 Duvall regularly went to see Raith Rovers to learn from John McVeigh, the manager, on whom his character was based.The movie is loosely based on the cup exploits of Airdrieonians who as a small town team reached two Scottish Cup Finals, several League Cup semi finals and qualified for the European Cup Winners Cup in the 1990s.John McVeigh was Assistant Manager at Airdrie when they enjoyed this success.