Goal!

CHILDREN CHEER

Santiago?

MAN SPEAKS SPANISH

MEN SPEAK URGENTLY IN SPANISH

-MAN:

-Shh!

-SIREN BLARES MAN ON MEGAPHONE:

-Halt!

-MAN:

-Rapido!

-Remain where you are!

Rapido, rapido!

This is the United States Border Patrol.

Remain where you are.

Remain where you are.

Santiago!

This is the United States Border Patrol.

Santiago!

He is so hot.

Gracias.

MEN SHOUT IN SPANISH

THEY SPEAK SPANISH

WHISTLE BLOWS

See you.

THEY CONVERSE IN SPANISH

Hey.

Well, we won 4-2. Scored a couple. Should have got another one.

-There's always Plan B.

-Which one is that?

The American dream. We win the lottery.

Too bad.

You have to eat something.

Hey!

Hey, boss? I've been a bus boy now for six months.

Why can't I be a waiter?

This Chinese restaurant. You're not Chinese.

So what? This is America. You're American, I'm American.

You have green card?

If I had one, could I be a waiter?

No. You're not Chinese.

Quiet!

Tommy! Hold your position!

You're supposed... Tommy, you're supposed to be on the wing.

It's not a cup final. He's seven years old.

You're never too young, Val.

To be honest, I don't think Tom's that into soccer, anyway.

That's... Oh.

Go... Oh!

-MAN: Hey, watch out.

-Go on, Tom.

Thanks.

-COACH:

-A Santiago! A Santiago!

COACH SHOUTS IN SPANISH

He's quite a player.

Oh, yes, he is.

Did you teach him to do that?

God taught him.

Doesn't look right. His balance is all wrong.

He doesn't look up enough.

Doesn't lift his legs high enough.

That's what all the other teams think.

Then that happens.

SHOUTS IN SPANISH

Well played, son.

Did you ever play professional?

Well, er... pro teams go for college kids,

and, er...none of us went to college.

When's your next game?

Saturday.

There's someone I bumped into on the plane on the way over here.

I want him to see you play. He's a sports agent.

I'm serious. I think you're worth it, son.

Listen, no offence, but I need to get to work.

I used to play a bit myself.

Yeah? Where?

England. I was a scout too. I know what I'm talking about.

England?

What's your name, son?

Santiago Munez.

Glen Foy.

-COACH:

-Santiago!

SHOUTS IN SPANISH

I'll see you Saturday, Santiago.

SHOUTS IN SPANISH

Man.

I don't know, man.

Meet this guy and everything could change...

..for the better.

Para "better".

-MAN:

-'Baseball. Tennis. Soccer...'

-Barry. Is this a good moment?

-No time like the present, mate.

So, he's a young Mexican kid from the barrio.

He dazzled me, I tell you, Barry,

and as you know, I don't dazzle easily.

The last time was a young kid called Jermain Defoe.

I'd rather not talk about that, Glen.

So, he's playing on Saturday afternoon.

Some college downtown.

Right, well, you tell me exactly where it is and I'll be there 110%.

Glad to hear it. PHONE RINGS

Oh, hang on, though.

Why don't you knock yourself out and help yourself to some finger food?

Probably don't do sashimi in Gateshead, do they, mate?

See you later. Yes, bruv?

-Would you like some sashimi, sir?

-No, man, I'm in LA...

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

CHEERLEADERS CHEER

-MAN:

-All right, gather round. Let's think about it.

Gather round, gentlemen. Get out here.

We've got the game plan. Let's stick to it today...

-SANTIAGO'S BROTHER:

-Whoo! Come on, Santiago!

-BOTH:

-Ohh!

MAN SHOUTS IN SPANISH

Val, can I use your phone?

PHONE RINGS

Yo.

Glen. Glen. Mate.

I'm in a business meeting, brother. I'm in a meeting.

Been in a meeting all morning.

Sorry, listen, mate, do us a favour, all right?

Can you send me a tape of your boy?

G...? Glen? G...

Pillock!

PLAYERS SHOUT IN SPANISH

Goal! Yes!

Yeah! Come on! Come on!

SHOUTS IN SPANISH

WHISTLE BLOWS

Santiago!

COACH SHOUTS IN SPANISH

Hey, Grandma.

SPEAKS SPANISH Gracias, Grandma.

Santiago, well played, son. Well done.

Thank you, thank you. This is my little brother.

Hello. How are you doing? Pleased to meet you.

And this is my grandma.

-This is my daughter, Val.

-Hi.

So, you are the agent?

No. No, no, no. This man arranged for the agent to come.

And he didn't, I'm afraid. He's, er...

You know, he's too busy.

So, he'll come to the next game?

No, no. I'm afraid he can't.

He's flying back to England tomorrow. So am I. So...

Look at that. Maybe the old man is right.

You dare to dream, you get screwed.

Thanks, anyway.

PHONE RINGS

Hello? Who is this?

'This is Glen Foy.'

Glen Foy. Do I know you, Mr Foy?

Uh...well, I was one of your scouts when you first took over.

You fired me, actually, when you brought in the new regime.

'I don't hold it against you.'

Hope you don't. So, why are you calling me at 3.30 in the morning?

Sorry. I'm in California.

Er... I've just seen a young player. I think he's a remarkable talent.

-SIGHS

-Who's he play for?

Oh, just local league. Kickabout stuff.

The point is, I'm on a plane home tomorrow,

and I want you to make me a promise.

'If he turns up on your doorstep, will you see him?'

You want me to promise you this, right?

Aye.

Just give him a run out. That's all I'm asking.

If I say yes, can I go back to sleep?

Er, yes, Mr Dornhelm.

Then yes, Mr Foy.

CHURCH BELL RINGS

-Santiago?

-Hey.

How are you doing?

Fine, thank you. What are you doing here?

Your coach told me where to find you.

If you get yourself to England,

Newcastle United will give you a trial.

Newcastle United? That's a big club.

Very big club.

He thinks I'm good enough.

Why you fill him with ideas like this?

Who the hell do you think you are?

And you - why don't you keep your feet on the ground,

instead of your head in the sky?

SPEAKS SPANISH

Let's go.

It's a big thing you ask, senor.

He's supposed to fly halfway across the world on something you say?

The manager's made me a promise. He'll give him a trial.

The rest is up to him.

So, look in my eyes and answer me this question.

Grandma.

Can Santiago make it as a professional?

Aye. I believe he can.

Dad. We've got to go.

If the freeway's busy, you're going to miss your flight.

Here's my card. It's all my numbers.

Think about it. Give me a ring.

It's good to meet you.

Good to see you.

You got enough?

E... Enough what?

Everyone knows you keep your money in that boot.

SIGHS

So, are you going?

Well...Grandma thinks I should.

What does Dad think?

I haven't asked him.

How far away is England?

Right now...

..400 bucks too far.

Go back to sleep.

Now.

SPEAKS SPANISH

There.

Thanks.

How could you do this, Dad?

You knew what it was for.

Two more weeks and I have enough.

For what?

To chase a stupid dream?

Big-time ball player in England. Come on.

And when you fail, how are you going to come back with no papers?

I got one chance,

and you think I should just, what, give it up for what you do?

What I do is take care of my family.

In Mexico, I work construction,

and at night I clean up in a brothel!

But I save enough to bring us to America.

And when your mother walk out on us...

No, when she walk out, I hold this family together.

Leave her out of this, Dad. Please.

I make enough for this house, and now we have our own business.

That's how things get better. That's how you measure a man's life.

It's your life!

Not mine.

WHEEZES

EXCITED HUBBUB

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very good day for the club.

Gavin is a very gifted player

and should fit in very well with our set-up here at St James' Park.

I'm very pleased to present him...

with this.

Winning the league's out of sight, Erik.

What are your realistic goals for the rest of the season?

Well, finishing in the first four, and qualifying for Europe.

I think it's essential for a club like this.

To do that, you're going to have to take maximum points

from your next few games.

Um...look. The club has had some problems lately, yeah?

But, um...

I'm here now, yeah?

And I'm not in it for fame or money or anything like that.

Um... I like to win matches.

So, maximum points shouldn't be a problem.

Eh, boss?

JOURNALISTS CLAMOUR

DOOR SQUEAKS

So, now do I get a room to myself?

Come here.

Who's going to help you with your homework?

-You won't do it if I'm not here.

-He'll do it.

Take a shower before you leave. You smell real bad.

Am I leaving tonight?

Sure. Before your father gets home.

You know...

when your mother walked out on us...

I promised God I'd do everything to help you boys follow your dreams.

You deserve this chance, Santiago.

Take it.

-WOMAN ON PA:

-'Passengers making Connection flights from Mexico...'

Thank you.

Purpose of your visit?

Excuse me?

Business or pleasure?

Uh...business.

I... I play soccer. Football.

I hope to.

Newcastle United.

One moment.

This young man wants to play for your team, Mr Henderson.

Newcastle?

Yes, sir.

We need all the help we can get.

Glen! Phone!

Hello?

Who?

Santiago!

'You're in England? Where?'

Um...somewhere in London.

So, Glen...

how do I get to Newcastle?

Hey. How's it going?

Why didn't you call me from LA, let me know you were coming?

Is it OK that I'm here?

Oh, no, no, it's fine.

You just caught me a bit off guard, that's all.

Well, you'd best stay with me till you get settled.

OK.

Welcome to the Toon.

What is that?

It's where the Geordies live.

What is a Geordie?

Someone that lives in the Toon.

You've a lot to learn, bonny lad.

Y-You mean "toon" like "Looney Toons" and stuff, like Bugs Bunny?

Thank you.

You live here alone?

Aye. Well, my daughter, you met.

You have a wife?

Uh...she died a couple of years ago. Cancer.

Oh.

I'm sorry.

Hey...

My grandma...

she, er...she sent you this.

Oh, well, it's, er...

She had it since she was a little girl.

Er, I'm not much of a Catholic, mind.

She thinks you're a good man, so...

Ah.

Santiago, your dinner's ready.

Santiago?

SEAGULLS SQUAWK OUTSIDE

-I thought you worked in football.

-Not any more.

I was finished a while back, like some of these cars.

-Do you fix them?

-Aye, fix and restore.

Listen, there's not...

There'll not be anyone at the club till...10,

so why don't you get yourself something to eat,

some breakfast or something?

-Yeah.

-Do you have any money?

No. I mean, I'm OK.

-No, I can't.

-It's OK.

-Take it. Turn right.

-Just for now.

KIDS SHOUT PLAYFULLY

Eh, mister, can we have our ball back?

-Quite tasty.

-Aye, if you work in a circus.

Here you go. Sorry. Here.

-Oh, nice throw(!)

-LAUGHS

-MAN:

-I've heard some of the players have a problem with Gavin Harris.

-They don't like his attitude.

-Aye.

Well, three clubs in five years should tell you something.

I think he's better playing on the inside.

If he's in a mood, he gets lost out wide.

Aye, right enough, like.

What are you looking at?

Sorry, but you're talking about soccer, right?

No.

Football? ALL EXCLAIM IN AGREEMENT

That's all there is to talk about.

-Where are you from, son?

-Los Angeles.

Oh, aye. You know Charlize Theron? She's a cracker, like.

What are you doing up here?

I have a trial for Newcastle United.

-Ah...

-A trial, like?

-Yeah.

-Are you serious, lad?

Yeah, yeah. Maybe today, actually.

You'll want to lay off the black pudding, son.

What is it exactly?

You don't want to know.

-GLEN:

-Football's a religion up here.

In London, you've got any number of teams. Same in the Midlands.

Manchester, you've got two. Liverpool have got two.

Glasgow's got two.

Up here, though, it's just the Toon.

There she is.

-Is that the manager?

-Erik Dornhelm. Mr Dornhelm.

Can be a bit intimidating. Make sure you look him in the eye.

I don't think my look will make a difference.

It'll be my feet.

Mr Dornhelm, excuse me. Glen Foy.

This is the young man I was telling you about.

-Hi.

-From Los Angeles.

Santiago Munez.

When was this?

When I phoned you in the middle of the night.

You promised to give him a trial.

Yes. Uh, one minute, please.

You like that? Score a hat-trick, you can have it.

I'm sure you have a watch.

And I'm absolutely sure it's an expensive one.

-SNIFFS

-What time does it say?

Sorry, boss. I was dropping a shirt off for a sick kid in hospital.

Tell you what, the PR people should've had a camera there.

Would've been a really good photo op.

There are six journalists inside

waiting to talk to you for 15 minutes.

Get in there.

And today, you train with the reserves.

Um...

-Where do you play?

-Los Angeles.

-I think...

-I mean position?

Yeah, for my team, I play up front, but I prefer midfield.

That way, I see more of the ball.

Get him over to the training ground. Let's see what he's got.

-Will do. Thank you very much.

-All right.

Hey, I'll be around.

MEN SHOUT OUTSIDE

WHISTLE BLOWS OUTSIDE

Hiya there. How are you feeling, son?

-OK.

-Good.

Mal Braithwaite, club coach.

I've been a friend of Glen's since he was a player here,

so I'm on your side, son, OK?

-Yeah. Thank you, sir.

-Oh.

I'm not "sir". I'm "coach".

"Sir" is the gaffer. That's who's going to be watching you today.

All right? Fit?

-Yeah.

-Good. Let's go.

Come on.

You'll be fine.

Yeah.

-MAN:

-Come on!

-MAN:

-Get up the field!

-Keep moving it!

-MAN:

-Put it square!

Oi.

I want you midfield, on the right, OK?

-Gavin. You know who Gavin is?

-No.

-Slot in behind him there.

-OK.

That's the fella. OK?

Get Eddie off.

Eddie! Come off!

OK, pal, swap bibs with him. Do your best.

Hey, Mal. Mal. Who's the muppet?

He's from Mexico. Be gentle, son.

Yeah, I'll look after him.

-MAN:

-Go on, pass it.

-Hey, yo. Hey, yo, yo.

MEN SHOUT

GRUNTS

-MAL:

-That's it, pal.

-How are you doing, Mal?

-All right, boss.

Hi, Bobby. How are you?

Bring the kid into the game!

BOTH GRUNT

GROANS

-MAN:

-Look at me.

Yes! Yo, yo.

-MAN:

-There it is.

Oh...

Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!

What? Hello? Speak louder, please.

-MAN:

-Oh, come on!

Yes!

BOTH GRUNT

All right? Let me call you back.

GRUNTS

BOTH GRUNT

GRUNTS

GROANS

Let the kid take it!

Go on. Have a go.

Face up. How many?

GROANS

Adios, amigo.

GROANS

Santiago!

Get yourself a shower.

MEN TALK INDISTINCTLY

I don't know, Glen.

My... My legs wouldn't do what my brain was telling them.

I'll be better tomorrow, I promise.

There's not going to be a tomorrow, Santiago.

Get in the car.

You know, my father believes people have a place in life.

You work, you feed your family.

You die.

And it's foolish to think otherwise.

ALL APPLAUD

-Excuse me, sir. Can I...

-It's OK.

I spoke with the fella on the door.

He said I could come in and look for someone. I won't be a second.

Mr Dornhelm?

Glen Foy, from this morning.

Listen...I'm sorry to interrupt the proceedings.

Have I missed all the boring speeches?

I'm going to make one of those boring speeches.

This distraction is not welcome.

Well, if you'd answered my calls, I wouldn't be here.

What do you want?

Listen, this kid...

Santiago Munez.

-Would you like to sit here?

-Sure. Thanks.

He's, er... Listen, he's grown up in poverty and hardship

and his only way out is his skill with the ball.

He's flown 6,000 miles on my say-so.

He's jet-lagged. He's nervous.

You know, he's never SEEN mud before and you put him on a pitch like that.

And then you spend the whole time on your mobile.

I saw him flat on his arse most of the time.

Yeah, there was one moment of magic...

when he took the ball on the bounce,

turned Magowan, took it down...

I saw it.

Looks good. I hear they do you well here.

Listen, when I was a scout,

I used to spend the whole time on muddy days,

watching young lads, and just once in a while,

there'd be one that would come along and lift your heart.

CHUCKLES

Like this lad.

Just give him a month.

MUTED CROWD ROAR

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

Ah. So, you've found all my yesterdays?

I was just...looking.

My wife made this scrapbook.

You never told me you were a major league player.

Aye. Well, not for as long as I'd have liked.

Why?

Got an injury. Did my knee in.

Look at that - shorts were shorter, hair was longer.

Didn't make £8 million a year either.

But you were still heroes.

Oh, aye, footballers have always been heroes,

even in my father's day, when they were earning eight quid a week

and working down the mine at the same time.

-There you go.

-No. No, no, no.

I cannot accept it. It's too special.

I'm not giving it to you.

Try it on. I want to see what you look like in the black and white.

-What's the point?

-What's the point?

Well, you've got a month's trial.

-Better phone your granny again.

-LAUGHS

LAUGHS

MAN SHOUTS: Come on, faster.

-MAN:

-One...two...three...

Right, listen up, you lot.

This is Santiago Munez. He's from Mexico.

-No, Los Angeles.

-Los Angeles. Whatever.

Anyway, before this day's done,

I want each of you to let him know who you are, OK?

Right, let's get into it.

MAN SHOUTS

Come on, Jim. Push it hard.

SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY

Gerry, go on.

Nice one, Freddy.

Nice work. Come on!

..15...16...17...

Come on, Santiago!

-Hey, Santi, I've been to Mexico once, you know?

-Yeah? You like it?

MEN LAUGH

-One day, son.

-Yeah.

But not today. Come on, move!

Oh.

Thank you.

-Do you want to sit down, please?

-OK.

CLEARS THROAT

-It may be a little high.

-Why's that?

Well, cos you are so close and you smell nice and...

It's normal.

Are you the club doctor?

No, I'm the club doctor's nurse. He'll examine you soon.

-Did you fill in the paperwork?

-Yeah.

Uh, just a couple of words I didn't understand.

OK. Like what?

Like...this one here.

That's "cardiovascular". It means heart problems.

Oh. No. No.

And how about that one?

"Respiratory".

Do you have any problems with your lungs or breathing?

Do you?

No.

Do you want to step on the scales?

Right.

What's your name?

Nurse Harmison.

-I mean your first name.

-You don't need to know that.

You don't need to know where I live, what my star sign is

or what I'm doing on Saturday night.

-I'm going to have to take blood.

-Oh, man.

Really? I don't like needles.

-CHUCKLES

-But you have a tattoo. Or is it a rub-on transfer?

-That was a gang thing.

-You were in a gang?

Not any more.

There's only three ways to get out of a gang -

either you get shot, you go to jail

or, in my case, you have a grandmother

who kicks some sense into you.

Ow!

Sorry, tough guy.

WHISTLE BLOWS, MEN SHOUT

Oh! WHISTLE BLOWS

-Whoa!

-What's your problem?

Eh? Problem? What problem?

-Come on! What?

-Ignore him. He's a tit.

-MAL:

-Walk away. Come on.

-Hey, forget him. Forget him.

-How long did they give you?

-A month.

A month?

That's not long. At least I got six.

I was with Tranmere Rovers before this.

They signed me from school when I was 14.

-Oh, yeah? How's it going?

-Early days.

Psst.

That's Gavin Harris.

They just signed him for £8 million.

-GLEN:

-Hughie Magowan's 33.

Unless every other centre back in the squad breaks his leg,

he'll not play for the first team again.

Well, you're the new kid on the block, son,

and you've got something he never had - flair.

Flair?

Aye.

You know, most players, myself included,

they play within themselves, they play to their strengths,

so they don't expose their weaknesses.

The great players, the ones with flair, they take risks,

because they don't believe they're risks.

Here, put your coat down here.

Three and in. You're in.

All righty.

They control the ball, the ball doesn't control them.

Here.

Look at this - two jackets and a ball. It's all you need.

GRUNTS

Finished with that, son?

Yeah.

I'm sorry. Sorry.

CHUCKLES

-JAMIE GASPS

-Santi!

-GRUNTS

-Oh!

-Yeah. Oh.

-There you go.

Hey, listen, I could, er, show you the town, if you like? Tonight.

Go clubbing. Bevvy. Women.

Yeah. Uh...do I need an ID or something?

-ID?

-Yeah.

Identification?

Yeah. I mean, how old do you have to be here to get a drink?

11.

FUNKY HIP-HOP MUSIC

TYRES SCREECH

Oi, Gavin!

Hey, listen, mate, if you want an autograph,

write to the club, ya muppet.

Oi, listen, Elvis, I'm with the club too, you know.

Oi, mate, I'm with the club too, you know.

-I've never seen you before.

-I don't go out much.

Hey, hey. Nurse Harmison! Nurse Harmison!

Hi.

You want to come in this club with us?

No way. It's full of bozos, that place.

-Yeah? Where are you going?

-We're going to the Spyglass.

-What do you say?

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-JAMIE:

-Here we go, here we go.

-GIRLS CHUCKLE HARMISON:

-Thank you.

Canny wine, this Rioja.

It's from your part of the world, isn't it - Spain?

Uh, no. I'm from LA.

I'm from Merseyside.

LA and Merseyside? What are you twos doing up here?

CLEARS THROAT Well...

We play for Newcastle.

I thought you said players were off limits?

Relax. They haven't made the reserves yet.

Well, as long as you're mired in mediocrity, pet,

you're in with a chance.

I'm sorry, but I don't know what that means.

It means don't change. Don't become something you're not.

Well, my life's already changed just by being here.

I grew up on a council estate

with a dad on the dole and a mum on the booze.

Change is fine with me.

Uh... I remember you now.

-You're the one with the toe.

-What?

You had fungus behind your big toenail.

GROANS

-What?

-Oh, man.

Do you have to mention that?

I guess, in your job, you must see the whole team naked, right?

I know what you'll say. Don't be that obvious.

No, no. I won't ask who's the biggest.

-What do you think I am?

-OK. What were you going to ask?

Who has the smallest?

ALL LAUGH

It must be you, because she can't tell us.

-MEN SHOUT MAL:

-Mark up! Mark up!

Stay with him.

-Remember what I told you.

-Here!

OK, pass. Pass the ball.

Pass it.

-GROWLS

-Why didn't you pass the ball, man?

Hey, Mal.

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-Munez?

Come here.

Hey, lads, over here. Come on, gather round.

-That's it.

-Hey, Mal? Give me five minutes.

-OK, boss.

-Thank you.

So, when I say "go", I want you to run as fast as you can to the goal.

-OK?

-Yeah.

Go.

Come back.

Again. Go.

What did you learn?

-That you can score from halfway?

-No.

That the ball can travel faster than you.

Here we pass the ball. You understand that?

Yeah.

We're a unit, not a one-man show.

The name on the front of the shirt

is more important than the one on the back.

-OK?

-Yeah.

-See you later, Santi.

-Hey.

CROWD ROARS

-COMMENTATOR:

-This really is the final countdown

for Newcastle United.

Only three games left this season,

and to qualify for Europe in the Champions League

and all the riches that goes with that,

they'll have to win them all, starting today.

Oh, man. LAUGHS

Never an easy team to beat, Chelsea -

-well coached, well drilled.

-They certainly are.

OK. Yeah.

Hello, mate. All right, mate? I'll see you at half-time.

..No, I'm with Gavin's girlfriend. I'll call you back.

Lads.

CROWD CHANTS

ALL SHOUT

-ALL:

-Oh!

How is that possible?

CROWD CHEERS

-ALL:

-Oh!

Well, for all their possession, you have to say

that Newcastle haven't yet created one clear-cut chance.

-He's fading.

-Aye.

By a brilliant sense of positional play,

he's managed to avoid all contact with the ball.

-Well, maybe he's playing hurt.

-Nah, he's hung-over.

-Right, get him off.

-SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY

-ALL:

-Oh!

-Ref!

Now, this looks quite bad for Newcastle.

The very last thing they need is another injury.

They've already got several walking wounded out there.

Right, ten off.

Free kicks. Most of the corners.

Wait a second. It's Gavin Harris who's coming off!

What, me?

CROWD CHEERS

He's taking Gavin off. What the hell is he thinking about?

-What are you doing, taking me off?

-Sit down.

-COMMENTATOR:

-Only five minutes left to play.

Still no score, though Chelsea still have the upper hand.

-ALL:

-Oh!

-CROWD ROARS

-Goal!

-Goal! Yeah!

-They've got one at last!

And it's Patrick Kluivert!

ALL CHEER

GRUNTS

-Evening, Mr Dornhelm.

-Good night, sir.

-MAN:

-You going out tonight?

-MAN:

-No, I'm absolutely done in.

Fair enough.

CHUCKLES

Yeah!

What are you doing here? Are you hurt?

No, no, no, no. I got great news.

-What?

-I made the reserve squad.

Oh, that's great.

I've only one week left on my trial. This game is make-or-break.

If the boss sees me do well, he'll keep me on.

-I'm sure he will.

-Halt!

-Do you play for Newcastle?

-Yeah.

Well, sign your name on that.

OK.

-HARMISON:

-They'll all be asking for your autograph soon, you know.

Will that bother you? I mean, what is your problem with footballers?

I don't have a problem with football.

It's fame I have a problem with. It's my dad's fault.

He was in a rock band that got hot for five minutes.

No way! Would I know him?

I doubt it. I was only three.

Anyway, the point is, some of the players remind me of him.

Why don't you tell him, Grandma?

Tell him about the game.

Hey up, lads.

Sit down, pay attention.

Now, Dougie's hamstring seems to be holding up,

so we'll give him a run for at least half.

Santiago. I want you on the right flank.

But keep tracking the number 8 - he's slippery.

I'll translate that for you later.

Jamie, I want you to slot in behind the two strikers.

And remember...don't let them panic you into playing football.

-Wahey!

-Right, come on! Let's go!

ALL SHOUT

-JAMIE:

-Let's kick some!

Come on, boys! Let's go! Let's do this.

WHEEZES

What was that?

What's wrong with him?

WHISTLE BLOWS

Right, come on, let's have a wall. Let's have you back!

Jackie, you're all in!

Santiago, get back!

Ugh!

Out! Out!

Here, mate, do you want to put on a red shirt?

You're having a shocker.

WHEEZES

You all right?

I think that's enough.

I think you're right.

WHEEZES

WHISTLE BLOWS

OK.

Go and get yourself an early bath, son.

What's the matter? Are you hurt?

Been out on the town?

Is there something you want to tell me, son?

OK.

I don't know, Santi.

I know you've got the skill.

But maybe you don't have the pace or the stamina for the English game.

Maybe you'd be better off playing back in LA.

I'm going to have to let you go, son.

Yes?

Does Roz live here?

Roz, it's for you.

Oh, God. Mum, I'm a wreck.

Are you the, er, young man from LA?

Yes. Santiago.

-She'll be down in a minute.

-Thank you.

-Can I get you anything, pet?

-No, thank you.

I went there years ago when me husband's band was on tour.

We stayed at the Hyatt House on Sunset.

They called it the Riot House in those days.

Er...aren't you meeting your friends at the Wheat Sheaf?

No mad rush.

Nice to meet you, Santiago.

Nice to meet you, ma'am.

-(Love that name.)

-Off you go.

What's wrong?

I lied to you.

At the physical.

I have asthma.

OK, well...have you told them?

If I'd done that, they wouldn't have given me a trial.

So tell them now.

Too late.

They fired me.

Oh, Sant.

I'm so sorry.

I came to say goodbye.

-You're leaving?

-Tomorrow.

Why so soon?

I don't belong here if I'm not in the team, Roz.

Well, you can find another team.

I guess I was just...

I was just dumb to think I could make this work.

Worse thing is, I've let people down.

No.

Hey...

Come on, pet.

Glen.

My grandma... My grandma.

This happens to players all the time.

Hmm?

It's part and parcel of the game.

No...

We hardly know each other.

-Aren't you...?

-No.

I can see why they took you off last week.

ALARM BEEPS

PHONE RINGS

Paradise Taxis.

Yeah, I need one. Urgent. This is Gavin Harris.

And I'm Clint Eastwood. Make my day.

Look, I'm serious. This IS me.

'I need a ride, pronto.'

'Are you anywhere near Blake Road, Gordon?'

Why?

'Gavin Harris is stuck on the estate and needs a car, desperate.'

I've already got a fare.

He's first team, man. Get there ASAP.

Got to do a detour, bonny lad. Celebrity in peril.

Oh!

Hey, you're that kid from LA, yeah?

-You going to training as well?

-No, I have to go to the station.

Why?

I screwed up.

Tell me on the way. You know what the gaffer will do if I'm late.

So, you're Gavin Harris?

Guilty.

Come on, Sant.

With all due respect, gaffer...Mr Dornhelm,

the club will be making a big mistake if you let this lad go.

I've played with him, I've played against him.

I can see he's got it. So can all of the other lads.

-I mean, technically...

-What?

He's better than you?

Well...

..he's in that league.

See, what happened last night was he lost his inhaler.

He's got asthma, for God's sake.

This is true?

Yes, sir, but I tried to hide it.

Lying is a problem. Asthma is not.

You can get shots, medication, acupuncture.

Didn't your doctor back home explain this to you?

I don't have a doctor.

All I got is a free clinic in LA.

People keep pleading your case, Munez.

All I want to do is prove them right, sir...

if you give me the chance.

-You think you deserve it?

-I know I do.

Good.

See the doc. Tell him about your condition.

Then report for training. All right?

Thank you.

Gavin?

This is a decent thing you did.

Yeah. I do what I can.

Now explain - why are you dressed for discotheque

and 47 minutes late for training?

-Come on!

-Do you like him?

Yeah!

Yeah!

-Ugh!

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-Running late, Magowan?

-Got there as quick as I could.

-MAN:

-Hughie! Hughie! Yes, please, fella!

No more of that. That is naughty, OK? Last one. Away you go.

He'll think twice about doing you again.

Thought you didn't like me, man.

I don't, but my sister over there would get upset if you got hurt.

She thinks you look like Antonio Banderas.

Whoo!

Whoo!

-Be careful.

-OK.

I can't see a thing.

-OK, you're almost there.

-All right.

OK. Little step down. OK.

-GASPS

-Oh, my God. It's amazing.

-Can you believe this?

-No!

A month ago, I said goodbye to the city, goodbye to you,

and now I've got a contract...

-and this little apartment.

-Mm-hm.

How can you afford it, though?

TOILET FLUSHES

Gavino! Say hello to my friend.

Hello.

Oh.

I didn't say you could bring women here.

Oh, I'm sorry. Shall I go?

-No, I'm just kidding, mate.

-Oh.

-Ciao, bella. How's it going?

-Hey.

Oh, make yourselves at home.

There's... I think there's stuff in the fridge.

Oh. Takeaway pizzas and ladies' knickers.

Not hard to figure out his lifestyle, is it?

He's all right. (He saved my ass, remember?)

Got a bit of a repertoire, I've heard.

We're professionals. Football is our life.

-MAN:

-Good to see you.

-How are you tonight?

MUSIC PLAYS

Whoo!

The players know it.

Yeah, it's all clans and cliques in the dressing-room, innit, love?

Yeah. Gav!

24/7, mate.

Hey, listen. What's cool and hangs up?

All right, mate.

-All right, Baz?

-Look at you.

Crispy, mate. How are you? Good to see you.

-Say hello to Santi.

-Hey.

Going good, mate.

Notched a pair for the reserves Saturday.

Oi, oi!

-WOMAN:

-Hello!

-Hi. How you doing?

So, Santi,

have you got your contract sorted till the end of the season?

Do you mind if I ask actually who...who handled that for you?

-Glen.

-Glen Foy?

-He works in a garage, bruv.

-Well, it's not actually...

Yeah. No, don't get me wrong. He's a lovely fella.

I mean, he used to be an absolute cracking player, apparently.

But what does he know about marketability?

What does he know about endorsements?

You make the first team, Santi, and next season...

..I'll get you a Gap ad.

Crunch.

Hey, pet. Do you fancy a dance?

Uh-oh. Watch out. He's a salsa man.

No, thank you. Sorry.

SNORING

PHONE RINGS

Hello. Santiago?

Hey, bro, what's going on?

No way.

Hey, Papa, it's Santiago.

He can't talk right now, OK?

No problem, man.

-MAN:

-Eyup, lads!

Take them up the back pitch, Andy. Give them a stretch.

I've got my eye on you, Hughie!

What's up?

What's up? I just saw the reserve list.

I'm not in the team. I didn't even make the bench.

I don't get it.

I play where you tell me to play. I play how you tell me to play.

I didn't drop you, son. You're not at my disposal.

-What are you talking about?

-You're playing with that lot.

In London. On Saturday.

-MAN CALLS OUT:

-Santiago!

What are you waiting for?

Come on!

-DORNHELM:

-OK, guys. Let's get to work. Come on.

COMMENTATOR: Newcastle scraped through with that win over Chelsea.

But it won't be enough in itself.

Liverpool are breathing down their necks.

And to make it worse, there is a makeshift look

to the Newcastle United line-up today,

with all their injury problems.

And one of their substitutes, Santiago Munez,

is a completely unknown quantity.

-COMMENTATOR:

-He certainly is, yes.

Apparently, Martin, he was discovered in a park in Los Angeles

by Glen Foy, the ex-Newcastle midfielder.

Well, he's been turning some heads

with his performances in the reserves,

but this is a much, much higher level.

I just wonder how he will cope if he does get the nod at some point today.

FANS CALL OUT ENCOURAGEMENT

FOOTBALL MATCH ON TELEVISION

-What have I missed?

-Not a lot.

SIGHS

How are you feeling?

I'd feel a lot better if we come away with three points.

YELLS IN FRUSTRATION, FANS GASP

FANS GASP MAN: That was useless. He's useless.

Howay, man. Give him a break.

-MAN:

-Get in it! Go on!

-MAN:

-Put a challenge in, man!

HE GRUNTS

FANS ROAR DISAPPROVAL

Did you see that?!

-Oooh!

-Come on, ref!

Munez.

Munez. You're going on.

COMMENTATOR: It is a bold move, but really, in the circumstances,

I don't think he's got much other choice.

And it is now quite a day for this young man.

This is your chance. Give me your jacket, man.

Come on.

Who the hell is this?

That's my son.

That's my boy - Santiago! I'm his father!

If he scores, like, I'll buy you a pint.

Come on, son. Sit at the bar.

Come on. Here.

Gracias.

INAUDIBLE

-MAN ON PA:

-'..to be replaced by number 26, Santiago Munez.'

YELLS INDISTINCTLY

-COMMENTATOR:

-What a great run by Munez!

-SANTIAGO CRIES OUT

-He's gone down!

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-Penalty!

-YELLS MAN:

-Come on, boys!

-YELLS IN SPANISH

-Come on, boys!

-YELLS IN SPANISH

-Penalty! Penalty, boys! Penalty!

ROZ: Calm down, you.

I can't watch it if that playboy's taking it.

-REFEREE:

-All right, now. Just calm it down, all right?

It's tough.

REFEREE BLOWS WHISTLE

FANS ROAR

ALL ROAR

-LAUGHS

-Yes!

FANS CHEER

How about getting that pint now, son?

-A little early.

-Not in Newcastle, it's not!

-Howay, Newcastle!

-MAN:

-Howay, the lads!

YELLS INDISTINCTLY

Only seconds to go, and if it ends like this,

it will be a happy journey back to the northeast

for the Newcastle players tonight.

BLOWS WHISTLE, FANS ROAR

-Right. You should lie down, you.

-Aye. Aye.

Salsa man!

-DORNHELM:

-Munez.

-MAL:

-Oh, beautiful. I know. Beautiful stuff.

What did you notice when you won that penalty?

Uh, I noticed, er...

the goal?

You should have noticed the other two players

in a better position than you.

But you don't pass - you go for glory!

Hey, how are you?

Oh, stop brooding about it, man. The gaffer does that to everyone.

You've played great. Everyone saw that, yeah?

Hey, hey. Johnny.

-Santiago.

-Hey.

Congratulations. You were...amazing today.

Oh...thanks.

My whole family are mad Real Madrid fans.

My grandma, she loves you, man.

Well...carry on playing like that, you'll be there one day.

See you round.

Nice to meet you.

-Well, you know how it is...

-Hey, Gavino.

I...I just...

Hey, let me introduce you to my mates.

-That's Zizou.

-Hola.

-This is Raul. Santiago Munez.

-Hi.

Hola. SPEAKS SPANISH

LAUGHS

BOTH LAUGH

SPEAKS SPANISH

Take care, yeah? See you later. All right, man.

They're over here shooting a commercial.

-Oh.

-Mucho dinero, Santi.

Come on, let's go. This place is dead.

What? What do you mean? Where?

This is my town, son.

MUSIC PLAYS, CHATTER

-MAN:

-Boys! Wicked!

GAVIN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY

-SANTIAGO: Hey, nice party, man.

-This ain't the party.

What are you t... Come on. Follow me.

We're going upstairs again.

The lads!

THIS is the party.

-Hello, boys.

-Hi.

Fill your boots, son. It's your birthday.

-Shame on us!

-Get in there!

MAN WHOOPS

That's it. Lovely. Get in there, son.

-GAVIN:

-Excuse me. Hello.

-Come on. Don't be shy.

That's right. A bit of ball control. Lovely.

Come on, don't be shy. Your mother wasn't.

ALL LAUGH

POUNDING DANCE MUSIC

YELLS WILDLY

-GAVIN:

-Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!

Not your kind of party?

I never know what to say.

You wouldn't need to say anything to most of the girls in there.

LAUGHS SOFTLY I have a girl.

Well, I think I have one. I met someone I really like.

Well, she's very lucky.

How did you and Gavino meet?

Party like this.

Much the same people.

Musos, models, footballers.

Ah.

Listen, don't tell him I've gone.

Not that he'd notice.

-DORNHELM:

-Do you want to explain this?

There's nothing to explain, sir.

It was just...people fooling around at a party and...

When you travel with this club, you're an ambassador for this club.

Mr Dornhelm, it's not my fault...

It is your fault you exposed yourself to this kind of situation.

-Who is the other player?

-The other one?

It says there are two Newcastle players. Who is the other one?

I...I cannot tell you that, sir.

You mean you WON'T tell me.

Yeah.

Roz. Roz. Hey, I have to explain about that picture.

-What picture?

-The one in the Sun.

-I don't read that rag.

-Good. Then you haven't seen it.

I showed it to her. Looked like a good party, that.

Are those lasses' tits real?

It wasn't how it looked.

Look, I don't want to talk about it, OK? I'm busy.

You should go and visit your friend Jamie while you're here.

He's in examination room B.

-Hey.

-Hey, Santi.

Hey, what happened, man?

Oh, I got stretchered off in a reserve game.

They've sent me here for an MRI scan.

You'll be fine. They can fix anything these days, man.

-SIGHS

-I don't know.

It felt really bad when it happened.

I could just tell.

I reckon I might have to skip them salsa lessons.

LAUGHS SOFTLY

CHUCKLES BITTERLY

His meniscus is shattered.

And there's a tear in the lateral cruciate ligament.

I don't know what that means.

Just tell me, can he play again?

Not if he wants to walk, no.

CHEERING, COMMENTARY IN VIDEO GAME

-All right, geezer?

-Hey.

Hey, man, thanks for covering for me, yeah?

We're even, OK? I don't owe you no more favours.

LAUGHS OK.

You're screwing up your life, man. That's how you lost Christina.

-She'll be back.

-No, she won't.

How do you think that picture ends up in the paper? Bluto sold it.

And how much does your other buddy make dealing drugs

at all the fancy places you get him into?

Hey, you think I'm some greaseball who doesn't know stuff?

These are probably the best years of our lives, and how long have we got?

10, if we're lucky? Or even less if we get hurt like Jamie.

And it can happen to any of us, just like that.

We're one tackle away from flipping burgers.

Get out.

MEN CHATTER IN SPANISH

SIGHS Where's Dad?

Come on, Dad! Let's go!

Dad?

Dad!

Dad...

Wake up, Dad! Dad, wake up!

Hey! Glen.

Hey. I meant to come over and explain about that thing in the newspaper.

Santi, I had a call from LA. You need to phone your grandmother.

CRIES SOFTLY

SOBS

Glen, what's happened?

His father. Heart attack, apparently.

Is he going to be all right?

-SOBS

-Dead.

-I've got it.

-Oh, it's OK, man.

Here.

Thanks for everything.

Safe journey.

DORNHELM: There you go. Brilliant. Thank you.

Hey, boss.

Can I have a word?

Yes, please.

Uh...

listen, I was the other bloke in that picture.

I'm shocked.

And...I thought you should know...

it was me that dragged Santi's arse into that party to begin with.