Seasoned goalkeeper-turned-coach Gordon McLeod makes a pact with best friend and fellow coach Martin Smith to turn down offers from a prestigious premier club. When Martin rescinds his promise and accepts an enticing contract, the betrayed Gordon returns to his home-town fishing village. But the lure of the sport proves too much for Gordon and he is soon saddled with the onerous task of managing the town's struggling Second Division team. The club's new owner, Wall Street tycoon Peter Cameron, is determined to take the team to the Scottish Cup finals, and recruits faded Premiere League star Jackie McQuillan for that purpose. Gordon's shot at glory becomes a personal as well as a professional quest. His efforts culminate in the Scottish Cup final in Hampden Park, where Gordon's Knockies come face-to-face with the reigning cupholders, the mighty Glasgow Rangers, coached by his former friend Martin Smith.