It is 1982 and one of the most famous footballers in England is standing at the side of the M62 with his thumb out for a lift.
Joe Royle is meant to be at Boundary Park for an interview, but with each passing minute he believes his chances of landing the Oldham job, like his stricken car behind him, are up in smoke.
The role, which would be his first in management since a knee injury cruelly ended his playing career, is much needed. This is a time well before the lavish riches of the Premier League.