DOCTORED PICTURES.

RENNEVILLEYou’re turning out to be quite thefind Roary. Attend to Sandy’s carand that other important matter.

ROARY, a dutiful nod and he exits the Transit Room.

EXT. TRANSIT ROOM STREET-SAME

ROARY drives the ROLLS to the back of the GARAGE and past a GREEN JAGUAR.

TREVOR watches ELIZABETH tighten HER HAIR INTO A PONY TAIL. She is dressed in black. On the seat a SATCHEL WITH A BLACK SKI MASK. ELIZABETH pulls the SKI MASK OVER HER HEAD and gets out of the car.

EXT. TRANSIT ROOM-SAME

ELIZABETH moves with stealth along the BACK OF THE TRANSIT ROOM until she is under a WINDOW. She pops her head up and has a look. FEENEY, a tall man with thin features and a long thin pony tail inspects the LOAD OF WEAPONS. ROARY appears with a MAP and points out the route and sends FEENEY on his way. ROARY watches the CARGO leave. He jumps on his MOTORBIKE and follows. THE CARGO travels past the TRANSIT ROOM GARAGE and then past ELIZABETH. ROARY signals with a blink of his lights and takes another route and he speeds off.

INT. JAGUAR BACK OF GARAGE.

TREVOR flips a small SWITCH on the RADIO. THE DASH opens into A TELEVISION MONITOR. The screen, a perfect view of the TRANSIT ROOM. He snaps up the volume. He pulls open the ARMREST and snatches a TRANSITOR MICROPHONE.

TREVORMax, the shipment is on its way.

FRISDALE (V.O.)Now?

53.

TREVORIt’s half 7 Max, that’s when Riordansaid it would be on its way.

FRISDALE (V.O)Bloody hell, we’re not ready.

MCTAVETT (V.O)Trevor everything is fine. Just somenerves that’s all.

EXT. BACK STREET TRANSIT ROOM-SAME

We are at a BRICK WALL that leads up to a LARGE WINDOW. ELIZABETH throws a ROPE to the LEDGE of the WINDOW.

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD TOWARDS BRADFORD-SAME

BINOCULARS watch FEENEY lead the LORRY through the country road entering a WOOD. THE BINOCULARS drop from the face of TEAGUE MCTAVETT, a 48-year-old Scotland Yard Officer. He sits in a car with FRISDALE. FRISDALE is uptight and wants to get on with it.

FRISDALEWhat’s happening?

MCTAVETTThe convoy is on its way.

FRISDALE twitchy and scrambles for a torch and flashes frantically to the other side of the woods. GILES DEVERY, a well-groomed MI5 agent 35, whistles back into the woods.

EXT. TRANSIT ROOM WALL-SAME

ELIZABETH looks inside RENNEVILLE’S OFFICE. A DARK FIGURE urgently and pokes around the OFFICE. ELIZABETH disables security wires with plaster and scrapes away the putty from the window.

INT. TRANSIT ROOM-MCMENEMY’S TABLE-SAME

MCMENEMY a sour look in RENNEVILLE’S direction.

MCMENEMYWe haven’t been nicked since we werelads. I didn’t like prison then, and

54.

MCMEMENY (Cont)I won’t like it now.

RENNEVILLEI have things under control. The wirewas found. We took care of the squealerwhat’s your worry?

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD-SAME

The CONVOY of LORRIES climb a steep hill. TWO SCOTLAND YARD CARS screech out from the wood and block both sides of the road. FEENEY is taken off guard. AN ARMY OF MI5 AGENTS surround the LORRY. Before FEENEY can reach for his gun, FRISDALE throws open the door and grabs FEENEY by the scruff of the neck and tosses him against the LORRY. FRISDALE forces him to spread and he frisks him.

FEENEYWho the fuck are you?

FRISDALE confiscates two pistols. He tosses them to MCTAVETT.

FRISDALENever mind who we are. We want to knowAlbert Renneville’s complete bombingitinerary.

FEENEYFuck off.

FRISDALE doesn’t like being sworn at. So, he grabs hold of a good chunk of FEENEY’S HAIR and throws him into the door of the LORRY. He smashes his face into the SIDE MIRROR, cutting him open.

FRISDALEI’m not messing about son. This isn’tsome sort of game. Now let’s havethat itinerary.

FENNEYI don’t know!!! I don’t know!!!

FRISDALE throws FEENEY to the ground. He stomps on his hand with his shoe and grinds it into the ground. Another loud agonizing welp from Feeney.

55.

FEENEYMy hand!!! My hand!!!

MCTAVETT and DEVERY exchange a look. They both know Frisdale’s broken both Scotland Yard and MI5 rules. MCTAVETT, decides he’sdone enough damage and gently pulls FRISDALE OFF FEENEY.

MCTAVETTChief Frisdale. A word.

He leads him away from FEENEY.

MCTAVETTI think Scotland Yard should take overfrom here. We can question him back atthe station house.

FRISDALEYou may have a point. But I want to bethere.

MCTAVETT pulls FEENEY up to his feet and leads him off to the car.

MCTAVETTSon her Majesties Secret Service and Scotland hereby put you underarrest for…

MCTAVETT’S voice trails off.

INT. TRANSIT ROOM OUTER WINDOW-SAME

ELIZABETH pops the WINDOW PANE and prepares to climb in. The sound of PAPERS RUSTLING startles ELIZABETH AND she falls back and loses her footing. The window panes falls and shatters in the street. She reaches up and pulls herself up by a FLAGPOLE. She looks down. A 100 FOOT DROP BELOW. ELIZABETH pats her heart, thankful she did not fall to her death. ELIZABETH takes a peek through the window. ELIZABETH jerks back when PADDY appears and looks

outside the window at the 100 FOOT DROP. ELIZABETH watches from outside the window. PADDY searches the DESK. Nothing important. He stuffs the papers back inside the drawer haphazardly. A loose paper taken by the window moves past PADDY. He catches it in the nick of time. He examines a BOMBING ITINERARY. HIGHLIGHTED, “FINSBURY STATION ON THE PICADILLY LINE. CONTACT THE AMERICAN.”

56.

PADDYShite! He’s bombing London with Barret

PADDY makes a hasty exit out of RENNEVILLE’S office leaving the ITINERARY ON THE DESK and forgetting his torch. The torch rolls off the desk and crashes onto the floor. ELIZABETH climbs in and she slips the torch and slams hard into the desk, pushing into a button on the side. THE BACKWALL SWINGS OPEN. A LINE OF VIDEO CAMERAS appear. She turns them on. THE CAMERAS SPY ALL OVER THE CABARET. ELIZABETH opens her locket from her neck and pulls back a picture of LORD MANNING and speaks into a HIDDEN MICROPHONE.

ELIZABETHTrevor I’m in.

TREVOR (V.O.)Well done Bet. Renneville is chattingaway with the one eyed man.

ELIZABETHI see them.

TREVOR (V.O.)How?

ELIZABETHClumsy I suppose. I’ll tell you later.

TREVOR watches the conversation between MCMENEMY and RENNEVILLE. A small TAPE RECORDER RECORDS THE CONVERSATION.

MCMENEMYI suspect you have a rat and I’m pointing a finger at Paddy Cleary.

RENNEVILLE lets out a laugh. He finds the idea absurd.

MCMENEMY

He came to me for an alliance against you. Apparently, he’s none too happy about you giving Belfast to Lee Barret.

RENNEVILLE swallows his wine.

RENNEVILLEDid he now?

57.

INTERCUT BETWEEN THE GREEN JAGUAR AND RENNEVILLE’S OFFICE-SAME

ELIZABETH examines the BOOKSHELF. She comes upon a copy of CANTERBURY TALES. She finds it odd and opens it. She thumbs through it until she stumbles upon a PAGE with COMPLEX CODES. She thinks about it a moment. Her eyes wander the room. A BLACK BOOK at the top of the bookshelf. She opens it and finds she has hit the motherload. A FOOTBALL OFFICIALS LIST. Her fingers scan the list and stop at the name REFEREE STANLEY BURTONSHAW. “20 THOUSAND POUNDS STERLING OWED TO SANDY MCMENEMY. ELIZABETH reacts with a cunning smile. Speaks into her locket.

ELIZABETHApparently, Albert has Sandy McMenemy’sbetting accounts book. Some rather big members of the FA owe him quite a substantial amount of money.

TREVOR (V.O.)Ripe for a fix.

ELIZABETHPrecisely.

ELIZABETH moves over to the MONITORS, she watches RENNEVILLE and MCMENEMY.

MCMENEMYI could do it easily.

RENNEVILLEIt’s not the right time. I need himfor some operations.

ELIZABETH sits at RENNEVILLE’S DESK and turns on the COMPUTER.

She finds a file called WINKEN. Curious she it. AN EXCEL SPREAD SHEET OF SHEFFIELD UNITED’S FIXTURES. The fixtures contain the same complex CODES. ELIZABETH cross checks them with the sheet and finds they match. Five words stand out to her. “BOXING DAY GUNNERS VERSUS BLADES.” The next, FINSBURY STATION, followed by an alarming phrase. “OPERATION EXPEL UK, CONTACT THE AMERICAN.” ELIZABETH’S face turns to ash. Her eyes move to the TELEVISION MONITORS. RENNEVILLE hands him THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE SCHEDULE AND CIRCLED EVERTON VS LIVERPOOL, NOVEMBER 22.

58.

INTERCUT BETWEEN GREEN JAGUAR AND TRANSIT ROOM-SAME

TREVOR pays close attention.

MCMENEMYBloody hell Albie! The Liverpool Derby? You’re taking a big risk.

RENNEVILLETrust me. The money will bring inmore weapons to generate more attacks.

MCMENEMYIt generates suspicion. You’ve got a lot of bollocks Albie, but no sense.

THE WAITRESS brings McMenemy his food.

INT. RENNEVILLE’S OFFICE-SAME

ELIZABETH ejects a DISK and pops in a BLANK ONE. She clicks COPY DISK. Instantly an error messages, “YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE FILE.” Elizabeth not sure what to do. She’s pressed for time. A quick glance to the CABARET MONITOR. RENNEVILLE leads MCMENEMY to the door, then makes a call.

RENNEVILLEHas it arrived yet?

RENNEVILLE listens to the news. He doesn’t like what he is hearing at all.

RENNEVILLE (Cont)The shipment should have gotten thereby now. Call me when it arrives.

RENNEVILLE moves through the hall.

INTERCUT BETWEEN RENNEVILLE’S OFFICE AND GREEN JAGUAR-SAME

ELIZABETH is frantic and punches keys. TREVOR searches the MONITOR for RENNEVILLE. He’s gone.

TREVORBet, I’ve lost Renneville.

59.

ELIZABETHBlast!

ELIZABETH eyes from the KEYBOARD to the MONITORS. She finds RENNEVILLE in the kitchen, eating a bowl of soup.

ELIZABETHI’ve got him. He’s in the kitchen.

ELIZABETH urgently keys in a series of PASSWORDS. Each password fails. She closes the WINKEN FILE. A quick glance at the name WINKEN. ELIZABETH has it. She opens the file again. The ERROR MESSAGE FLASHES. She types like her life depends on it. She waits a second and she’s in. She clicks copy. Another error message confounds ELIZABETH. “DESCRAMBLING PASSWORD PLEASE!”

ELIZABETHShit! What the bloody hell is this?

The pressure on ELIZABETH is relentless. She’s frantic, punching WORDS, LETTERS and NUMBERS, anything that will work. A quick glance to the MONITORS. RENNEVILLE is gone.

INT. THE BOTTOM OF THE OFFICE STAIRS-SAME

RENNEVILLE climbs the stairs. A FLASHING RED LIGHT outside the OFFICE DOOR has his attention. He runs down the hall. RENNEVILLE, reaches for his gun. Cautious, he eases the door open and clicks on the light. ELIZABETH caught at the COMPUTER. She makes an attempt to get up. RENNEVILLE grabs her wrist and is surprised it’s the wrist of a woman. Startled, he releases it. ELIZABETH reacts and punches a BUTTON on her BELT and snatches the PUTTY KNIFE.

INT. GREEN JAGUAR-SAME

TREVOR jumps at the sound of an ALARM in his ear and moves into action. He jams the ignition and peels out of the garage.

INT. RENNEVILLE’S OFFICE-SAME

Before ELIZABETH, can escape out the window, RENNEVILLE reaches out and spins her to him. She whips out the PUTTY KNIFE from her SATCHEL and slashes his cheek causing him to bleed. ELIZABETH cautious, backs up towards the window. RENNEVILLE reaches her and throws her against the wall and puts a choke hold on her. ELIZABETH

60.

can’t breath. A desperate search for an opening. She reaches up with both hands and gives him two good karate chops on his shoulders. RENNEVILLE falls back and tears the LOCKET FROM HER NECK, cutting her. ELIZABETH bursts into a coughing attack. She has no time to waste. She grabs the satchel and smashes it into the back of RENNEVILLE’S head. ELIZABETH leaps out the window, grabs the rope and repels. RENNEVILLE staggers to his feet, grabs his gun and takes a pair of wild shots missing his target. RENNEVILLE curses silently and makes a call on his office phone.

RENNEVILLEThe security has been breached. Get downhere and fix it!

RENNEVILLE buzzing with anger. He fixes a stiff drink and makes another call.

RENNEVILLEIs it there? What do you mean it’s ahalf hour late? Find out where it isnow!

INT. THE STREET BEHIND THE TRANSIT ROOM-SAME

THE GREEN JAGUAR screeches to a halt. ELIZABETH jumps in and finds she can’t stop coughing. As TREVOR speeds away, he senses something has happened. He watches ELIZABETH rub the gash on her neck. TREVOR alarmed.

ELIZABETHAlbert and I had a tussle. I didn’tcomplete the task.

TREVORDo you have the black book?

ELIZABETHIn the Satchel. Trevor, we need toget this to Max immediately. He’s planning to attack London.

TREVOR drives out of Sheffield like his life depends on it.

EXT. PEVERIL CASTLE SHEFFIELD ENGLAND-TWO HOURS LATER EVENING.

61.

The moon casts an eerie sinister glow over NORMAN RUIN AND THE YORKSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE. DOWN in the CAR PARK FRISDALE lights a cigarette. He takes and angry drag and blows it out with a fury in ELIZABETH direction.

FRISDALEI didn’t say you could go on a fool’s errand.

ELIZABETHThat fool’s errand netted you McMenemy’s accounts book.

FRISDALEIf you were going to obtain anything for me, it would have been Renneville’s bombing itinerary.

ELIZABETHI would have. He has a double walledsecurity system.

FRISDALE, his mood changes. He’s now curious.

FRISDALEYou saw it then?

ELIZABETHYes, and if you allow me to use someclever hacking skills, I can probably

obtain it for you.

FRISDALEHow?

ELIZABETHA worm.

FRISDALEWhat can you tell me about this bombing itinerary?

ELIZABETHThe attacks coincide with each of Sheffield United’s away fixtures

62.

FRISDALEWhen can you have it for me?

ELIZABETHIt will take some time. I need tocreate the worm first.

FRISDALEYou’ll get me that information as soonas you can Agent Manning. Our debrief is done.

ELIZABETH and TREVOR get into the GREEN JAGUAR.

TREVORTeague says the raid went well, but Max was a little heavy handed on the driver.

ELIZABETHOh dear, now that’s not good.

TREVOR starts the car and drives past FRISDALE’S CAR.

INT. FRISDALE’S CAR-SAME

FRISDALE on the phone.

FRISDALEMadam Home Secretary, the attacks coincide with United’s away

fixtures. Come again? Are yousure? No, we’ll do this theway you want.

DISSOLVE TO.

INT. THE BLACKCROW PUB SHEFFIELD THREE DAYS LATER

A CORNER BOOTH RENNEVILLE and MONAGHAN share a meal. RENNEVILLE’s not happy and shows his disgust with a firm wipe of the face and a hard shovel of food in his mouth.

RENNEVILLEClear away Feeney. As for you,I am not happy about Paddy meeting with Sandy. In future, I need to

63.

RENNEVILLE (Cont)be informed.

MONAGHANUnderstood Mr. Renneville.

Out of the corner of RENNEVILLE’S eye, ROARY enters the pub and joins RENNEVILLE at the table. RENNEVILLE eases a packet of money over to ROARY and he puts it into his coat, which creates suspicion for RENNEVILLE.

RENNEVILLEYou’re not going to count it after Istiffed you? I’m beginning to wonderabout you Riordan.

RENNEVILLE pushes the NEWSPAPER in front of ROARY.

RENNEVILLEI’ve had rats before. I know howto deal with them. What the bloody hell happened here?

ROARY.Feeney took a different route than Iasked. There was nothing I could do.

RNNEVILLE’s not buying it.

ROARYYou never should have hired Feeney. He’s A drunk. I guess I shall have to take the next cargo myself. When is it?

RENNEVILLE pulls out the Sheffield United schedule. He examines it and finds the next away fixture. COVENTRY.

RENNEVILLECoventry two weeks from Thursday.

ROARY pulls out the money from his pocket and counts it.

ROARYThe next time you accuse anyone of

64.

ROARY (Cont)being a rat Mr. Renneville, you better be sure. Now you owe me a littleconfidence and two hundred and fifty.

RENNEVILLE pulls out the rest of the money and hands it to ROARY. ROARY exits angrily and punches the door on the way out. RENNEVILLE and MONAGHAN exchange a look. Can he be trusted?

INT. VAN-SAME

TREVOR and FRISDALE listen to the conversation between MONAGHAN and RENNEVILLE.

MONAGHAN (OS)I’ll meet him there and do it then.

RENNEVILLE (OS)Bring Paddy with you. Have him do it.No need getting your hands soiled.

TREVORHow do we stop this from happening?

FRISDALE has no clue and looks to TREVOR for an answer.

INT. MANNING HALL BALLROOM-A WEEK LATER-EVENING

A festive party held in Sheffield United’s honor. SEAMUS pours a refreshment at the punch bowl and bites into a snack. His eyes roam the room. FRISDALE approaches ELIZABETH and pulls her aside from a SHEFFIELD UNITED BOARD MEMBER.

FRISDALEAnything to report on Mr. O’Brien.

ELIZABETHMax, Renneville hasn’t even pulled himinto his web yet.

RENNEVILLE (OS)There you are Elizabeth. I’ve been lookingall over for you. I just finished settingup that train set for Roger.

65.

ELIZABETH Oh, splendid darling.

RENNEVILLE and FRISDALE’S eyes meet. He’s a little suspicious of who he is.

RENNEVILLEHello. I don’t believe we’ve met.

FRISDALENo, we haven’t.

FRISDALE about to introduce himself.

ELIZABETHThis is Max Manning darling. He’s my brother.

FRISDALE a bit put off and he pinches ELIZABETH hard. The pinch hurts and she elbows him in the ribs.

RENNEVILLEThis is a bit of a surprise. I thoughtSeb was your only brother.

ELIZABETHOh, no Albert love. I’m sure I’ve told

you about Max.

RENNEVILLENo, I would have remembered that. So Max, I shall have to bend your ear about this one here.

FRISDALE PAGER goes off.

FRISDALEI shan’t be long. It’s someone atthe office.

SEAMUS watches FRISDALE exit and takes a swallow of his punch. SEAMUS makes eye contact with ELIZABETH’S while she dances with RENNEVILLE.

TREVOR (OS)Are you wired?

66.

SEAMUS confirms with a nod of the head and returns his focus, on ELIZABETH. The two exchange a smile. A BUTLER approaches RENNEVILLE and whispers in his ear. A quick glance towards the doorway. PADDY and MONAGHAN. RENNEVILLE shakes his head, put off by the intrusion. The dance ends and he pulls away from Elizabeth.

ELIZABETHNow where are you going Albert?

RENNEVILLEBusiness. Two Steel Union Workers. I shan’t be long.

RENNEVILLE takes MONAGHAN and PADDY out into the hall.

RENNEVILLEI thought I told you two to wait by thegarden.

PADDYSome shindig Mr. Renneville. By the way, I was wondering when you were going to tell me about the Coventry bombing?

RENNEVILLEYou want in I suppose.

PADDYIt’s the least you can do since you’veordered me to murder my cousin.

RENNEVILLE, surprised by PADDY’S reaction.

RENNEVILLEYou surprise me Paddy. I expectedyou to balk at the idea.

PADDYNot even cousins should get in the wayof business.

RENNEVILLEAll right. You are in for Coventry.

RENNEVILLE hands PADDY a VILE OF LIQUID.67.

RENNEVILLEI have another job for you in the meantime.

RENNEVILLE points PADDY in the direction of BRENDAN O’COYNE, dancing with his WIFE.

RENNEVILLEThat is Brendan O’Coyne, one time legend for Ireland. I need you toget this into his knee. I want himout of Saturday’s match.

INT. LIMOUSINE-SAME

FRISDALE meets with WALTER BRISTOE, the FA Chairman. He is a man in his early 50’S with wealth and means.

FRISDALEWalter, I brought you here to discuss a delicate matter. MI5 is investigating a terrorist. It effects the Football season.

The news makes BRISTOE uncomfortable.

INT. BALLROOM-SAME

ELIZABETH pours a cup of punch and addresses TREVOR and SEAMUS.

ELIZABETHWell Trevor, Mr. O’Brien are we enjoyingourselves.

TREVORYou put on a fine party Lady Manning.

ELIZABETHMr. O’Brien are you as quick footed on the dance floor as you are on the Football pitch?

TREVOR furrows his brow. He’s not sure he likes this.

SEAMUSLet’s find out, shall we?

68.

SEAMUS hands TREVOR his punch, like he’s his valet. ELIZABETH leads SEAMUS onto the dance floor and both find themselves confused.

SEAMUSYou’re the Owner, your Ladyship. It’sbetter you lead.

ELIZABETHMr. O’Brien, I lead all day. You lead.

SEAMUS, accepts the responsibility with an obedient nod and takes the lead.

INT: ROLLS ROYCE-EVENING

BRISTOEMatch fixing?

FRISDALEYes. This terrorist is using the scores to help pay for the attacks on England. I have a man on the inside who will be

playing Football.

BRISTOEWho is this man?

FRISDALEI can’t compromise him. The terroristis planning on fixing your whole season.

BRISTOE is now alarmed.

BRISTOEDo you have any names?

FRISDALENo.

BRISTOEThen how the bloody hell do you expectme to stop them?

FRISDALE can’t find a way to sugar coat it.

69.

FRISDALEWe don’t. We’ll stop some, but ourconundrum is we need evidence. Somematches will have to slip through.

BRISTOEYou can’t do that.

FRISDALEThis is a national security issueWalter, you’re going to have tocomply.

FRISDALE gets out of the car. BRISTOE sees his whole career passing before his eyes. He’s alarmed. He picks up the phone.and makes a call.

BRISTOEA friend of mine, who works for MI5 has alerted me to a problem. We should talk.

INT. MANNING HALL-SAME

FRISDALE enters the room and his eyes immediately fall upon SEAMUS and ELIZABETH. The sight of the two spellbound by one another makes him nervous.

ELIZABETHYou dance divinely Mr. O’Brien

SEAMUSI guess I can dance then.

ELIZABETHI knew, the moment I saw you dance those feet with the ball. You cut right across the middle beating five Blades to get to the byline. Then, you sweetly dropped a cross to Kevin Reeves and he cracked one that sent us crying home to our tea. It was ballet Mr. O’Brien. Sheer ballet.

SEAMUS uncomfortable taking a compliment, he offers a sheepish smile.

70.

ELIZABETHSo, where is the attractive woman you camewith?

SEAMUSI must confess, I didn’t bring one. Would you mind being my professional dating service Lady Manning?

ELIZABETHFirst, I would have to know what youlike Mr. O’Brien?

SEAMUSSomeone with remarkable teeth likeyours. Who’s your dentist?

ELIZABETH laughs. SEAMUS whirls ELIZABETH in the direction of the punch bowl. PADDY and SEAMUS’ eyes meet. It’s not a pleasant

exchange. There is an intense dislike for one another. PADDY tosses his punch in the dustbin and exits past SEAMUS and ELIZABETH come to the end of their dance.

RENNEVILLE (OS)I can tell Elizabeth has been swept off her feet by Seamus O’Brien.

SEAMUS, releases ELIZABETH from his grasp.

ELIZABETHSeamus O’Brien, my fiancé AlbertRenneville.

SEAMUS glances from RENNEVILLE to ELIZABETH. He’s not sure what to make of this pairing or if he likes it. SEAMUS and RENNEVILLE come together with a firm handshake.

RENNEVILLEMr. O’Brien, would you mind if I hadyour autograph.

RENNEVILLE presents Seamus 1980 FOOTBALL CARD. Seamus takes a good look at it. HIS TONGUE HANGS OUT AS HE DRIBBLES.

SEAMUSI hope you don’t boast about a man with

71.

SEAMUS (Cont)his tongue hanging out like a sloppySt. Bernard.

RENNEVILLE and ELIZABETH laugh.

ELIZABETHI don’t know Mr. O’Brien. St. Bernard’sare rather cuddly and warm. Don’t youagree Albert?

RENNEVILLE feigns a smile and stares at ELIZABETH clutching her neck, covered by a HIGH COLLAR. It puzzles him.

RENNEVILLEShould I have him make this out toRoger, Winken?

ELIZABETHHe’ll treasure it darling.

SEAMUS writes something personal on the card.

SEAMUSYou have a wee wane then?

RENNEVILLEYes, he lives with my ex-wife.

ELIZABETHDarling, I think Seamus would like a tour of the grounds.

RENNEVILLE presses his lips lightly on ELIZABETH’S mouth.

RENNEVILLEKeep those lips fresh for me.

RENNEVILLE leads SEAMUS away from ELIZABETH. Renneville’s kiss disgust her now. It’s like kissing a leach. ELIZABETH wipes HER MOUTH to take the germs off. FRISDALE appears by behind her and whispers.

FRISDALELady Manning, Agent O’Brien is off limits. I hope I don’t need to remind

72.

FRISDALE you, keep your hormones in check.

ELIZABETHMax, my job as Owner of this Footballclub, requires me to have an open door policy to my playing staff.

FRISDALEAs long as it’s an open door to youroffice and not an open door to your bedroom.

ELIZABETH horrified at his insinuation. ELIZABETHBack off Max and allow me to do my end

of the job.

FRISDALEOnly if you never use the brother coveragain.

ELIZABETHOh, believe me Max, I won’t. The merethought of you as my brother sends shivers down my spine.

INT. STUDY-SAME EVENING

A MODEL TRAIN flies down the TRACK leaving little PUFFS of SMOKE behind, followed by a high pitch WHISTLE.

RENNEVILLECracker! This is for my lad. We setit up for him when he visits. Youmarried O’Brien?

SEAMUS, an icy stare into RENNEVILLE’S COLD DARK EYES.

SEAMUSAlmost.

RENNEVILLE hands SEAMUS a whiskey.

73.

RENNEVILLEMy poor misguided dove believesUnited can be competitive in herfirst season.

RENNEVILLE tosses a PACKET OF MONEY AT SEAMUS. SEAMUS stares at it. He hates the look of it. He pushes it back.

SEAMUSThis is where I take my leave of youMr. Renneville.

SEAMUS rises to his feet and moves towards the door.

RENNEVILLEI watched your debut at Old Trafford.

City was in a glorious hunt for theChampionship against Liverpool. You broke my heart when you delivered thatcross to Denis Tueart.

RENNEVILLE takes a giant swallow of his drink. He returns SEAMUS his whiskey. RENNEVILLE pulls out another ENVELOPE and lays on the desk and makes himself comfortable.

RENNEVILLEYour career was glorious. Then one day at Arsenal, it all came crashing down. What happened to you is anyone’s guess.

SEAMUSThere was a peace rally in Belfast. My fiancé attended. That day an IRA leader named Colm Rourke was gunned down by his own troops. My fiancé was an innocentbystander and she paid the price.

SEAMUS checks RENNEVILLE for any sort of reaction. He has none. His answer is to open the envelope and displays the DOCTORED PICTURES ONE BY ONE. SEAMUS a cold stare.

RENNEVILLEMr. O’Brien, I want you to convince membersof the Football Association to take a bribe.

SEAMUS caught between a rock and a hard place.74.

RENNEVILLEIf you refuse, the only thing I wishto know is where to send these. TheFA Chairman perhaps?

SEAMUS has no choice and picks up the money.

SEAMUSYou’re a cunning man Albert Renneville. Let’s get on with it then.

RENNEVILLENo, no, no Mr. O’Brien. I’m in chargehere. You’ll know when I tell you.

SEAMUS swallows his drink and slams it down hard on the desk and exits.

INT. MANNING HALL FOYER-EVENING

ELIZABETH watches TREVOR hand SEAMUS MCMENEMY’S ACCOUNTS BOOK.

TREVORAny idea what match is being fixed?

SEAMUSIt has to be a big match.

Then it hits SEAMUS like a thunderbolt.

SEAMUSThe Sheffield Derby! Tell Max.

SEAMUS makes his way to the door.

ELIZABETHLeaving so soon Mr. O’Brien?

SEAMUS addresses ELIZABETH.

SEAMUSA man needs his sleep.

ELIZABETHPleasant dreams Mr. O’Brien. Mayyou be dancing with a Football at

75.

ELIZABETH (Cont)your feet.

SEAMUSMy dreams can be about much more thanFootball your Ladyship.

SEAMUS bows gallantly. ELIZABETH responds with a bow of her own. She watches SEAMUS leave the MANOR HOUSE and her heart skips a beat. After Seamus is gone ELIZABETH returns to the party. She finds FRISDALE and TREVOR in a heated debate.

FRISDALENo, I have Riordan on something else.

TREVORMax you have to stop that fix.

FRISDALETrevor it’s one match. I think we shoulduse it to find out who he bribed.

ELIZABETHMax this is my Football club.

FRISDALELady Manning, I am in charge and we will let this match go!

FRISDALE exits the Manor. ELIZABETH and TREVOR exchange a look. Something’s up and it smells rotten.

EXT. BRAMHALL LANE OWNER’S BOX A FEW DAYS LATER.

ELIZABETH takes a seat with 12-year-old ROGER RENNEVILLE. She searches the stands and finds RENNEVILLE in conference with PADDY at a souvenir stand. He pays for a cap.

RENNEVILLEIs O’Coyne sufficiently drugged.

PADDYIt’s done.

RENNEVILLEGood job Paddy. Perhaps you are worth

76.

RENNEVILLE (Cont)keeping on after all.

RENNEVILLE moves down the stand and takes a seat between ROGER and ELIZABETH.

ELIZABETHWhere did you disappear to?

RENNEVILLEI went on an errand.

He places a SHEFFIELD UNITED CAP on ROGER’S HEAD and SEAMUS’ SIGNED FOOTBALL CARD. ROGER reacts with excitement.

ROGERSeamus O’Brien! Thanks Dad.

RENNEVILLE makes a bouquet of lilies appear from his back and offers them to ELIZABETH.

RENNEVILLEHere’s to your first match as Owner.

ELIZABETH stares down at the lilies. She feigns a smile. She hates lilies.

ELIZABETHLilies! Lovely.

ELIZABETH reaches for his cheek with her lips. RENNEVILLE turns his head towards her so she is forced to kiss him. The whole ordeal makes her tense. She massages the WOUND on her NECK. RENNEVILLE examines the wound and finds it odd.

RENNEVILLELove, you haven’t taken to shaving haveyou?

The question catches Elizabeth off guard. She reacts with a nervous laugh.

ELIZABETHWhat?

77.

RENNEVILLEYour neck. How did that happen?

ELIZABETH clutches her neck tighter.

ELIZABETHI fell…into a hedge on a ride.

Before RENNEVILLE can investigate any further.

ROGER

Dad, look! Its Seamus O’Brien.

ELIZABETH is relieved from Roger’s excitement. They watch SEAMUS warm up. ELIZABETH lifts Roger’s cap off his head.

ELIZABETHRoger, do you know Seamus has forty five of these for Northern Ireland.

EXT. PITCH-TEN MINUTES LATER.

SCOREBOARD SHEFFIELD UNITED 1. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0. SCORER AWDLEY 6 MINUTES. RENNEVILLE makes eye contact with DAVID MUCKWITH, SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY’S 31-year-old hard nut Center Half. He knows what the look means and puts his thumb up. AWDLEY heads the ball into the path of O’COYNE. O’COYNE dribbles into the box with heavy legs. He looks up towards a FUZZY GOAL. O’COYNE shakes his head. MUCKWITH meets O’COYNE with a hard shoulder block that sends HIM into the ADVERTISING BOARD. O’COYNE lays on the ground out cold. SHEFFIELD UNITED TEAMMATES gather around him. TREVOR shoves smelling salts up O’Coyne’s nose. SEAMUS looks to the stands. RENNEVILLE, smug. He has the upper hand and SEAMUS knows it. ELIZABETH stands and looks over the thin crowd. Worry etched on her face. ELIZABETH and TREVOR exchange a look and then a glance over at RENNEVILLE.

RENNEVILLEThat was rather harsh of that Muckwithfellow wasn’t it.

ELIZABETHYes, rather harsh. I’ll be right backAlbert, I need to go powder my nose.

78.

ELIZABETH leaves the Owner’s Box, mad as a hornet. She picks up her cell phone and makes a call. We hear his answering machine in the background.

ELIZABETHAll right Chief Frisdale allow me to leave you this message then. This match is on you!

EXT. DUGOUT-SAME

HOPE knows what he has to do and he doesn’t want to do it. He looks over at MICK and points to the pitch. MICK eager to get out there, throws his track suit off and jumps onto the pitch, eager for a loose ball. MICK crunches a tackle into his own teammate DANAN BJORGESEN. BJORGESEN completely confused. IPPUM, the WEDNESDAY RIGHT HALF sprints with the ball up the pitch. He drives a shot. The BALL CAROMS OFF THE POST. NORMAN THOMPSON taps the rebound into the net behind COX.

MICK curses to himself. SHEFFIELD UNITED SUPPORTERS let Mick have it with a derisive chant of SUCH A LOAD OF COBBLERS.

An hour later. SCOREBOARD SECOND HALF SHEFFIELD UNITED 1, SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1. SEAMUS chips a pass to AWDLEY but he can’t reach it, before the ball is cleared by UWE ROLF, the German International Fullback.

MICK, out of nowhere, collects the loose ball and shoots through the crowd of SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY DEFENDERS. LILLEY clears. MICK chases the loose ball. MUCKWITH meets him with a crack to the jaw. MICK falls hard to the turf. MICK shakes the cobwebs out and sees MUCKWITH. He’s menacing and hungry for a tussle.

MUCKWITHWelcome to the harsh world of top flightFootball Sunshine.

MICK springs to his feet and pushes MUCKWITH. REFEREE BURTONSHAW barges between the two. He flips out a YELLOW CARD and shows it to MICK. SHEFFIELD UNITED PLAYERS like buzzing bees swarm REFEREE BURTONSHAW.

No whistle, so NICKY SHERWOOD, WEDNESDAY’S FLAMBOYANT CENTER FORWARD plays on and reaches the loose ball and comes right at COX. COX eyes wide and frantic.

79.

COXLads! Lads!! Lads!! Crikey, I needhelp!

PARKER alert, blazes through and tackles SHERWOOD hard and clean. REFEREE BURTONSHAW looks up as SHERWOOD sells the dive in the penalty box. REFEREE BURTONSHAW blows his whistle and points to the spot.

PARKERPenalty! What match are you watching?

ONCE AGAIN SHEFFIELD UNITED PLAYERS OVERWHELM BURTONSHAW with loud and vociferous protests. All BURTONSHAW can do is hand out YELLOW CARDS. HOPE pushes through the mob, his veins about to burst.

HOPEYour shit smells mate! The FA willhear about this!

REFEREE BURTONSHAWYou better do it now then.

REFEREE BURTONSHAW throws out a RED CARD IN HOPE’S FACE. It takes half the team to restrain HOPE and lead him off the pitch. He reaches the dugout and SMASHES the contents of a LARGE WATER CONTAINER onto the ground and then walks down the tunnel.

ELIZABETH stews in her seat. RENNEVILLE reaches for ELIZABETH’S hand and consoles her.

RENNEVILLESorry love, it’s as if the God’s aren’tin United’s favor.

ELIZABETH whispers to herself.

ELIZABETHPerhaps the devil is in Wednesday’s favor.

RENNEVILLEI’m sorry love, did you say something?

ELIZABETHNo, nothing at all dear.

80.

She offers RENNEVILLE a smarmy hate filled smile. He pats her hand and makes eye contact with SEAMUS. The fix is on and SEAMUS doesn’t like how it happened.

DISSOLVE TO.

INT. BARON’S HEAD PUB-SAME EVENING

SEAMUS broods while TREVOR drinks his lager.

TREVORWhat if you picked the bribes? We would be able to control whether a match is fixed or not.

SEAMUSThat might work. Renneville doesn’t know the league as well as I do.

TREVORI have a mate who writes for the Evening Standard. He’ll be able to give you all kinds of gossip.

TREVOR eyes move to the BAR. MICK filthy drunk, stares at PHOEBE AWDLEY and likes what he sees.

TREVORExcuse me, I see a problem that needstending to.

TREVOR approaches MICK at the bar. TREVOR puts his hand on MICK’Sshoulder.

TREVORCome on you’ve had enough.

MICKToss off.

MICK throws shoulder off him and stands up and looks TREVOR straight in the eye.

MICKDo us a favor Mr. Physio. Don’t cometo me unless I ask you fix a knee.

81.

SEAMUS thrusts himself into an impending altercation. He grabs MICK by the scruff of the neck and drags him outside and pins him

up against the BRICK WALL. SEAMUS has MICK’S attention and sees a time bomb about to go off.

SEAMUSIf I ever embarrassed my Da in public,I’d end up with a kick in the teeth.

MICK struggles to break free. SEAMUS pushes him harder into the wall.

SEAMUSDennis hired me to be your fuckingDrill Sergeant. From this day forward, you are going to breathe,drink and eat Football. By thetime I’m done, maybe you’ll grow some bollocks and become a man. Monday morning at four. Be ready for a run.

SEAMUS releases MICK to a chorus of applause. SEAMUS explodes at his teammates.

SEAMUSWhat are you lot applauding for?

The applause comes to an abrupt end.

SEAMUSGo on with you. You’re mourninga loss. Mourn quietly.

MICK rides past SEAMUS on his MOTORBIKE. He gives SEAMUS the finger.

EXT. YORKSHIRE DALES-DAWN

SEAMUS and MICK jog hard up hill. MICK collapses 20 yards from the top. SEAMUS sprints past MICK and runs circles around him. MICK opens his eyes. He sees SEAMUS isn’t even breaking a sweat. SEAMUS disgusted, offers MICK a hand up.

SEAMUSWhen England beat West Germany in the

82.

SEAMUS (Cont)66 World Cup, Alan Ball ran all day!

MICK retrieves a cigarette from his track suit.

MICKWho?

SEAMUS rolls back his head and explodes.

SEAMUSJases lad. I suppose you never knew your own country won the World Cup.

MICK lights the cigarette and takes a half a puff, before SEAMUS rips the cigarette from his mouth and crushes it.

SEAMUSFootballers don’t smoke. It kills thestamina which you need for ninety minutes.Now, if you’re going to play Football withme, you’re going to have a sense of Footballhistory.

SEAMUS pushes MICK forward and the two jog down the dales.

SEAMUSSir Alf Ramsey Managed England tothe 1966 World Cup. The side was known as the Wingless Wonders…

His voice trails off.

INT. TRAINING GROUND GYM-NEXT AFTERNOON

MICK bored and tired bounces lifeless on a trampoline.

SEAMUSYou’ll never beat Mark Wright in theair if there’s no passion when you leap.

MICKI don’t want to beat Mark Wright.I want to beat you with my fuckingfists.

83.

SEAMUS

Football is not a sport played withyour fists. It’s a sport played withyour feet and your wits.

MICK picks up the pace.

EXT. TRAINING GROUND SIDELINES-NEXT DAY

ELIZABETH sits on a bench and watches a tire exercise. MICK stumbles near the finish. SEAMUS bursts into view and beats MICK with ease.

SEAMUSAlan Ball lad! Alan Ball!

MICK rises to his feet and grumbles. He trots back to the end of a line where HOPE prepares fifty-yard dash heats. One by one, the PLAYING STAFF race each other to the finish. MICK and SEAMUS reach the top of the line. MICK addresses SEAMUS with a cocky competitive sneer. HOPE prepares the whistle. ELIZABETH watches with curiosity.

SEAMUSWipe that shite eating grin off yourwee face lad. Until you can provethat you can run like…

MICKAlan Ball! Alan Ball! Toss bloody Fucking Alan Ball!

HOPEShut it!

HOPE blows his whistle. MICK and SEAMUS burst out of the gate. A DEAD HEAT nearing the finish. SEAMUS grunts out.

SEAMUSAlan Ball!

MICK a sudden burst of motivation and he explodes past SEAMUS beating him by a nose. SEAMUS leans over winded. His eyes connect with ELIZABETH. Impressed, she salutes him.

84.

SEAMUSWhat’s the time Simon?

JAMESSuch had a time of four point six andtwo hundredths of a second. He beat you by a hundredth of a second.

MICK kicks the turf.

MICKShit! I can do better.

JAMESYou can do better? Parker doesn’t evenrun a four eight.

MICK looks at SEAMUS. He points at him.

MICKI can do better. With your helpI can do much, much better.

MICK jogs off past ELIZABETH around the track field. ELIZABETH moves over to HOPE and SEAMUS.

ELIZABETHWell done Mr. O’Brien, it appearsour diamond is beginning to showsome gloss.

SEAMUSAye, that he is.

SEAMUS jogs off towards MICK.

MICKAt the World Cup, how did Geoff Hurst score a hattrick?

SEAMUSIt’s time to tell you about his West Ham Manager Ron Greenwood. NowRon had developed Geoff, Bobby Mooreand Martin Peters…

85.

SEAMUS’ voice trails off as the jog further away.

EXT. MONTAGE TRAINING GROUND GOALPOSTS-TWENTY MINUTES LATER.

TREVOR puts COX and HOLCOMB through some Goalkeeping drills. First, we see TREVOR working on their foot work. He has THEM RUN in place and then STUTTER STEP all the way across the GOAL. Next BROADLEY takes free kicks and penalties against them. Next MCANDREW takes CORNER KICKS. TREVOR walks in front of the Penalty Box, watching MCANDREW spank each corner kick. COX catches and throws out.

TREVORGood Willie. Much better.

MINUTES LATER HOLCOMB and COX are put through a STUTTER DIVE DRILL.

TREVORStutter, stutter, dive! Stutter, stutterdive.

MICK sees a side of TREVOR he’s never seen before.

ELIZABETH (O.S)Mick, how much do you know about your Dad’s Football career?

ELIZABETH appears out of nowhere, taking MICK by surprise.

MICKNothing. I was born after he retired.

ELIZABETHI think it might be time you learnabout the man who brought about the greatest cup shock in Football history.

DISSOLVE TO.

INT. COVENTRY WAREHOUSE-A FEW EVENINGS LATER

PADDY directs ROARY’S LORRY carefully. MONAGHAN and PADDY move quickly to empty crates of explosives onto a DOLLY. MONAGHAN checks the contents. PADDY in awe at THE CACHE.

86.

PADDYBloody hell. That’s enough to blowup half of Coventry.

MONAGHANNow do you see why Renneville wanted you here.

PADDYJust like we dreamed.

PADDY beams with the excitement.

PADDYCousin, you made this happen.

PADDY gives ROARY a firm kiss on the cheek. ROARY, caught off guard.

MONAGHANRiordan, I must admit I thought youwere tipping off the coppers. Atoast.

MONAGHAN pours three shots and hands them out.

MONAGHANTo the brotherhood.

A clink of glasses and then down the hatch.

MONAGHANAnother?

PADDYNo, a night on the town.

ROARYIt’s late Paddy. I have to be shovingoff.

MONAGHANOh, come on Roary, one drink.

ROARYAll right.

87.

PADDY reaches in his pockets and fumbles around.

PADDYYou two go out to the car. I thinkI left my cigarettes in the office.

MONAGHAN leads ROARY out. PADDY runs upstairs and returns with his cigarettes in his hands. He puts them in his pocket and pulls out his GUN and loads it.

EXT. WAREHOUSE-SAME

MONAGHAN and ROARY reach the car in a heated disagreement.

ROARYHe’s my cousin, why would I go to thecoppers. I’ve spent my whole lifetrying to keep him out of trouble.

MONAGHANAll right. All right. I’m sorry.Get in the car.

MONAGHAN a quick look behind. PADDY pulls the trigger. Two shots to ROARY’S back. ROARY DROPS DEAD. MONAGHAN, pleasantly surprised.

MONAGHAN.By Christ you do have the bollocks.

MONAGHAN gives PADDY a bear hug.

MONAGHANBarret will be pleased with you.

MONAGHAN realizes he let the cat out of the bag.

MONAGHANPaddy, I didn’t mean Barret. I meant…

PADDYI know you meant Renneville, but yousaid Barret. You, Renneville, and

Barret, the whole bloody time. No more excuses Donny.

88.

PADDY shoots MONAGHAN. MONAGHAN drops to his knees. PADDY SHOOTS ONE MORE TO THE HEAD. MONAGHAN falls back, mouth and eyes open. PADDY wipes his fingerprints off the gun and places it in MONAGHAN’S hands. PADDY lights a cigarette and takes a drag. He kneels in front of ROARY out of solemn respect. He crosses himself.

PADDYSorry cousin. You should have stayedin England and played Football.

He jumps in his car and takes off leaving MONAGHAN AND ROARY laying in the street. WE hold on ROARY’S BODY. WE HEAR FOOTSTEPS AND THEN SEE SHINY BLACK SHOES. SOMEONE CROUCHES BEFORE MONAGHAN. A HAND checks his pulse. He’s dead. We hear him light a cigarette and watch his SHINY SHOES walk over to ROARY. ANOTHER MAN examines ROARY. HIS TWEED CAP COVERS HIS FACE.

EXT. SHEFFIELD STATION-NEXT EVENING

SEAMUS purchases a newspaper from the stand and sees ROARY’S death all over the FRONT PAGE. He’s stunned, but how? RENNEVILLE walks right past him and sits on a bench. He admires the TRAIN at the platform. THE WHISTLE BLOWS. We move to TREVOR dressed as a ticket puncher. He watches the activity.

INTERCUT BETWEEN PLATFORM GATE AND NEWSTAND

TREVOR focuses on SEAMUS and it’s not good. The paper shakes in his hands as he reads the story.

TREVORSeamus put the paper down. Renneville’s here.

As SEAMUS moves, but he can’t feel his feet touching the platform.

INT. ELIZABETH’S CAR-SAME

ELIZABETH types an EMAIL.

ELIZABETHMy dearest Albert, before we set a date for our wedding, I feel I need to know what type of religion you are? Perhaps we can chat about our future soon.

89.

ELIZABETH (Cont)Love your Winken.

ELIZABETH minimizes the screen. She DRAGS THE MOUSE to an ICON of a BEATING HEART. She attaches it to the email. BLACK SCREEN. A FLASHING MESSAGE, “HEART WORM SENT, CHOOSE YOUR OPTIONS.” Her FINGERS click the LAUNCH OPTION.

INT. SHEFFIELD STATION-SAME

RENNEVILLE looks up from his paper. His eyes drift to PADDY at the NEWSTAND puffing a cigarette. SEAMUS walks past PADDY in a fog. PADDY crushes his cigarette on the PAVEMENT, as if it’s SEAMUS. SEAMUS takes a seat behind RENNEVILLE. RENNEVILLE’S eyes on the TRAIN. SEAMUS remains in a dull fog. SEAMUS hears some screaming in his ear.

TREVOR (OS)Seamus! Snap out of it now man!

SEAMUS comes out of it and realizes where he is. His game face is on.

RENNEVILLEThat is a masterpiece of locomotive machinery. Sorry about the loss. I suspected the lad would be a detriment.

RENNEVILLE hands him the SPORTS PAGE. CIRCLED THREE MATCHES WITH HIS PICKS. MANCHESTER UNITED VS MANCHESTER CITY. EVERTON VS NEWCASTLE UNITED, ASTON VILLA VS ARSENAL. SEAMUS looks at it and tosses it in the dustpan. RENNEVILLE doesn’t like where this is going.

RENNEVILLEMr. O’Brien today I would like you tolisten and…

Before he can go any further.

SEAMUSNo!

SEAMUS is now pissed about ROARY’S death and he takes it out onRENNEVILLE.

90.

SEAMUSI played the game. You know nothing. If you want to fix a Football match, you’ll listen to me.

INTERCUT BETWEEN TRAIN PLATFORM AND ELIZABETH’S CAR

ELIZABETH listens while sipping cocoa. SEAMUS looks into MCMENEMY’S accounts book. KYLE SIMPSON.

SEAMUSNo Ref for the Manchester Derby. It’stoo obvious. It’s easier to use a Goalkeeper with a cocaine habit. Kyle Simpson is your man.

ELIZABETH jots down the name SIMPSON.

RENNEVILLEAll right. Everton over Liverpool.

SEAMUSTry Sam Hornsby the Manager. He betsagainst his own club for big Derby’s.

ELIZABETH jots down HORNSBY

RENNEVILLEAston Villa over Arsenal.

SEAMUSDudley Phipps rarely gets a run in the first team and he’s fed up with it. If you make it worth his while, he’ll shank sitters all day.

ELIZABETH writes the last name.

RENNEVILLEYou’ve done well Mr. O’Brien.

SEAMUS opens his wallet and hands him a 100-pound note.

RENNEVILLEWhat’s that for?

91.

SEAMUSPut a 100 on Everton for me.

RENNEVILLEYou do surprise Mr. O’Brien.

SEAMUSMy career’s done after this season.I might as well make a few quid eh?

RENNEVILLE slips an ENVELOPE of money under the BENCH. UNDERNEATH the ENVELOPE a LISTENING DEVICE.

RENNEVILLETill we meet again Mr. O’Brien.

RENNEVILLE walks away. SEAMUS reaches for the envelope. PADDY grabs his arm. SEAMUS looks into PADDY’S EYES. He’s suspicious.

PADDYI’m not buying it any of this Shite. You love the game too much. Why a comeback?

SEAMUSA man has to make a living Paddy.

PADDY laughs at the absurdity. SEAMUS and PADDY rise to their feet.

PADDYDo you know Barret wanted me to kill your Da, so he could take over his fishing company. I couldn’t do it,because I had too much respect for him. Did you know any of it? No.you weren’t even in Belfast, where

were you?

SEAMUSSomewhere with a lot of beaches Paddy.

PADDY reacts to the snide remark with a punch in SEAMUS’ stomach.

PADDYThat’s a warning from me to keep your

92.PADDY (Cont)

nose clean.

SEAMUS returns the favor with a hard knee to the bollocks. PADDY eyes roll in the back of his head from the serious pain. SEAMUS snatches PADDY’S hair and pulls him to his face. SEAMUS examines the LONG SCAR.

SEAMUSHow many times have I told you Paddy,when you shave make sure the razoris sharp? All for one and one forall eh Aramis.

SEAMUS dumps the paper at PADDY’S feet. ROARY’S DEATH looms as a as a reminder that PADDY killed his cousin. PADDY staggers to his feet and rips the news into shreds and tosses it into the dustbin. SEAMUS walks quickly out of the train station. He pulls his lapel open and speaks into a microphone.

SEAMUSTrevor, tell me why Roary wasn’t inAmerica after Bradford? That was the plan.

SEAMUS in the street now. TREVOR isn’t sure what to say.

TREVORI’m sorry Seamus. Your order was overruled by Max.

Seamus finds his car and gets in.

SEAMUSTell Max, it’s his blood on Roary’shands.

SEAMUS starts the car and tears out into the street. He rips off his microphone and tosses it.

SEAMUSDa, you were right. Two religions and a pack of liars on both sides.

INT. ELIZABETH’S CAR-EVENING

ELIZABETH speaks into a WIRELESS MICROPHONE. 93.

ELIZABETHTrevor? Was Seamus close to Roary.

TREVOR (V.O.)At one time he was close to both Paddyand Roary. Paddy…he lost hope in. Roary was like a brother.

ELIZABETH listens and can’t help but find it tragic. ELIZABETH makes a phone call.

INTERCUT BETWEEN PAY PHONE AND FRISDALES OFFICE.

A MAN WITH A BLACK CAP OVER HIS HEAD dressed in a thick overcoat reads the name’s over the phone.

MAN WITH BLACK CAPSimpson for the Manchester Derby. HornsbyThe Manager for the Liverpool Derby and

Phipps for Arsenal over Villa.

FRISDALE jots the names down.

FRISDALENice work. I’ll put men on it.

FRISDALE crosses out two of the names. He picks up the phone and makes a call.

FRISDALEDevery, I need you to contact ScotlandYard in Manchester.

DISSOLVE TO.

INT. SHEFFIELD CATHEDRAL-TWO EVENINGS LATER

ELIZABETH seated at a pew with RENNEVILLE. RENNEVILLE is edgy. The mass makes RENNEVILLE feel insecure. ELIZABETH takes his hand for reassurance.

RENNEVILLEI haven’t been to mass in five years. I feel I should be the one who converts. I don’t deserve you.

94.

ELIZABETHAlbert don’t talk that way.

RENNEVILLEIf you’re concerned about converting,don’t be. We can have the weddingpresided by whatever faith you wish.

ELIZABETH holds RENNEVILLE tightly.

EXT. CATHEDRAL-HOUR LATER SAME EVENING

RENNEVILLE and ELIZABETH descend the steps and step into the BENTLEY. RENNEVILLE smiles at ELIZABETH. His eyes move to the SCAR ON ELIZABETH’S NECK.

RENNEVILLEIt must have been a rather nasty fall.

ELIZABETHAzcar was a little eager. He missesFather. He threw me into a patch ofbrambles.

RENNEVILLEBrambles? I could have sworn yousaid it was a hedge.

ELIZABETH not sure what to say.

ELIZABETHDid I? It was so long ago, I’veforgotten about it. You should too.

RENNEVILLE has a brief FLASHBACK of his fight with ELIZABETH.He comes out of it with questions.

ELIZABETHIs something wrong love?

RENNEVILLENo. Nothing at all.

RENNEVILLE offers a murky smile.

95.

DISSOLVE TO.

EXT. HIGHFIELD ROAD COVENTRY PITCH-TWO DAYS LATER

MICK juggles the Football from foot to foot and shanks a shot into the SHEFFIELD UNITED END. THE SUPPORTERS let him hear it with the chant. “SUCH A LOAD OF COBBLERS.” MICK can’t take the noise and runs up to the CENTER CIRCLE for the kick off. He snatches the ball from SEAMUS. SEAMUS listens to the cacophony of “SUCH A LOAD OF COBBLERS.

MICKBloody hell I wish they’d shut up!

SEAMUSRelax son. Let your Football do your talking and believe in yourself. Have fun. That’s what it’s all about.

MICK nods his head. He believes the wise words and kicks off to SEAMUS and the match begins.

EXT. PITCH TWENTY MINUTES LATER-DAY

A big strong STRIKER with a bushy beard and scraggily long hair dribbles into COX’ PENALTY AREA. He shoots to the far corner. COX springs off his line as if out of a cannon and dives high in the air with his body outstretched. He flicks the ball over the bar with his fingertips.

EXT. SHEFFIELD UNITED DUGOUT

HOPE and TREVOR leap to they’re feet awestruck.

HOPENow that is World Class Willie. Worldclass son!

TREVORNo one can beat you Willie. Not today.Not ever!

EXT. PITCH-TEN MINUTES LATER-SAME

SEAMUS dribbles around a FIERCE COVENTRY DEFENDER and looks up. MICK breaks free from his MARKER. SEAMUS lobs the ball. MICK

96.

controls it and sprints towards the BOX. THE SHEFFIELD UNITED SUPPORTERS again with, “SUCH A LOAD OF COBBLERS.” MICK closes his eyes.

MICKBelieve in yourself. Let your Footballdo the talking. Believe in yourself.Let your Football do the talking.

MICK recites the mantra as he PLANTS his FOOT down into the BALL. Like a rocket the BALL soars hard, fast and cracks the net. MICK looks up. It’s in the net. He can’t believe it. DAYKEN leaps on his back.

INT. ELIZABETH’S BRAMHALL LANE OFFICE-SAME EVENING

ELIZABETH watches the NEWS. A FIREBRIGADE puts the FLAMES out of a LARGE-SCALE BUILDING IN COVENTRY.

NEWS REPORTER (V.O.)Although no one has claimed responsibility, the warning is consistent with how the IRA operates.The death toll currently stands at twelve with fourteen people taken to hospital for injuries.

THE PHONE RINGS ELIZABETH picks it up.

ELIZABETHYes Trevor, I’m watching now. Those poor people. How did Max,

not catch this one? I won’t have it on my conscience. I also saw Grandstand. Everton thrashed Liverpool. Phipps misses 4 sitters at Highbury. Trevor I want an explanation from Max now!

ELIZABETH is so angry she can’t watch anymore and snaps off the television.

INT. HEATHROW AIRPORT LOUNGE-EVENING

A CORNER BOOTH. ELIZABETH scowls at FRISDALE.

97.

FRISDALEHow do you know those matches were fixed?

ELIZABETHI called those three matches into MI5.

FRISDALEI only received 1 match Agent Manning.No one told me anything about the Everton and Arsenal matches.

ELIZABETHFirst the Coventry bombing, now two matches are fixed. Something is very dodgy Max. You better hope I don’t find out what it is.

FRISDALEAre you threatening me Agent Manning?

ELIZABETHTake it as you like Max. From hereon, the gloves are off.

FRISDALELady Manning, I am warning you…

ELIZABETH rises to her feet and storms out of the lounge.

INT. TRAIN STATION-A WEEK LATER-DAY

A NEWSPAPER HEADLINE is tossed in SEAMUS’S lap with a set of Saturday’s fixtures. SEAMUS scans them. NORWICH CITY OVER SPURS, COVENTRY CITY OVER MANCHESTER UNITED, NEWCASTLE UNITED OVER LIVERPOOL. SEAMUS writes on the newspaper three names. CHARLES THE SWEEPER FOR SPURS. THE LINESMAN BARRY SEARLES FOR THE MANCHESTER MATCH. DEREK AWDLEY for LIVERPOOL. SEAMUS hands the list back to RENNEVILLE. He focuses on AWDLEY

RENNEVILLEHow did you know Awdley will bite?

SEAMUSDerek’s not as above board as every

98.

SEAMUS (Cont)one thinks he is.

RENNEVILLEWhat happened at the Manchester Derby?

SEAMUS I guess City decided to play Wales.

RENNEVILLESee to it doesn’t happen again.

RENNEVILLE pushes an envelope underneath the bench. SEAMUS reaches for it. A FOOT kicks it away. SEAMUS looks up. LEE BARRET. SEAMUS surprised to see him. BARRET lights a cigarette and holds a cold stare on SEAMUS.

RENNEVILLEOh, Seamus this is Lee Barret, a new employee of mine. He’s American.

SEAMUS knows him well.

SEAMUSYou run a company called Hanloch correct?

BARRETO’Brien, say hello to your Dad. Tellhim Lee hasn’t forgotten what he said

to him at the funeral.

RENNEVILLEYou two know each other.

SEAMUSWe know each other.

SEAMUS rises to his feet and disappears out of the train station.

RENNEVILLEWhat did that mean?

BARRET.I’ll tell you about it real soon.

99.

INT. ELIZABETH’S HEALY-DAY

ELIZABETHDerek Awdley?

TREVOR (OS)Sorry Elizabeth he was in McMenemy’s book.

INT. RENNEVILLE OFFICE-AN HOUR LATER.

RENNEVILLE seated at his desk in conference with PADDY and BARRET.

PADDYDo you think something is odd aboutthat match?

RENNEVILLEI don’t know.

BARRETYou don’t want this to happen again.I’d fix United’s matches in they’refavor. What do you think Paddy?

PADDY knows Barret’s kissing ass and he doesn’t like it.

PADDYPersonally, I think O’Brien is settingyou up. I think it’s time to take him

out.

BARRETYou can’t be sure though?

RENNEVILLE scans the FIXTURES. SHEFFIELD UNITED VS WEST HAM.

RENNEVILLEHarvey Leonard is West Ham’s best Center Half. I want you to have a word with him.

PADDYIs this Leonard in McMenemy’s book?

RENNEVILLENo. Bust him wide open if he refuses.

100.

INT. DEREK AWDLEY’S HOUSE-LIVERPOOL-DAY

SEAMUS rings the doorbell. PHOEBE AWDLEY answers the door. She is surprised to see him.

PHOEBESeamus! My word what are you doing here?

SEAMUSI came to see Derek if I might.

PHOEBEOh, well I’m sure he wouldn’t minda visit from an old teammate. He’sin the garden.

PHOEBE leads him through the cloak room out to the back where AWDLEY tends to the garden.

PHOEBEDerek, look who has come to see you.

AWDLEY looks up. He lights up at the sight of Seamus. The two embrace like old friends.

AWDLEYHello Seamus.

SEAMUSNow this is a sight of Derek Awdley Ithought I’d never see.

AWDLEYI do this to help with the boredom. Phoebe can you get us some refreshments.

PHOEBECertainly love.

PHOEBE enters the kitchen and makes some ICED TEA. She watches out the window. SEAMUS opens up MCMENEMEY’S ACCOUNTS BOOK. AWDLEY is stunned. The reunion breaks down from friendly to AWDLEY being beside himself. AWDLEY sobs through a confession.

AWDLEYDon’t you see Seamus? I didn’t have

101.

AWDLEY (Cont.)a choice!

PHOEBE senses AWDLEY’S distress and she scurries out with the tea. She sets it down by the patio.

PHOEBEIs everything all right. Derek?

AWDLEY stares at PHOEBE helpless. He is so ashamed.

AWDLEYPhoebe, I got something to tell youand you’re not going to like it.

EXT. BRAMHALL LANE-A WEEK LATER-DAY

DAYKEN brings the ball up to midfield. He passes the ball into open space. HARVEY LEONARD picks off the pass. He looks up. MICK in front of him. He passes right to MICK. MICK reacts with a bit of confusion, but dribbles around him and scores.

EXT. BRAMHALL LANE OWNER’S BOX-DAY

RENNEVILLE leans over to ELIZABETH and smiles.

RENNEVILLENow that was a gift love.

ELIZABETH, a halfhearted smile. She’s not so sure. ELIZABETH rises to her feet.

RENNEVILLEWhere are you going?

ELIZABETHTo the lavatory, shan’t be long.

ELIZABETH leaves the OWNER’S BOX and walks down a hall. She makes a call.

INTERCUT BETWEEN OUTSIDE HALLWAY TO THE DUGOUT BENCH.

TREVOR concentrated on the match. His phone rings. He picks it up.

102.

ELIZABETHTrevor, was Harvey Leonard not payingattention, or did he deliberately put that ball at Mick’s feet?

TREVORI don’t know, but it was a hell of a…

TREVOR realizes what she’s saying.

TREVORDo you think?

ELIZABETHI don’t know. Do me a favor, start keeping track of the dodgy plays wewitness.

INT. SHEFFIELD TRAIN STATION-A FEW WEEKS LATER.

PADDY hands SEAMUS a paper. SEAMUS looks at the fixtures and writes names on it. PADDY looks at what he wrote.

PADDYAre you sure this is going down?

SEAMUSPaddy you worry too much. I’m incontrol of this.

PADDYThen you be sure it does. Renneville was not too happy about Derek Awdley’sconscience a few weeks ago.

SEAMUS rises to his feet, pops in some gum and chews.

SEAMUSGive Mr. Barret a message for me.If he ever sends you or anyone else

after my Da or anyone in my family, I’ll deal with him personally.

SEAMUS rises to his feet and walks away. PADDY, senses he means it.

103.

EXT. BRAMHALL LANE-MID NOVEMBER-DAY

SHEFFIELD UNITED play EVERTON in heavy rain and thick mud. DAYKEN punches a long cross pitch pass into the PENALTY BOX. MICK nutmegs the EVERTON GOALKEEPER and tucks the ball on the opposite side of the net. SCOREBOARD SHEFFIELD UNITED 3, EVERTON 0. SHEFFIELD UNITED SUPPORTERS bounce up and roar with delight. IN THE STANDS A SHEFFIELD UNITED SUPPORTER WITH A BANNER. “SUCH THE BRAMHALL LANE KING.”

INT. ELIZABETH’S BRAMHALL LANE OFFICE-WEEKS LATER.

ELIZABETH reads the paper. SHE SCANS A HEADLINE, “SUCH THRASHES QPR WITH FOUR IN A 6-1 DRUBBING.” CLIVE STONE the egg headed PUBLICITY DIRECTOR enters with some papers to sign. ELIZABETH signs them with a happy flourish.

ELIZABETHClive we’ve climbed to tenth. Call“Match” It’s time we announce Mickto the World. Don’t you agree?

CLIVEI couldn’t agree more. I’ll have a

chat with our Bramhall Lane King.

EXT. VILLA PARK DUGOUT

TREVOR and HOPE watch on pins and needles. Their eyes on COX. He’s alert and crouches into the position. THE VILLA CENTER FORWARD punishes the ball hard. COX, like a cat darts back and parries the ball away and it bounces towards the middle of the box. THE VILLA CENTER FORWARD POUNCES AND SHOOTS AGAIN. COX dives high in the other direction and catches the shot. He tumbles to the turf. COX quick to his feet and then punts the ball deep and long in the air. SEAMUS lets the ball travel over his head and to his feet. He searches for support. Nothing. SEAMUS dribbles into the box. DEFENDERS converge on both sides.

MICK (OS)Grandad behind.

SEAMUS a nifty back heel pass. MICK shoots first time, quick and hard and on the run. THE ASTON VILLA GOALKEEPER taken by surprise.

104.

All he can do is look behind him in despair. MICK jumps in the air with a clenched fist. SEAMUS catches him to celebrate.

FORD (V.O)Ohhhhhhhh! I say! Absolute brilliance by O’Brien and Such! And that was all startedby Willie Cox’ spectacular double save. Sheffield United ten matches unbeaten, the door to Europe has opened.

INT. RENNEVILLE’S BENTLEY-NEXT DAY

He reads a headline. “IRA ATTACK THWARTED IN BIRMINGHAM.”The news alarms him. He picks up the phone.

RENNEVILLEPaddy, what happened?

He listens to his explanation. It’s not good enough.

RENNEVILLEYou should have checked the explosives!

Renneville makes another call.

RENNEVILLELee, that problem we discussed. Meet me.

INT. DRESSING ROOM-DECEMBER AFTERNOON

HOPE in front of a DRY ERASE BOARD with the TOP OF THE LEAGUE TABLE. He erases SHEFFIELD UNITED FROM THE FIFTH SPOT and erases ARSENAL and WRITES IN SHEFFIELD UNITED THIRD and ARSENAL fifth. DAYKEN and MICK admire the climb.

MICKYour brace put us there Kenny. Iwas rubbish today.

DAYKENEveryone has a bad day Mick.

DAYKEN and MICK open their lockers. MICK has a copy of FOOTBALL MONTHLY FROM 1976. TREVOR IS WEARING A BEDFORD TOWN GOALKEEPER’S UNIFORM. HE POSES WITH HIS HANDS OUTSTRETCHED.

105.

DAYKENIs that your Dad?

MICK nods and pulls his shirt over his head.

DAYKENGo on then, get him to sign it.

DAYKEN points over to TREVOR, busy collecting uniforms. MICK takes a few timid steps. He puts the FOOTBALL monthly in front of TREVOR. TREVOR watches MICK’S fingers tremble. Neither have had this moment before and are not sure how to react.

MICKHer Ladyship, showed me a tape ofBedford Town beating Liverpool. Dad, you were…I don’t know how to say…

TREVOR reaches out takes the FOOTBALL MONTHLY and prepares to write.

TREVORGive me a moment lad. The nerves. How does a Dad, sign an autograph forhis son?

DAYKEN has been listening the whole time.

DAYKEN.Say it from the heart Trev.

TREVOR listens to the wise words of young DAYKEN. He writes. “TO MY SON, MICK SUCH, A LAD I HAVE WATCHED GROW INTO A MAN, TURN INTO A WONDERFUL SON, TEAMMATE AND A FUTURE STAR OF THIS GAME. LOVEYOUR DAD TREVOR SUCH, NON LEAGUE’S HANDS OF STEEL.” TREVOR’S hands tremble as he hands it back to MICK. MICK reads the autograph and becomes choked up. THE TWO COME TOGETHER IN A WARM EMBRACE. ALL IS FORGIVEN.

DISSOLVE TO.

EXT. SEAMUS’ FLAT STREET-A FEW DAYS LATER.

SEAMUS exits the house, gets in his car and drives away. BARRET and RILEY break into the flat and turn it upside down.

106.

INT: SEAMUS’ BEDROOM-SAME

BARRET opens a closet and tosses the contents on the floor. He finds a compartment inside and pries it open. He reaches inside and discovers a BOX. He opens the box. SEAMUS’ MI5 SECURITY BADGE, A TAPE and two pictures. One of SEAMUS and HANNAH LAUGHLIN out celebrating and another of SEAMUS, PADDY AND ROARY dressed up as the THREE MUSKETEERS.

INT. RENNEVILLE’S TRANSIT ROOM OFFICE-EVENING

RENNEVILLE watches a VIDEO TAPE of the attack in BELFAST TEN YEARS BEFORE. RENNEVILLE looks at BARRET not sure what it all means. He examines the PICTURE of HANNAH LAUGHLIN and SEAMUS and then the THREE MUSKETEERS PICTURE

BARRETOut of respect for Colm Rourke, the

IRA held a military style funeral. A whole battalion bedecked in military fatigues, wearing hoods, with gunsat their sides. Then Liam O’Brien busts in and threatens the priest and then has the nuts to threaten me, a Westie from New York. We were ready to splatter his brains all over the cemetery. The trouble was Seamus would have witnessed it. I don’t forget Mr. Renneville. He was going to marry that Catholic peace loving whore. When I couldn’t put Liam out of business, Paddy was supposed to bomb his boat with him in it. He failed. Seamus is M5. It’syour call Albert.

RENNEVILLE examines the three MUSKETEERS PICTURE, then, SEAMUS’ MI5 ID.

RENNEVILLEI meet with O’Brien after the ArsenalMatch. We’ll do it during the London bombing.

107.

DISSOLVE TO.

EXT. THAMES RIVER-BOXING MORNING

SEAMUS, melancholy, leans over a stone wall and looks out over PARLIAMENT.

ELIZABETHYou haven’t played at Highbury sincethe injury have you?

ELIZABETH joins him and shares the same view. SEAMUS a deep meaningful sigh.

ELIZABETHThis should be your chance to putthings right.

SEAMUSYou can’t put the past right your Ladyship. You can only dull the pain. I should be pushing off to Highbury.

ELIZABETH thinks on what he has just said. Then it occurs to her what he really meant. Now she feels like a damned insensitive fool.

ELIZABETHBlast! Seamus?

SEAMUS turns around. She wants to reach out to him, but resists.

ELIZABETHSeamus, score a goal for yourself today.

SEAMUS a soft nod of the head, then he hops on a BUS and he’s gone.

EXT. HIGHBURY STADIUM-LONDON-HOURS LATER

SEAMUS mesmerizes with a sweet series of step overs and splits the Arsenal defense apart. SEAMUS moves into the open space and sweetly tucks a pass under the GOALKEEPERS legs and scores. SEAMUS stoic despite the goal. He refuses to celebrate. Instead, he takes a knee at the SHEFFIELD UNITED END and crosses himself as he looks up to the heavens.

108.

SEAMUSThat one is for you Hannah.

EXT. FINSBURY PARK-EVENING

RENNEVILLE’S BENTLEY PARKED. PADDY points towards the STATION. RILEY AT THE TICKET PUNCH GATE dressed as a Train Conductor. ARSENAL SUPPORTERS make their way through the TURNSTILES, looking glum. As each pass, RILEY punches their tickets and moves them through. BASIL, a tough Yorkshire thug in his late 20’S with slicked back hair wearing an ARSENAL SCARF mingles through with the rest of the crowd. He steps onto a car.

INT. TRAIN BOILER CAR-EVENING

BASIL takes out a heavy PACK of C4 from his pack.

INT. RENNEVILLE’S CAR

RENNEVILLE’S BINOCULARS. SEAMUS’ CAR pulls up. He gets out and walks across the PARK tossing BREAD to the pigeons.

PADDYHow did you get him to agree to Burtonshaw?

RENNEVILLEMoney.

RENNEVILLE hands PADDY a briefcase and looks down at his watch.

RENNEVILLEBurtonshaw is late. I think you shouldkeep Mr. O’Brien company Paddy.

PADDY gets out and ambles over to the park and takes a seat next to SEAMUS.

SEAMUSSo, we meet again Paddy.

PADDY dumps a briefcase down on the bench. We move to the BENTLEY. RENNEVILLE moves his BINOCULARS from SEAMUS and PADDY to the STATION. MCTAVETT and DEVERY push their badges under RILEY’S nose. RENNEVILLE turns white. This is not what he expected. RILEY reacts by making an attempt to jump over the barrier. DEVERY pulls

109.

his gun out. RILEY puts his hands up. MCTAVETT gets on his walkie talkie.

MCTAVETTCheck the train. Where Riley is Basil Morecambe follows.

RENNEVILLE taps the RENNEVILLE’S DRIVER.

RENNEVILLEBloody hell, they know. They damn wellknow. How do they always know? Move out now!

RENNEVILLE’S DRIVER steps on the gas and peels the BENTLEY out past ELIZABETH’S HEALY. ELIZABETH pops her head up. A pair of CORGIS next to her yap from the excitement. ELIZABETH speaks into a microphone.

INTERCUT BETWEEN WHITE VAN and ELIZABETH’S HEALY

FRISDALE and TREVOR watch the station.

ELIZABETHAlbert’s been here the whole time.He’s made us and is getting away.

FRISDALE thrown off by ELIZABETH’S VOICE.

FRISDALELady Manning, what are you doing here?

ELIZABETHTaking care your prized Agent isn’tkilled.

FRISDALE pulls his binoculars to his face. SEAMUS counts the money by the park. FRISDALE is incensed and bangs the wall ofvan.

FRISDALEI told O’Brien he wasn’t to part of this.You knew about this didn’t you Trevor?

ELIZABETH` Why do you think I’m here Max. You do

110.

ELIZABETH (Cont)plan to go after Renneville correct Max?

FRISDALERenneville can wait. Right now, I’m concerned about the lives of thosepeople at that station.

ELIZABETHThen send Trevor.

FRISDALE

It’s too late, he’s gotten away.

ELIZABETHOf course, he has you imbecile!

INT. TRAIN BOILER CAR

BASIL delicately places the C4 to the BOILER. The door opens. BASIL caught by the TRAIN CONDUCTOR. BASIL punches the TRAIN CONDUCTOR and makes his escape out of the boiler car and onto the PLATFORM. He sees TWO SCOTLAND YARD OFFICERS coming right towards him. He backtracks and turns in the other direction. A BAND OF SCOTLAND YARD in the other direction. BASIL has no way out. He jumps the platform into an ONCOMING TRAIN and is killed. MCTAVETT looks down on the track at BASIL’S GRIZZLED BODY. He talks on his walkie talkie.

MCTAVETTShanes, what’s the situation?

SHANES (V.O)The C4 has been dismantled.

EXT. PARK STREET-SAME

ELIZABETH watches the park. SEAMUS checks his watch.

SEAMUSI think Burtonshaw got cold feet.

PADDYIt’ll be his funeral then.

111.

SEAMUSI’m off then.

SEAMUS rises to his feet. PADDY pulls back the trigger.

PADDYWhere do you think you’re going?

PADDY strong arms SEAMUS back to the bench with a GUN to his head. ELIZABETH speaks into her walkie talkie.

ELIZABETHCleary has Seamus at gun point. I’m going to triangulate the park.

FRISDALE (OS)Agent Manning stand down. We have this under control.

ELIZABETHTo hell with you Max!

ELIZABETH puts the car in gear and drives around the park. She finds a concealed place to park and pulls out her gun, ready to shoot if need be. She watches and waits. SEAMUS’ smug smile annoys PADDY.

SEAMUSYou never were good at playing soldierswere you Paddy?

PADDYAnd you were always the show off. Even with Hannah.

SEAMUS So, now it comes out.

PADDYI tried everything to get her to noticeme. You stole her from me before I hada chance.

SEAMUSIf you loved her so much, why did youhelp kill her.

112.

PADDYSean’s death was so senseless. I wanted to kill every Protestant I saw. Hannah stood in the way.

SEAMUSYou’re tortured, confused soul Paddy Cleary.

We hear a GUN go off. PADDY drops in front of SEAMUS. SEAMUS drops down and checks his pulse.

BARRET (OS)I’m pretty sure he’s dead O’Brien.

The American accent has SEAMUS’ attention. BARRET grabs SEAMUS. A struggle for the gun. ELIZABETH takes aim and fires. She misses BARRET. His attention moves from SEAMUS to ELIZABETH. SEAMUS and BARRET race to the GUN. BARRET kicks SEAMUS HARD IN THE FACE AND he falls backwards. BARRET ready to kill him. THE CORGIS YAP at the excitement giving ELIZABETH an idea. ELIZABETH releases THE CORGIS. THE CORGIS FULL BORE TOWARDS BARRET. As he is about to shoot, the CORGIS ATTACK. SEAMUS makes his escape towards the car. BARRET throws the dogs off AND SHOOTS. NOTHING. His gun is out of ammunition. As BARRET reloads FROM THE STREET.

MYSTERIOUS MOTORBIKE MAN. (O.S.)Lee Barret, this is for Liam O’Brien.

BARRET turns towards the voice. A MYSTERIOUS MAN ON A MOTORBIKE ARMED WITH A SHOTGUN, blows BARRET’S SHOULDER APART. HE drops to the ground. ELIZABETH into her walkie talkie.

ELIZABETHTrevor we need an ambulance in the parknow and Scotland Yard. Lee Barret hasbeen wounded.

TREVOR (O.S.)I’m on it.

SEAMUS is left to wonder who this man is. The MYSTERIOUS MOTORBIKE MAN takes his helmet off. SEAMUS is confused to see ROARY standing before him.

113.

ROARYI was making contacts on the inside ofRenneville’s organization. MI5 saw meas an asset, so they helped fake my death.

SEAMUS is incensed.

SEAMUSYou bloody daft twit. You had me scaredout of my wits.

ROARYI owe you a double Jameson’s. Let’s gotalk about it.

SEAMUS looks over at PADDY on the ground. MT’S throw a sheet over him. SEAMUS and ROARY aren’t sure what’s right but want to do something for him. SEAMUS stops the TWO MT’S from taking him away. SEAMUS tosses back the sheet. PADDY’S eyes are open.SEAMUS closes his eyes. SEAMUS and ROARY kneel, say a small prayer and cross themselves.

SEAMUSToo bad you couldn’t play Football Paddy.

SEAMUS and ROARY walk back to his car. TWO MORE MT’S take BARRET AWAY. He’s in shock as MCTAVETT reads him his rights.

FINSBURY PARK-HOURS LATER-SAME EVENING

Outside then van. FRISDALE in the midst of reading ELIZABETH the riot act.

FRISDALEI told you to stay put.

ELIZABETHIf I hadn’t acted, Seamus would havebeen killed. Oh, and you’re welcome,for Lee Barret.

FRISDALEWe had agents all over the train stationand the park.

114.ELIZABETH

No, you didn’t. They were all in thetrain station.

FRISDALEYou defied a direct order, jeopardizingeveryone around you. Your temporary

status is over.

FRISDALE walks away towards the two dead bodies.

INT. RENNEVILLE’S OFFICE-A FEW WEEKS LATER-EVENING

NEWSPAPER HEADLINE, “BLADES PARRY AWAY LEEDS UNITED FROM FA CUP. SUB HEADING. “WEDNESDAY THRASH CARDIFF CITY, 5-0. TO REACH FA CUP QUARTER FINALS.” RENNEVILLE takes off his glasses and wipes his eyes. He listens to a tirade coming from the other end of his phone.

MCMENEMY (V.O.)Albie I want O’Brien dealt with or I’m done!

RENNEVILLE examines the headline. His anger builds and explodes into a rage. He tears off a PAINTING OF A TRAIN and tosses it through the window smashing the glass.

RENNEVILLEBloody hell. Bloody hell. Bloody fucking hell!

RENNEVILLE turns on his COMPUTER and clicks on the TRANSIT ROOM FILE and keys in the password to open it. A messages flashes across the screen. “YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE FILE.” Renneville wipes his eyes. He thinks he’s tired and tries again. The samemessage. RENNEVILLE, now annoyed. He keys in the same password over and over with the same result. Renneville makes a call.

RENNEVILLEMcVee, meet me at the transit room, II have an intruder in my server.

RENNEVILLE grabs his coat and exits his office.

DISSOLVE TO.

INT. RENNEVILLE’S TRANSIT ROOM OFFICE-LATER THAT EVENING115.

MCVEE, a computer Tech in his 30’s runs a scan. RENNEVILLE hovers over him watching the scan come to a halt. The scan catches a WORM. RENNEVILLE loses his cool.

RENNEVILLEThat! What is that!

RENNEVILLE throws back his drink. He stares down at NEWSPAPER HEADLINE 600 GUNS, DYNAMITE AND T AND T RAIDED BY CARDIFF YARD.” RENNEVILLE can’t keep still and paces the room impatient for the scan to end. His feet crunch on something hard. He picks up ELIZABETH’S GOLD LOCKET. RENNEVILLE fixates on it. The locket is familiar.

FLASHBACK TO.

INT. RENNEVILLE TRANSIT ROOM OFFICE-EVENING

RENNEVILLE chokes ELIZABETH WITH THE GOLD LOCKET.

FLASH FORWARD TO.

EXT. CATHEDRAL-A FEW WEEKS EARLIER-EVENING

RENNEVILLE and ELIZABETH descend the steps and step into the BENTLEY. RENNEVILLE smiles at ELIZABETH. His eyes move to the SCAR ON ELIZABETH’S NECK.

RENNEVILLEIt must have been a rather nasty fall.

ELIZABETHAzcar was a little eager. He missesFather. He threw me into a patch ofbrambles.

RENNEVILLEBrambles? I could have sworn yousaid it was a hedge.

ELIZABETH not sure what to say.

ELIZABETHDid I? It was so long ago, I’veforgotten about it. You should too.

116.

FLASH FORWARD TO.

RENNEVILLE opens up the LOCKET. LORD HERBERT MANNING’S PICTURE. He runs his fingers over the picture and feels something inside. He pulls back the picture and discovers a HIDDEN MICROPHONE. He slumps into his seat.

RENNEVILLEMaggie Brannigan haunts me from thegrave. She betrayed me to her brothersand now…

MCVEEI’ve dismantled the worm Mr. Renneville.

RENNEVILLE thinks to himself.

RENNEVILLEGood. Good. Thank you McVee.

MCVEE leaves the office. RENNEVILLE picks up his phone.

RENNEVILLESandy you asked me to get rid of O’Brien. I figured that since yourmy partner you’d like to do the favorfor me.

INT. BARON’S HEAD PUB-A FEW EVENING’S LATER

The pub is a hub of activity. SHEFFIELD UNITED are celebrating their latest victory. MCANDREW and SEAMUS share a game of darts. SEAMUS shoots a score of 180.

MCANDREWSeamus, do you have to be so bloody good at everything? I mean it’sa little daunting.

SEAMUSI’ll spot you 100 points Jock, howabout that?

ELIZABETH (OS)Or Mr. O’Brien can accept a challengefrom someone who plays darts just as

117.

ELIZABETH (Cont)

well.

All eyes on ELIZABETH as she puts her hand out and MCANDREW forks over his darts. The PLAYERS gather around to watch. This should be good.

MICKAre you sure you want to take her onGrandad?

SEAMUS gallantly steps aside for ELIZABETH. ELIZABETH shoots a triple twenty. Then a second triple twenty. Then a third for a perfect score of 180. The players roast SEAMUS and he blushes.

MCANDREWOh, bloody hell. You’re in trouble.

EXT. BARON’S HEAD-AN HOUR LATER SAME EVENING.

SEAMUS and ELIZABETH amble down the street. Seamus chuckles to himself. His amusement has caught Elizabeth’s undivided attention.

ELIZABETHWhat would be so amusing Mr. O’Brien.

SEAMUSI was just thinking how I’ve never meta woman quite like you.

ELIZABETHDo tell Mr. O’Brien.

SEAMUSMost women would find owning a Football club to be intimidating, but you don’t.You’ve got a good head on your shouldersyour Ladyship, I admire that in a lass.

ELIZABETHI see you approve then Mr. O’Brien.

SEAMUSThere’s one thing I don’t approve of. This Mr. O’Brien nonsense has to go. Seamus.

118.

ELIZABETHOnly if you stop with your Ladyship.When you say that, I feel as if your oneof my serfs. From now on Seamus, it isElizabeth.

SEAMUSWe’re more familiar then? Then you need to tell me where you learned to play darts like that.

ELIZABETHFather taught me lots of things. Snooker is my best sport.

SEAMUSOh, is it now? We shall have to playsometime. What else did your Da teach you?

ELIZABETHHe taught me to hate steel and loveFootball.

SEAMUS.And your Ma?

ELIZABETHMy mother taught me that the wayinside a man’s heart is with a wink,a smile and show just enough leg tokeep a man guessing.

SEAMUS chuckles at her flirtatious nature.

SEAMUSDid she now?

ELIZABETHI’ve done my homework on you Mr. O’Brien. You’re the son of aFisherman from Belfast.

SEAMUSA damn good one at that. He kept allof Dowling Street fed, despite Protestant

119.

SEAMUS (Cont)and IRA threats.

ELIZABETHI am curious. What kept you from going mad from all the violence around you?

SEAMUSDespite all the violence and the loss offriends and family, you take life in Belfast one day and one minute at a time.It’s how you survive. Then there was my desire for a better life and dancing with a wee ball at my feet.

ELIZABETHSeamus, I revel in your youthful enthusiasm. Don’t you ever lose thelittle boy inside your heart.

SEAMUS and ELIZABETH stop at SEAMUS’ CAR.

SEAMUSWell Elizabeth thank you for a lovely night of darts. I do expect a rematch.

SEAMUS starts his walk.

ELIZABETHSeamus.

SEAMUS turns around. ELIZABETH teases SEAMUS with a wink and she shows bit of leg.

ELIZABETHHave a nice night.

SEAMUS shakes his head and laughs. His laugh comes to an abrupt end as he sees concern on ELIZABETH’S face. Her eyes on the street. A suspicious BLACK CAR on one side. Another DARK CAR on their side.

EXT. FURTHER UP THE STREET ANOTHER CAR-SAME

120.

RENNEVILLE and TWO BODY GUARDS watch SEAMUS and ELIZABETH. ELIZABETH an intense stare at a WIRE ATTACHED to the car door. SEAMUS reaches for the handle. ELIZABETH tugs his hand away.

ELIZABETHIt appears my car is inoperable. Take me to yours.

At the top of the street A SPEEDING CAR. We hear another car from the other direction. ELIZABETH throws her body onto SEAMUS as they fall to the ground. SEAMUS’ CAR is sprayed with MACHINE GUN FIRE. Calm and quiet. SEAMUS starts to rise as the CARS RETURN. ELIZABETH pulls his hand down in time, just as a SECOND ROUND OF MACHINE GUN FIRE PEPPERS THE CAR. ELIZABETH watches A THIRD CAR DRIVE slowly. RENNEVILLE EYES on the two of them. He thinks they’re dead. He talks on his cell phone.

RENNEVILLESandy it’s done. The rest of the seasonis ours.

ELIZABETH and SEAMUS cautious to they’re feet. They jump in the car. No time to spare. SEAMUS drives away thankful they’re alive.

INT. SEAMUS’ FLAT-AN HOUR LATER SAME EVENING

ELIZABETH watches a quiet street. SEAMUS brings her a cup of tea.

SEAMUSThey want me. I know a man that can take you to a safe place.

ELIZABETHNo.

SEAMUS can’t believe what he’s hearing.

SEAMUSDon’t be daft. Renneville is IRA.

ELIZABETH violently jerks around and faces Seamus, boiling from the insult.

ELIZABETHI know! I came to Max. I came out

121.

ELIZABETH (Cont)of retirement.

The news throws SEAMUS for a loop. He had no idea she was MI5.

SEAMUSI don’t care if you are MI5, I don’t want you in danger.

ELIZABETHMy God, you are a selfish man. Renneville duped me with his charm and murderedmy father. I don’t take that lightlyMr. O’Brien.

ELIZABETH marches towards the door. SEAMUS is angry as hell and grabs her by the arm.

SEAMUSRenneville and the IRA have hijacked mymy faith to fight they’re little war.They split my friendships apart andmurdered my best mates. Rennevilleis responsible for the death of mylass. Don’t you dare tell me I’m a selfish man!

ELIZABETH and SEAMUS eyes locked in anger. The longer they stare at each other, the more their anger melts away.

SEAMUSI won’t lose someone I care for again.

ELIZABETH knows how he feels. They can’t keep their eyes off each other. The hunger builds. LIPS close in and softly touch and then scared to go further they pull away. SEAMUS caresses ELIZABETH’S hair. Another soft touch of lips. Once again, not sure, SEAMUS pulls away. SEAMUS looks for reassurance. ELIZABETH not sure whether this is right. ELIZABETH and SEAMUS can’t take it anymore. The kiss more passionate and more explosive than before.

INT. LIVING ROOM-AN HOUR LATER.

122.

SEAMUS and ELIZABETH lie on the sofa close to each other. SEAMUS is in another world and contemplates his CRUCIFIX. ELIZABETH caresses his cheek and kisses SEAMUS. SEAMUS rises to his feet and opens a drawer and hands ELIZABETH his GUN. She laughs.

ELIZABETHI have one of my own.

ELIZABETH spins the chamber. She clicks back the trigger and takes aim.

SEAMUSHow daft of me.

ELIZABETHNice weapon.

She opens the gun and examines inside.

ELIZABETHIt’s very tidy.

SEAMUSI use it as little as possible and don’t aim to kill.

ELIZABETH surprised by his admission. It makes her curious. Before she can ask.

SEAMUSThere’s been enough Sectarian violence.

SEAMUS sits next to her and takes her hand. ELIZABETH concerned by his serious mood.

SEAMUSElizabeth, when I’m out on the pitch,It’s just me and the ball. No one else.I’m free like I was when I was a lad. It’s a lad’s sport. For future lads,this sport is at risk. I don’t wantto see lads, lose heart because they’re

Football heroes are on the take.

ELIZABETH can see his passion and sincerity and she admires him for it. She clasps him tight and kisses him sweetly.

123.

SEAMUSElizabeth a few weeks back Harvey Leonard gave Mick a goal. I don’t think Max is playing it straight. Contact Teague and alert him about the Wednesday Semifinal against Liverpool. I want to make sure that if it’s a Derby final the lads who love this sport can have faith again.

INT. DEREK AWDLEY’S BATHROOM LIVERPOOL-DAY

DEREK AWDLEY soaks in a bath listening to music with his eyes closed. LESKER kicks open the door. MCMENEMY lights a CIGAR and takes a giant puff.

MCMENEMYAh there you are Derek. Having a nicebath before the big Semifinal againstWednesday?

MCNEMENY nods to LESKER. LESKER picks up AWDLEY and throws him against the door and pins him there. AWDLEY’S as white as a ghost.He can’t talk. MCMENEMY nose to nose with AWDLEY so he can see the fear in his eyes.

MCMENEMYI know Derek, you’re surprised. I have a bigger stake in a cup shock. Now I expect your help. If you don’t that lovely wife of yours, may not see a summer holiday. Do I make myself clear Derek?

AWDLEY quivers and nods his head over and over.

MCMENEMYGood.

MCMENEMY looks around for an ashtray.

MCMENEMYOh, dear no ashtray. There’s always. another place to put a cigar out.

124.

LESKER holds his arm tight. MCMENEMY stubs his CIGAR out in AWDLEY’S HAND. He screams through the pain.

MCMENEMYNice talking to you Derek. Don’tlet us down now. There’s a goodlad.

MCMENEMY pats AWDLEY on the cheek as he leaves. LESKER drops him and AWDLEY crawls quickly to the tub and puts his hand in the water as he lets out another horrible scream.

EXT. OLD TRAFFORD MANCHESTER-TWO WEEKS LATER-DAY

OWNBY quick pass to HENDERSON, who takes a shot and hits the post. The ball bounces to AWDLEY, his hand heavily bandaged. HENDERSON and MCANALLEY trap him. AWDLEY sharp turn back towards the goal, he drops a hard pass back to the LIVERPOOL GOALKEEPER, who didn’t expect the pass. The BALL drops back into the far corner of the net. AWDLEY drops to the ground head in his hands.

IN THE STANDS MCMENEMY and LESKER all smiles and watch AWDLEY break down into tears.

EXT. VILLA PARK-SAME DAY

SHEFFIELD UNITED PLAY TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS FOR THE RIGHT TO GO TO THE FA CUP FINAL. SEAMUS, dazzles with a long through ball to muddle of the SPURS DEFENSE. He shoots. The BALL CAROMS OFF THE POST. The ball finds MICK. A hard-low shot to the corner. THE BALL HITS THE POST and bounces into the net. THE UNITED SUPPORTERS BLOW THE ROOF OFF WITH JUBILATION. SEAMUS and MICK CELEBRATE together. SEAMUS looks into the crowd and sees RENNEVILLE watching in stone cold silence. SEAMUS is not dead, in fact he’s very much alive. SEAMUS offers a cheeky smile and blows him a kiss.

EXT. BRAMHALL LANE CAR PARK-EVENING

THE SHEFFIELD UNITE COACH pulls into the CAR PARK. One by one the PLAYERS step off the bus jubilantly singing. MICK is greeted by a MOB of anxious young LADS all wanting his autograph. SEAMUS watches, remembering a time when that was him. It makes him smile. He slaps MICK on the back and gets in his car. He puts the key in the ignition.

125.

FEMALE (OS)Crikey, if it isn’t the patron saint of Football, Seamus O’Brien.

SEAMUS jumps out of his skin. A WOMAN IN DARK SUNGLASSES with a LARGE HAT has SEAMUS amused.

WOMAN IN DARK SUNGLASSESMy mates and I swear you spray magicdust on your boots. I was wonderingif I might have your autograph.

SEAMUS pulls her SUNGLASSES OFF. ELIZABETH breaks out into laughter.

SEAMUSI’ve got an autograph for you.

SEAMUS pulls ELIZABETH in for a warm lingering kiss.

SEAMUSYou took a chance doing this. Ifany of the lads saw us together…

ELIZABETHWhat are they going to do? I’m the Owner of this club. I’lltransfer them all to Non LeagueFootball.

SEAMUS breaks out into laughter.

SEAMUSI believe you would at that.

SEAMUS turns serious.

SEAMUSElizabeth…

SEAMUS struggles for the words.

SEAMUSThe other nigh… I haven’t been intimatewith anyone since…

126.

ELIZABETH caresses his cheek.

ELIZABETHI know and it’s all right. I’m patient.

ELIZABETH kisses SEAMUS with a warmth that makes him comfortable.

ELIZABETHI’ll see you at your flat for supper.

INT. SEAMUS’ APARTMENT-SAME EVENING

SEAMUS prepares a gourmet meal for two. He sets the table and puts out the salad.

EXT. STREET-EVENING.

ROARY watches the street and rolls a TOOTHPICK between his teeth. A BLACK VAN rolls up to SEAMUS’ FLAT. TWO BIG BURLEY ASSAILANTS in SKI MASKS TUMBLE OUT. One busts down the back door and the other busts down the front. SEAMUS is attacked from both sides. Before Seamus can fight back, THE LARGEST ASSAILANT pulls SEAMUS’ up and batters his knee, then his face, stomach and arms. The SMALLER ASSAILANT is about to join when ROARY kicks open the door and blows the LARGEST ASSAILANT’S knee away. THE SMALLER ASSAILANT sees ROARY means business.

ROARY.If I was you, I’d get your mate tohospital, before he loses blood.

THE SMALLER ASSAILANT DRAGS THE LARGER ONE OUT THE DOOR. We hear the squeal of tires and he is gone. ROARY checks SEAMUS’ pulse.

He’s still breathing. He drags him to the sofa and picks up the phone and makes a call.

ROARY.Lady Manning, this is Roary. It’s Seamus.He needs help.

INT. SEAMUS’ FLAT-NEXT MORNING

The ST. JUDE MEDALLION. Seamus snatches it away from ROARY. ELIZABETH gently pushes him back on to the sofa and medicates his

127.

face. SEAMUS holds onto the medallion for dear life. His eyes find ELIZABETH and she greets him with a soothing smile.

ELIZABETHI made breakfast.

She brings over a tray. SEAMUS can’t eat. He’s wasting too much time and he makes an attempt to get up.

SEAMUSSorry love, I have a promise to thisclub. I need to get to training.

ROARYIt’s Sunday Shamie.

SEAMUS won’t listen and rises to his feet, only to find his knee in excruciating pain. He stumbles back into the sofa.

ROARYYou’re lucky mate. If I hadn’t gottenTo you in time, who knows how badlyyour knee would be.

ELIZABETH

Roary’s right. It’s just very badlyBruised. As a precaution I told Dennis he can decide the Championship without you.

SEAMUS will not have it. He makes another attempt to rise tohis feet. ROARY SLAMS HIM DOWN TO THE SOFA AND HOLDS HIM THERE.

ROARYStop being so bloody competitive!

ELIZABETHYou’re not playing.

INT. HILLSBOROUGH LOCKER ROOM-A WEEK LATER.

SEAMUS sneaks in through a back door and moves two steps towards the TRAINER’S ROOM, when…

MICK (O.S.)Oh, welcome back from the dead Grandad.

128.

SEAMUS turns around and gives MICK a nervous smile. MICK puts on his uniform.

MICK Now if you still have flu, I ask thatyou not come too near.

SEAMUS awkward smile. He hobbles over to the TRAINER’S ROOM. The limp doesn’t go unnoticed by Mick and is now concerned.

MICKHere? Is that your bad knee?

SEAMUSIt acts up from time to time. AllI need is an injection.

MICK not sure whether to buy the story, but just in case he lets him through. SEAMUS enters the TRAINING ROOM. A huge sigh of relief. SEAMUS finds some medicine and JABS a shot of CORTISONE into his knee and bites his LIP HARD. THE SOUND OF THE DOOR. HOPE catches SEAMUS by surprise. SEAMUS hides the syringe.

HOPEOh, you recovered. Then I will startyou today.

SEAMUS an awkward smile. THE SYRINGE rolls away from him and pings to the floor and rolls all the way to HOPE’S FEET. He reaches for it. SEAMUS snatches it before he can. HOPE wants to know the meaning of the CORTISONE.

SEAMUS.The knee locks up from time to time.A cortisone shot usually takes careof it. I’ll be as right as rain.

SEAMUS hobbles to the door. HOPE follows him out of the training room. The limp noticeable. He’s suspicious and has a private word with JESSUP.

EXT. HILLSBOROUGH STADIUM-STANDS-HOURS LATER.

BINOCULARS SCAN the stands. RENNEVILLE takes a seat next to MCMENEMY. TREVOR pulls down his binoculars.

129.

TREVORLooks like a two for one day Bet.

ELIZABETH wants to see for herself. She takes TREVOR’S BINOCULARS and watches RENNEVILLE and MCMENEMY watch the pitch. RENNEVILLE enjoys the moment. MCMENEMY sees something completely different and is agitated by a possible change in fortune.

RENNEVILLEIsn’t nice to watch a match withoutSeamus O’Brien.

MCMENEMYYes, Albie, yes it would be, but he’s there!!!!! How the bloody hell ishe still there!

MCMENEMY points to the pitch. SEAMUS leads the club out. RENNEVILLE bolts up right. He can’t believe his own eyes. How can this be? ELIZABETH’S reaction is altogether different. She is incensed and rises to her feet.

ELIZABETHI told Dennis he was not to play. I’m going down to…

TREVOR grabs her arm and forces her to the seat.

TREVORCortisone works brilliantly on kneesthese days.

ELIZABETH too cross to look at SEAMUS. She concentrates on RENNEVILLE and MCMENEMY. As MCMENEMY chews out RENNEVILLE. ELIZABETH is gratified there’s a split in the ranks.

MCMENEMYYou had better hope that Wednesday win today.

INT. COMMENTATOR’S BOOTH-SAME

CHRISTOPHER FORD, a distinguished Match Commentator in his forties looks into the camera in the midst of his intro.

130.

FORDThe Championship has come down to the final day of the season between Sheffield Wednesday and their Derbyrivals Sheffield United. The club that wins the Championship will have a chance at a historic Double as both sides will decide it at Wembley in three weeks’ time.

EXT. PITCH TEN MINUTES IN-SAME DAY

SCOREBOARD. SHEFFIELD UNITED 0, SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0.

BJORGESEN prepares a free kick. He toes the ball in the air. DAYKEN meets the ball and cracks a thunderous shot. WHEELER, the WEDNESDAY GOALKEEPER parries the ball over the bar. Twenty minutes later, SHERWOOD, dribbles past MEAKEN with ease. COX senses the imminent threat slides in and smothers the ball. SHERWOOD topples over the top of him. The two rise to their feet together. COX searches for an open man. SHERWOOD pats him on the back of the head derisively. COX pushes him aside and punts the ball down the pitch.

SHERWOODWell done little bloke. It’s a shamelittle Keepers like you aren’t chosenfor England.

COX clenches his fists.

COXLittle? I’ll show you little.

COX is about to pop SHERWOOD when PARKER and MEAKEN pull him away from a definite red card.

SHERWOODNow, don’t go being cheeky on meson.

SHERWOOD jogs down the pitch full of himself.

Minutes later, SEAMUS places the ball for a free kick. He limpsback a few steps and winces from the pain. Mick senses Seamus isin distress and jogs towards him.

131.

MICKYour knee’s acting up. I can takethis.

SEAMUS angrily waves MICK back to the box.

SEAMUSGet in the box!

MICK doesn’t see the sense and shakes his head as he jogs back into the box. SEAMUS scans his options. His foot comes under the ball. A painful wince. THE BALL drifts towards DAYKEN. DAYKEN rises above HENDERSON. He nods the ball down to BROADLEY. BROADLEY a hard whack at GOAL.

FORD (V.O.)Broadley!!!

WHEELER stretches his body out. His fingertips touch the ball over the bar.

FORD (V.O)Gary Wheeler, beautiful save!

INT. DRESSING ROOM-SECONDS LATER.

COX pounds the door open with excitement.

COXWe’re holding them!

HOPEOi! It’s one half! You’re losingpossession in Midfield and they’repressing their runs.

EXT. HILLSBOROUGH PITCH-TWENTY FIVE MINUTES LATER-SAME

It’s the second half. LILLY, the WEDNESDAY RIGHT BACK stands before the ball.

FORD (V.O)Sixty five minutes gone. Still nil, nil.Lilley with the free kick.

132.

LILLEY’S free kick is strong and hard. The ball finds BIG STRONG FORWARD NORMAN THOMPSON. THOMPSON contorts his body sideways and cracks a HARD-DRIVEN VOLLEY. The ball comes off his foot like a THUNDERBOLT. COX no time to react and the ball ripples the net.

FORD (V.O.)Norman Thompson! What a cracking goal!One nil Wednesday.

Minutes later, SEAMUS and MICK jog back to the center circle. SEAMUS can feel the pain increasing and his limp and it is now noticeable to everyone in the stadium.

MICKGrandad, I’m calling for Hope to bringyou off.

SEAMUSNo.

MICKYou can barely walk.

SEAMUSI am walking so let’s continue.

Further up the pitch, SHERWOOD watches SEAMUS and MICK argue. MUCKWITH jogs past him. SHERWOOD runs along with him. He senses Seamus’ dilemma.

SHERWOODI know you and I have had our differencesDavid, but I’d watch O’Brien.

MUCKWITH sees SEAMUS limping up pitch. MUCKWITH nods and with a soft grunt he’s off after Seamus.

Minutes later, BJORGESEN sprints up Midfield with the ball. SEAMUS badly hobbles into open space.

FORD (V.O.)O’Brien seems to be in some distress.Perhaps a hamstring. It’s still oneNil. Wednesday in the lead.

133.

BJORGESEN a pass in SEAMUS’ direction. SEAMUS limps towards the ball. MUCKWITH bores right into SEAMUS with a hard, clean tackle. SEAMUS tumbles to the turf and lands on his knee. SEAMUS cries out in pain.

FORD (V.O.)O’Brien is hurt. This could be a blow for United.

MUCKWITH passes the ball towards HENDERSON. HENDERSON out of respect kicks the ball into touch. A CROWD OF UNITED PLAYERS hover over SEAMUS. HOPE pops through the crowd and kneels before him.

EXT. HILLSBOROUGH STANDS-SAME

ELIZABETH watches in extreme anguish. TREVOR rises to his feet and starts for the stairs. Elizabeth tugs him back.

ELIZABETHTrevor we have an arrest today. United will have to sort this out without you.

TREVOR senses she’s right and sits. ELIZABETH one eye on the pitch and another on RENNEVILLE. His smug expression fills her with rage and hate. RENNEVILLE leans over to MCMENEMY.

RENNEVILLEThings seem to be improving Sandy. Thelad’s nothing without O’Brien.

RENNEVILLE delights in SEAMUS’ agony as he writhes around in extreme pain.

HOPEI knew somit was up with that bloodyknee.

SEAMUSDennis give me a moment.

MICKNo! You play hurt and you hurt the club!

HOPEHe’s right Seamus.

134.

SEAMUS sees an intense fire in MICK’S eyes. SEAMUS senses it’s all right to come off now. MICK and HOPE help SEAMUS to his feet and lead him off the pitch. Mutual APPLAUSE from both side’s supporters. HOPE looks down at his bench. His only option and he doesn’t want to go there. JESSUP.

HOPEJessup! Sweeper. Danan move to RightWing.

MICK thinks he’s insane.

MICKNo, I’ll play Right Wing.

HOPEOh, bloody hell lad, why do you haveto start with me now.

MICK

Do you want to win Gaffer?

HOPE searches into MICK’S EYES and sees something he’s never seen before. The will to win at all costs.

HOPEAll right son. You’re on the wing.

MICK trots out to the pitch with JESSUP and gathers his teammates in for a huddle.

BJORGESENSeamus is out. This is not good.

MICKWe can win without him. Here’s how.

A quiet huddle as MICK gives instructions. Minutes later, PARKER clears the ball onto the LEFT WING. BJORGESEN pick up the pass and darts up the pitch.

FORD (V.O.)Bjorgesen pacing himself nicely…

BJORGESEN a quick pass to MEAKEN. MICK travels alongside 135.

MEAKEN.

MICKTime for width Teddy.

MEAKEN passes to MICK on the RIGHT WING and he dribbles past a WEDNESDAY DEFENDER. He looks up. DAYKEN and MCANDREW heavily marked. MUCKWITH and ROLF converge. MICK finds himself trapped on the touchline with nowhere to go. MICK quick turn past MUCKWITH. ROLF ready to tackle. MUCKWITH moves on the other side, once again MICK is trapped with nowhere to go.

MUCKWITHOh dear, he can’t get by. Hard lucksunshine.

MICKWell then Mucky, I’ll have to invent something then.

MICK stands still. He passes the ball from foot to foot. He eggs ROLF and MUCKWITH for a tackle. They won’t bite. MICK quick turn back and a hard sprint and dribble towards his own end.

FORD (V.O.)Hang on a minute. Such is…Such isdribbling the wrong way?

MUCKWITH and ROLF look to one another. What’s he doing? The two give chase and lunge at him from both sides. MICK pushes the ball between them. MUCKWITH and ROLF crunch into one another. MICK dribbles around both and back up the pitch.

FORD (V.O)Something’s happening here.

MICK has a WALL OF WEDNESDAY DEFENDERS before him. MICK dribbles through and around each DEFENDER.

FORD (V.O)Something is definitely happening here.

MICK one more DEFENDER to get by. A lob over a DEFENDER.

136.

FORD (V.O)Such has beaten five Wednesday defenders.

DAYKEN appears alongside MICK.

DAYKENI’m with you Mickey.

WHEELER senses danger and slides out to meet the challenge.

FORD (V.O.)Only Wheeler to beat.

MICK jumps over him and passes softly to DAYKEN.

MICK

Yours Kenny. Right in the back ofthe net.

DAYKEN sees an open net and passes it delicately into the corner. THE UNITED SUPPORTERS ERUPT INTO “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS.”

FORD (V.O)Something did happen. The goal of the year happened! Mick Such, the scorer of goals, now becomes the creator as well.

MICK fired up takes his celebration to the CROWD. He punches his fists and roars into the sea of boisterous RED AND WHITE SCARVES and BANNERS.

MICKYou want the Championship? Let’s behaving you then. Let’s win thisChampionship!!!!

THE CROWD react with a collective clap and chant of “UNITED! UNITED!”

EXT. HILLSBOROUGH STANDS-SAME

MCMENEMY explodes into RENNEVILLE.

137.

MCMENEMYI thought you said that lad was nothing. Did that goal look like nothing to you? That goal has won United the Championship.

RENNEVILLEIt’s only the equalizer.

MCMENEMYI’ve had enough. You and I will betalking soon.

MCMENEMY rises from his seat and moves up the stairs. RENNEVILLE follows and they pass ELIZABETH and TREVOR. TREVOR speaks into his walkie talkie.

TREVOR

McMenemy and Renneville are on the move.

ELIZABETH and TREVOR follow them out onto the CONCOURSE. MCMENEMY is hopping mad.

MCMENEMYI’ve lost men and money from thebombings to the bleeding scores. We’re through and if you’re not careful you might be in all.

MCMENEMY enters the BATHROOM. RENNEVILLE is about to follow him in, but he sees something that tells him not to. He turns the corner and sees ELIZABETH and TREVOR coming right for her.

ELIZABETHHalt Albert!

RENNEVILLE startled he pulls out his gun and shoots. ELIZABETH AND TREVOR duck and pull out their FIREARMS and chase him. RENNEVILLE heads down the BACK STAIRWAY and has a head start on them.

MCMENEMY is about to relieve himself at the URINAL, when a set of HANDCUFFS are slapped on his wrists. He looks up into the eyes of MCTAVETT and FRISDALE.

138.

MCMENEMYWhat the bloody hell is this???

MCTAVETTHello Sandy. We meet again.

MCTAVETT leads MCMENEMY out of the LAVATORY kicking and screaming.

INT. HILLSBOROUGH-DRESSING ROOMS-MINUTES LATER SAME

A SECURITY GUARD patrols the HALLWAY. RENNEVILLE whacks him on the head with the butt end of his gun and drags him into a CUSTODIAL CLOSET and changes into his clothes.

EXT. HILLBOROUGH STADIUM CONCOURSE-SAME

ELIZABETH and TREVOR run down the stairs to the DRESSING ROOMS. RENNEVILLE is nowhere to be found. dressing rooms. They throw their hands up in despair and leave out the back. RENNEVILLE hides in the closet.

TREVOR and ELIZABETH dash out into the CAR PARK. An idea occurs to her.

ELIZABETHHe’ll escape by his favorite transport.A train.

ELIZABETH AND TREVOR find her HEALY and jump in and drive past the front of HILLSBOROUGH.

EXT. HILLSBOROUGH PITCH MINUTES LATER-SAME

MICK prepares a free kick. He looks up. DAYKEN drifts into the box. MCANDREW circles inside the wall. MICK passes to BJORGESEN and runs behind him. BJORGESEN looks left but passes right. MICK collects the ball and draws DEFENDERS away from the box. MICK, with skill cuts into the box beating tackle after tackle. MICK looks into the PENALTY box. MCANDREW breaks away from his MARKER and sprints towards the corner post. WHEELER comes to the edge of the box.

FORD (V.O)Such, magic again.

MICK lobs over WHEELER’S outstretched arms. 139.

FORD (V.O.)The chip…

MCANDREW dives at the ball and it caroms off his head and slashes into the net.

FORD (V.O.)McAndrew!!! The Championship for United!!!! The Blades are stillalive for the double!!!

MCANDREW mobbed by his teammates. He struggles to break free. There is only one player he wants to celebrate with. MICK comes running towards him. MCANDREW points to him.

MCANDREWYou! You mate, are Footballer of the year!

The two embrace in a bear hug.

INT. HILLSBOROUGH HALLWAY VISITING TEAM.

From outside the DRESSING ROOM, we hear raucous celebration. SEAMUS appears half dressed and hobbles over to the water fountain with an ICE BAG in his hand. He takes a long hard refreshing swallow and then collapses against the wall knackered. He drops the ICE BAG ON HIS KNEE. He closes his eyes and dreams of someplace far away. After a moment he opens them and finds a LONG-HANDLED PISTOL at his KNEE. SEAMUS knows who it is. His eyes stare into the smug face of RENNEVILLE.

RENNEVILLEMove O’Brien!

INT. TRAIN TUNNELL-A HALF HOUR LATER-SAME

THE MAGGIE. A LARGE LOCOMOTIVE TRAIN DATING BACK TO THE LATE 1800’S. A SKINHEAD NAMED NOBS GALLAGHER leads SEAMUS onto the train at GUN POINT, followed by RENNEVILLE.

INT. BAR COACH-MINUTES LATER.

RENNEVILLE fixes drinks at the bar and offers a whiskey to SEAMUS. RENNEVILLE takes a swallow and contemplates the great legend before him.

141.

RENNEVILLEYou’re a formidable foe O’Brien. I’vebeen impressed.

SEAMUS takes a hard swallow of his drink. He looks around the bar and finds an ANTIQUE STEAM POKER on the wall.

EXT. THE MAGGIE ENGINE CAR.

THE TRAIN picks up speed. NOBS GALLAGHER flips a SWTICH. The MAGGIE veers onto the main track and hits a bump.

INT. BAR CAR-SAME

RENNEVILLE clunks into the wall behind the car. SEAMUS seizes his moment and grabs the poker from above and swings it at RENNEVILLE. Renneville ducks and tosses his drink in SEAMUS’ FACE.

INT. TRAIN FIRST CLASS CARS

TREVOR and ELIZABETH full speed past FIRST CLASS CAR AFTER FIRST CLASS CAR. A gunshot freezes them in their tracks.

ELIZABETHRenneville.

TREVORWho is he shooting?

TREVOR and ELIZABETH realize the same thing.

ELIZABETH/TREVORSeamus!

ELIZABETHTrevor stop the train. I’ll go find Renneville.

TREVOR reaches the bar car and spots out of the corner of his eye, SEAMUS and RENNEVILLE in a struggle for the gun. TREVOR points to the bar car. ELIZABETH watches the fight.

ELIZABETHGo. I’ve got this.

141.

TREVOR reaches the ENGINE CAR where NOBS GALLAGHER scoops coal. The shine of TREVOR’S shoes catches his attention. He looks up and sees TREVOR with a GUN.

TREVORHands up.

NOBS GALLAGHER gives TREVOR his answer with a hard SWING OF THE SHOVEL. TREVOR ducks.

INT. BAR CAR-SAME

SEAMUS and RENNEVILLE, a life and death struggle for the gun. ANOTHER GUNSHOT.

ELIZABETH (OS)Drop it Albert!

RENNEVILLE turns and sees ELIZABETH has the upper hand. RENNEVILLE laughs at the absurdity. ELIZABETH finds nothing funny and shoots at RENNEVVILLE’S hand. He snaps his hand back, the gun drops to the floor. RENNEVILLE clutches at the wound and leans over the bar.

ELIZABETHIf I had aimed any higher it wouldhave been your heart love. Be thankful I am in a charitable mood.I’d prefer to see you rot in prison for murdering my Father.

RENNEVILLEIf I’m going to prison, then I’d likeone last drink for the road.

RENNEVILLE reaches for a bottle and he smashes SEAMUS in the face. RENNEVILLE snatches both the gun and the POKER and makes his escape to the front of the train. ELIZABETH leads SEAMUS to a seat.

ELIZABETHRest here.

SEAMUS attempts to get to his feet.

SEAMUSIf you think…

142.

ELIZABETHSit yourself down now Seamus O’Brien!If you don’t rest that knee, I’ll dock your wages.

ELIZABETH thinks about what she said.

ELIZABETHFootball wages.

ELIZABETH is out the door.

INT. ENGINE CAR.

NOBS GALLAGHER swings the SHOVEL violently. TREVOR reaches out and grabs his arm and slams it down on a METAL PIPE several times. NOBS GALLAGHER quick to react tosses large chunks of coal into TREVOR’S face. RENNEVILLE jumps into the engine car and swings the poker, grazing TREVOR’S head. TREVOR falls forward into NOBS GALLAGHER. TREVOR and NOBS GALLAGHER tumble into the lever, snapping it. NOBS his head against the side wall of the car, knocking him out. RENNEVILLE looks down at the next car. ELIZABETH moves quickly. RENNEVILLE takes THE LADDER leading to the top of the TRAIN and searches for a good place to jump. Nothing but hazards. A look back. He sees ELIZABETH behind him. RENNEVILLE turns and shoots. ELIZABETH ducks and shoots back. RENNEVILLE a precarious jump to the next car. He teeters and manages to gain his balance. Out of nowhere SEAMUS CLAWS AT HIS LEG FROM THE BAR WINDOW. RENNEVILLE flings his foot and cracks SEAMUS in the face. SEAMUS shakes his head and has a look up. No hand holds. He eases back into the car and hobbles down the MAIL CAR, opens the door and hobbles arduously up the ladder. He hears an exchange of gun fire. SEAMUS urgent, climbs up onto the train. He sees RENNEVILLE with a GUN raised at his head.

RENNEVILLEHere’s where your glorious career endsSeamus O’Brien.

SEAMUS frozen. RENNEVILLE cocks back the trigger and prepares to fire. ELIZABETH horror on her face. The TRAIN speeds towards a TUNNEL.

ELIZABETHDarling please duck now!

143.

SEAMUS and ELIZABETH drop onto their haunches. RENNEVILLE turns. HIS FACE SMASHES INTO THE TUNNEL KILLING HIM INSTANTLY. THE

MAGGIE FLIES OUT THE OTHER SIDE OUT OF CONTROL. ELIZABETH crawls to SEAMUS.

ELIZABETHI’m going to stop this train. This time please stay put. I mean it Seamus, no leaping.

ELIZABETH leaps two cars and finds the front of the train. She descends the ladder and find NOBS GALLAGHER and TREVOR knocked out cold. ELIZABETH doesn’t have time and punches TREVOR HARD TO THE FACE. He’s quickly alert. He helps ELIZABETH move NOBS GALLAGHERaside. ELIZABETH and TREVOR look down the track. ANOTHER TRAIN HEADED STRAIGHT TOWARDS THEM.

ELIZABETHHow do we stop this thing or switchthe track?

TREVOR looks around and shrugs. The train hits a bump. ELIZABETH crashes into one of the levers and pulls it down. Miraculously the MAGGIE switches tracks and narrowly misses the ONCOMING TRAIN. A sharp curve. ELIZABETH loses her balance again and crashes into TREVOR. TREVOR reaches up to break his fall and grabs hold of a long wire above. The MAGGIE makes a loud screeching sound and comes to a halt. TREVOR and ELIZABETH breathe a heavy sigh of relief.

SEAMUS (OS)I see the two of you have learned somenew skills.

ELIZABETH reacts with a scowl.

ELIZABETHYou have three weeks to heal for the Cup Final!

SEAMUSAre you planning to help me heal then?

ELIZABETHDon’t you dare try to sweet talk me

144.

ELIZABETH (Cont)

with that cheeky…

SEAMUS grabs ELIZABETH and pulls her in for a passionate kiss that leaves her dizzy. ELIZABETH can’t help but smile.

SEAMUSI’ll make a supper for us while youwatch our Championship victory.

ELIZABETH had no idea.

ELIZABETHWe won the Championship?

SEAMUS smiles and nods. She gives him a bear hug.

DISSOLVE TO.

EXT. WEMBLEY STADIUM THREE WEEKS LATER-DAY

WEMBLEY FILLED TO CAPACITY. BOTH SHEFFIELD COLORS FLY PROUD. THE BATTLE OF THE SUPPORTERS SOUNDS LIKE A SYMPHONY OF SWEET MUSIC. We move away from the CROWD THROUGH THE TUNNEL. HOPE appears from a set of side stairs dressed to the nines. He is in an ebullient mood. A glance down at his watch, followed by a deep breath. It’s time. He takes a few steps towards the DRESSING ROOM DOOR. ELIZABETH greets him with a proud smile, carrying carnations.

HOPEI’ve got somit to say to lads and Ithink you should hear it.

ELIZABETH opens the door for HOPE and follows him inside. HOPE sees a quiet nervous locker room. He coughs for attention and the PLAYERS respond with their undivided attention.

HOPEWhen this season started, I thought our Owner was just some meddling woman. She’s made changes that I thought were daft at best. I must admit, I’ve been humbled and I’ve learned that the apple doesn’t fall far from his Lordship’s tree. Now, she helped bring you here, but it was your

145.

HOPE (Cont)sweat and hard work that helped us have a chance at the double.

HOPE opens the door and lets the sounds of WEMBLEY sing to them.

HOPEThat sound is your reward. Savior thismoment. Tell your Grand kids about itwhen your boots are hung up in the hall. Remember the things that brought you here and put them to use out there.

INT. WEMBELY TUNNEL-MINUTES LATER-SAME

ELIZABETH presents carnations to each United Player. She approaches the head of the line where SEAMUS has his MATCH FACE ON. ELIZABETH pins a red carnation into his uniform. She gives SEAMUS a SOFT KISS ON THE LIPS. SEAMUS TURNS FLUSH RED. His teammates roast him for it.

SEAMUSAll right you lot! That’ll be enough of that!

SEAMUS stares at the floor and a glance to ELIZABETH. Through his match face, SEAMUS sneaks a wink in ELIZABETH’S direction. She moves on to HOPE. She pins a white carnation on the lapel of his suit. ELIZABETH takes his hands and kisses him on the cheek.

ELIZABETHThank you for your patience and for being such a brilliant Manager.

SEAMUS looks ahead. THE MATCH REFEREE gives the signal.

SEAMUSRight. It’s time.

SEAMUS leads the club out onto the pitch to a CACAPHONY OF NOISE.

EXT. WEMBLEY PITCH-MINUTES LATER-DAY

SKILES, THE FA CUP FINAL REFEREE BLOWS THE WHISTLE. DAYKEN kicks off. Minutes into the match, IPPUM a soft pass to HENDERSON on

146.

the wing. COX comes too far off his line to meet him. HENDERSON low cross. SHERWOOD dives, the ball caroms off his head and the ball swishes the net. SHERWOOD shakes his hips in front of COX and punches a clenched fist in the air. All COX can do is listen to the derisive chant of “NICE ONE WILLIE.”

Ten minutes later, PARKER dribbles the ball. He looks for support. There is none.

PARKERChrist! Someone move into space!

BJORGESEN breaks free with an urgent hand wave. HENDERSON lunges his tackle at PARKER. PARKER shanks the pass too far. BJORGESEN on the chase. MCANALLEY creeps in behind. BROADLEY moves into space. He sees the danger.

BROADLEYMan on! Man on!

MCANALLEY wins the loose ball. He spins around BROADLEY and crosses the ball towards the box.

FORD (V.O.)Long, ball to the man in the box…

THOMPSON grazes the low ball off his head. LLEWELLYN slips.

FORD (V.O)Danger for United here…

SHERWOOD shoots over GRUPHILL and COX. The ball hits the net. SHERWOOD another hip shake dance in front of COX. The WEDNESDAY SUPPORTERS roar with a CADENCE of “NO DOUBLE THIS YEAR.”

EXT. UNITED BENCH-SAME

HOPE wipes his dejected face. TREVOR rises to his feet and claps his hands for COX.

TREVORIt’s all right Willie. We’ll get itback.

EXT. WEMBLEY STANDS-SAME

147.

ELIZABETH slumps back in her seat. ROARY takes her hand as a source of comfort. Both seem to think United are doomed.

Twenty-five minutes later, MCANDREW dribbles the ball from Midfield and cuts past ROLF and MUCKWITH into the box. MCANDREW looks up. A wall of WEDNESDAY DEFENDERS MARKS his TEAMMATES.

MCANDREWWhere the fuck are you lads?

BJORGESEN creeps in behind.

BJORGESENBehind! Behind!

MCANDREW passes back to BJORGESEN. BJORGESEN looks up. Avenues blocked from all sides. He spins back and lays a ball into BROADLEY’S path. ROLF and the WEDNESDAY sweeper NOLAN, on both sides. BROADLEY finds thin space. One turn one way, another the next and BROADLEY cuts between the defense. SEAMUS runs along the wing level with BROADLEY.

SEAMUSRight with you Peter.

BROADLEY, a quick short pass to SEAMUS. SEAMUS dribbles through LILLEY’S legs, he punishes a hard cross towards the box. Too long for MICK. MICK lunges to meet it but is hacked by MUCKWITH. MICK tumbles to the turf in pain, grabbing his shin. TREVOR jogs on to attend to him. He squeezes a sponge on the shin and helps MICK to his feet. SKILES BLOWS HIS WHISTLE. He shows MUCKWITH A YELLOW CARD.

SKILESWe’ll have none of that Muckwith. Free kick red and white.

THE SHEFFIELD UNITED SUPPORTERS let MUCKWITH HAVE IT WITH A CHANT OF “UP YOURS MUCKY. UP YOURS SON. UP YOURS MUCKY A RED CARD WILL SEE YOU DONE.” MICK limps towards the PENALTY BOX. MUCKWITH blocks his path and stares at MICK with a shit eating grin.

MICK

Don’t start with me Muckwith, or you’ll be afters.

148.SEAMUS pulls MICK away.

MUCKWITHAnytime you want to have it out Bramhallboy.

BROADLEY floats the free kick over the WALL. SEAMUS and MUCKWITH CHALLENGE IN THE AIR. SEAMUS rises higher and bangs the ball off his head past WHEELER. THE UNITED SUPPORTERS explode and pick up a chant of “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS.”

HOPE paces the UNITED sidelines and claps his hands.

HOPENice Goal Seamus.

ELIZABETH clutches ROARY’S hand. There’s now hope.

CLOSE to the end of the half. MEAKEN punches a weak clearance into the path of CENTRAL MIDFIELDER OWNBY. OWNBY breaks hard past LLEWELLYN. A quick hard driven pass to SHERWOOD. SHERWOOD plants his foot down, driving a shot at an angle. COX falls backwards. The ball over his head and swishes into the net.

FORD (V.O)Sherwood!!!! It’s three. Wednesdaywith a commanding lead now.

WEDNESDAY PLAYERS SWARM SHERWOOD. THE WEDNESDAY anthem burns into COX’ ears. SHERWOOD once again does his hip shake dance for COX. COX charges towards Sherwood to beat him with his fists. MEAKEN and SEAMUS push him back.

INT. UNITED DRESSING ROOM

COX punches the door open. He’s disgusted and angry at Sherwood. His dejected teammates follow him in.

COXIf that thick-headed sod styles me onemore time…

HOPE

Willie! Simmer down!

149.

Hope moves from player to player consoling each one. Even he believes a comeback is hopeless at this point. BROADLEY stares at the wall. He can’t see a way out.

BROADLEYWe need three goals that’s insurmountable.

HOPENot entirely.

BROADLEYGaffer this isn’t the Matthews final.Now if we had Stan, then maybe I couldsee our way to…

SEAMUS burns from the negativity and throws BROADLEY’S LOCKER violently open. He packs his KIT BAG.

SEAMUS.Go on then. Go home then.

BROADLEYSeamus, you’re mad if you think wecan come back from this.

SEAMUS chucks the bag in BROADLEY’S face.

SEAMUSApparently, you seem to think thatwe’re here to make up the numbers.

SEAMUS paces the room and examines his teammates to see if they have what it takes.

SEAMUSWe’re not here to make up the numbers.We won the Championship. There’s onlyone better prize in the domestic game.

That prize is right here and right now.

ELIZABETH enters the room and stands next to MICK. SEAMUS stares into Elizabeth’s eyes and then over at MICK. Here it comes. He’s used it once for MICK, now it’s got a count for the rest of the team.

150.

SEAMUSAlan Ball was my favorite player.

MICK suddenly knows where this is headed and he’s captivated by what he is about to say.

SEAMUSI grew up watching him. I played against him. Alan Ball had the courage, desire and the heart of a lion. Everton won a Championship with him. He won a World Cup winners medal here in…

MICKIn 1966.

SEAMUSVery good Mick. Alan fought for every ball he won. He won back every ball he lost. You lot aren’t playing like him! You act as if it’s Barcelona out there! This is Wednesday. Dayken? Wheeler isn’t Neville Southall. Such? Muckwith is hardly Franco Baresi. He’s more like Doug Rougvie. Cox! You’ve beaten Sherwood before. He’s not Pele. Actually, nobody could beat Pele…

MEAKENSeamus, that’s not exactly true. Gordon Banks did in the 1970 World Cup.

SEAMUSThat’s not the point Teddy. The point is this is our Derby rivals. It should piss you off that your two goals down to them. I know it pisses me off. Now some of you lot can pack it in. Not me, I want another winners medal if I have to break my kneecap

to do it.

SEAMUS is all business. He laces his boots and tugs his socks up. He searches for emotion. MICK finds inspiration in the speech. He rises to his feet slowly and claps his hands in a rhythmic cadence.

151.

MICKUnited! United!

COX bolts up right and joins him.

MICK/COXUnited! United!

One by one each player draws off the energy and joins in. Suddenly, the entire club is clapping and chanting “United! United!” HOPE and ELIZABETH overwhelmed by the mood change. SEAMUS marches the club out of the tunnel with the steely eyed determination of a champion. The TUNNEL is one loud echoing cadence of “United! United! SEAMUS finally joins in. MICK and MUCKWITH march out side by side. MICK, a quick glance, a clap and a chant of “United! United!” MUCKWITH believes they’ve gone mad. SEAMUS reaches the sidelines and runs up to the UNITED END and encourages the supporters to rise their downcast heads and join them in their cadence. THE UNITED CHANT builds. MICK hops over the famed METAL BARRIER and runs along the athletics track and leaps into the terraces. He slaps SUPPORTERS WITH HIGH FIVES and chants “UNITED! UNITED!” COX marches behind the GOALPOST like the Hulk and implores support with a roar! One by one, each player moves along both touchlines and encourages the sound of “UNITED! UNITED!” A sea OF RED AND WHITE SCARVES BREATHE LIKE A MARAUDING ARMY. SHERWOOD and his WEDNESDAY teammates can’t believe what they are seeing and are now visibly intimidated. SEAMUS leads his teammates to the CENTER CIRCLE. Each PLAYER looks around the STADIUM and marvels at what they have achieved.

MCANDREWBloody hell. It’s loud. Really loud.

SEAMUSThis is just the start Jock, but thisis not nearly as loud as it can be.

EXT. WEMBLEY DELUX BOX-SAME

ROARY and ELIZABETH on their feet waving banners and joining in with the chants.

EXT. WEMBLEY CENTER CIRCLE-SAME

SEAMUS puts his hand in the middle of the CIRCLE OF TEAMMATES.152.

SEAMUSLet’s blow the roof off this historicCathedral and win this thing. United!

The teammates follow with United! They break the circle ready for action.

EXT. WEMBLEY PITCH-MINUTES IN DAY

LLEWELLYN and HENDERSON challenge for a header. LLEWELLYN comes away the victor with a quick nod into the path of SEAMUS. SEAMUS releases a VOLLEY pass towards the box.

FORD (V.O.)Oh my!

MICK CHARGES PAST MUCKWITH and collects the through ball. WHEELER ready for him.

FORD (V.O.)Such with a chance…

MICK looks one way and shoots the other. WHEELER confused and dives in the opposite direction. THE BALL CRACKS THE NET. THE UNITED SUPPORTERS EXPLODE.

FORD (V.O)Ohhhh and what a chance! Such has scoredfor United! It’s 3-2.

MICK clenches his fists. LLEWELLYN jumps on his back for a gleeful celebration ride.

HOPE hoists his fist in the air. He knows they are back in it.

ELIZABETH and ROARY erupt in their seats bowling over CLIVE STONE.

TEN MINUTES LATER. SEAMUS throws the ball in from the TOUCHLINE. MICK a quick short back pass to SEAMUS. NOLAN and MCANALLY converge. SEAMUS foot to foot and then he nutmegs THEM into different directions. SEAMUS looks up. MICK sprints into open space. SEAMUS punches a low curling cross to MICK.

FORD (V.O.)A beautiful cross to Such…

153.

DAYKEN moves alongside MICK. The two confuse ROLF AND MUCKWITH with a series of quick one two passes.

FORD (V.O)Such and Dayken. Telepathic thesetwo.

DAYKEN chips over LILLEY. THE BALL DROPS TO MICK.

FORD (V.O.)Could this be two for Such??

MICK unleashes a shot so hard it caroms off WHEELER’S face and bounces into the net.

FORD (V.O.)Such!!!!! This is a remarkable fight back.

THE UNITED CROWD BLOW THE ROOF OFF WEMBLEY.

FORD (V.O.)Wembley has gone crackers!!! We’rewitnessing a Wembley classic.

THE CROWD SWAY AND SING THE UNITED ANTHEM.

HOPE and JAMES run out of the DUGOUT full of wonder. MICK runs up the pitch with SEAMUS. SEAMUS gleeful, pinches his cheeks.

HOPEBloody hell that lad’s got Englandwritten all over him.

NEARING NINETY MINUTES. ELIZABETH, ROARY and CLIVE watch a poor clearance drop to BROADLEY. His shot hits a WALL OF WEDNESDAY DEFENDERS. The ball bounces TO DAYKEN. A weak header falls into the hands of Wheeler. He throws long. NOLAN outside the CENTER CIRCLE shoots. ELIZABETH shuts her eyes. COX, a well-timed leap. He clasps the ball tightly in his hands. ELIZABETH opens her eyes and thanks the heavens for the miracle.

Minutes later, SEAMUS back to midfield with MICK. MICK picks off a pass and gets rid of it to PARKER.

154.

SEAMUSFoul Muckwith.

MICK thinks SEAMUS has gone mad.

SEAMUSNo time for questions. We’re in extratime.

MICK charges up the pitch towards the WEDNESDAY AREA. MUCKWITH blocks a shot from MCANDREW. He picks up the loose ball and dribbles outside the box. MICK crunches a hard kick into MUCKWITH’S shin. MUCKWITH tumbles to the turf. SKILES shows MICK A YELLOW CARD. MUCKWITH rises to his feet and snatches MICK’S COLLAR. Before it becomes heated IPPUM pulls MUCKWITH away. DAYKEN turns MICK back up the pitch. SEAMUS pulls in DAYKEN, MICK and BJORGESEN in for a conference.

SEAMUSDanan, time your interception well.Kenny do anything you can to distractWheeler.

DAYKEN confirms with a nod.

SEAMUSDanan get the ball to me. Mick,Geoff Hurst goal 4. The man whowasn’t there.

MICK knows exactly what he means and nods with a smile.

MICKGrandad you sure do have a flair forthe dramatic.

SEAMUSNo son. You do. Now prove it.

The four break apart. BJORGESEN moves into position. BJORGESEN eyes CONCENTRATED on the BALL. A slow jog forward. MUCKWITH FOOT DOWN ON THE BALL. A hard, long kick. SHERWOOD sprints down the middle like and express train.

FORD (V.O.)Sherwood free down the middle!

155.

THE BALL FLOATS IN THE AIR. BJORGESEN LEAPS. A SOFT TOUCH with his head down to his feet. BJORGESEN controls the ball and drives a long cross pitch pass to SEAMUS.

FORD (V.O.)Ohhh! Lovely ball to O’Brien.

IPPUM and NOLAN block SEAMUS’ path. SEAMUS’ tricky dribbling splits them apart and he’s through the space. MICK alongside SEAMUS. SEAMUS quick pass to MICK.

FORD (V.O.)The replay would be at Villa Park,on Monday night.

MICK, quick pass to SEAMUS and he disappears. SEAMUS dribbles and a quick look towards the box. DAYKEN runs a series of patterns in the box. The WEDNESDAY DEFENSE confused. WHEELER jumps off his line thinking the ball is coming to DAYKEN. MICK drifts into the box onside and unmarked. SEAMUS has him in his sights. He unleashes a strong, quick cross to the far post.

FORD (V.O.)O’Brien tries to curl it…

The ball towards the post.

FORD (V.O.)And does!!!!

WHEELER misjudges the direction of the ball. MICK leaps in the air and puts all his POWER INTO THE HEADER. He watches THE BALL SAIL HIGH TO THE CORNER. EVERYTHING MOVES IN SLOW MOTION FOR MICK. MICK tumbles down with a thud and a soft groan. MICK lies motionless, eyes riveted to the BALL. WHEELER leaps backwards. The BALL RIPS THE TOP CORNER OF THE NET.

COX leaps high in the air with his fist clenched. BEHIND HIM THE UNITED SUPPORTERS LEAP IN HORDES. RED AND WHITE SCARVES COLOR THE TERRACES.

FORD (V.O.)Such!!!!

156.

CLIVE leaps into ELIZABETH’S ARMS, the two topple onto the ground in jubilation.

HOPE in disbelief. A slow move onto the PITCH THAT INCREASES INTO A MARCH AND THEN A JIG.

MICK can’t move. His eyes on the goal. Someone pulls him up. He doesn’t know who. His numb emotions give way to tears of joy. He pulls away from TREVOR, seeing it’s him, he couldn’t be happier and hugs him tight refusing to let him go. He opens his eyes and listens. THE CROWD. “BRAMHALL LANE KING. BRAMHALL LANE KING.” MICK wipes the tears away and applauds the crowd. MICK embraces SEAMUS in the center circle. The two of them drink in the beautiful sound around them. SEAMUS leads MICK across the pitch. The two of them climb the LONG STEPS UP TO THE ROYAL BOX. There, THE FA CUP with its sparkling sheen and its beautiful ribbons awaits them. TWO HANDS clasp the CUP TIGHT. SEAMUS turns to the crowd and hoists the CUP HIGH IN THE AIR. THE CROWD SING THE UNITED ANTHEM. WE MOVE through them until we reach THE SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY END. THE DELUX BOX. ASTON PRENTICE, the arrogant SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY CHAIRMAN. He’s 55. The display disgusts him. He leans over to his ASSISTANT.

PRENTICEI want you to call the FA Chairman Monday morning. I don’t lose theChampionship and the Cup Final to a

club that climbed miraculously fromrelegation.

EXT. THAMES RIVER-THE SAME EVENING

TWO WINNERS MEDALS. SEAMUS, ELIZABETH, and TREVOR look out at a TRAWLER passing under the BRIDGE. They should be happy, but their glum. ELIZABETH stares at SEAMUS’ MEDALS. She rubs his back. SEAMUS turns his attention to both.

SEAMUSSo, you mean to tell me the Home Secretaryallowed those fixed matches to go?

TREVOR.Max claimed if we stopped every fix,then we would have no evidence.

157.

SEAMUSBollocks! Now we have the FA Chaircalling for a full investigation intoMI5.

ELIZABETHTo make matters worse they want to makean example of Sheffield United.

SEAMUS has had enough. He looks at his medals one last time and decides it’s not worth it and drops them in the Thames. ELIZABETH and TREVOR are shocked.

ELIZABETHSeamus what are you doing?

SEAMUSThose medals are tainted. I can’t havethem. I can’t. It wouldn’t be right.

SEAMUS is angry and disgusted and walks down the bridge. ELIZABETH sees his heart is breaking.

ELIZABETHSeamus, what we did was honorable. Wesaved people’s lives at Arsenal.

SEAMUS turns around and walks backwards with his hands in his pockets. He finds ELIZABETH’S words hollow.

SEAMUS If the season had been played straight who would have won? No one will know, because once one match is affectedthey all are affected.

ELIZABETH runs down to him.

ELIZABETHSeamus will fight back. If we’regoing down, then we drag Max downwith us.

SEAMUSI have nothing. You have nothing. They’ll be an Asterix in the record

158.

SEAMUSbooks. “Won the Double, but under a cloud of suspicion.” Lad’s shouldn’t have to see that in future Football books. This is a lad’s sport and now they’re dreams will be shattered by the Chief of MI5 whose only care iswhat he puts on his CV. It’s a bloody shame and it’s not right.

SEAMUS walks away disgusted and angry. ELIZABETH runs after him. She walks with him arm in arm, but not into the sunset, but into a murky future.

DISSOLVE TOTHE END.