Local Heroes is set against the cultural, economic, and social backdrop of Britain in the 1970's and is a deeply personal film in which the three recount their climb to the top of the professional game during a period of austerity and economic turmoil. Their triumphs were not just on the football field but also off it, as they overcame hardship and discrimination to reach the pinnacle of the game. The determined attitude to succeed against all odds is a characteristic which they have all had to rely on since retiring from football. Illness, tragedy, and a shocking family discovery have touched the lives of Anderson, Birtles and Woodcock in recent times.