PAT Holden directs a gritty depiction of 1980s football hooliganism and male bonding based on the acclaimed book by Kevin Sampson, which unfolds through the eyes of a teenager struggling for acceptance in late ‘70s Liverpool.

Paul Carty (Nicky Bell) longs to run with the Pack: the pent-up young followers of Tranmere Rovers, who get their kicks – literally – by beating up rival supporters or taking a Stanley knife to the face of anyone who dares to strike back.

Unfortunately, Paul doesn’t have a way in, not even with his box-fresh pair of Adidas Forest Hill trainers, until he meets music fan and dreamer Elvis (Liam Boyle) at a gig and the pair become friends.

Elvis in turn introduces Paul to gang leader and ex-squaddie John (Stephen Graham), who welcomes the new boy with open arms once he proves himself on the field of battle.