The Nearly Men of Africa

2032/33 Open Thread: The Scottish Brendan Rodgers must navigate a perilous transfer window while plotting to avenge the latest Champions League disappointment.

2031/32 Open Thread: After a disappointing campaign on the continent, Brendan Rodgers’ Africa Sports look for tactical inspiration.

2030/31 Open Thread: Brendan Rodgers’ Africa Sports look to avenge their Champions League humiliation and defend their Ligue 1 title.

2029/30 Open Thread: As Les Aiglons prepare for their first Champions League campaign in more than 25 years, Brendan Rodgers experiences the highs and lows of the transfer window.

2028/29 Open Thread: Like a cat, the Scottish Brendan Rodgers always lands on his feet.

2027/28 Open Thread: With the bitter taste of Champions League disappointment still fresh in his mouth, the Scottish Brendan Rodgers is out for revenge as a new campaign with Etoile Filante begins.

2026/27 Open Thread: the Scottish Brendan Rodgers runs the rule over his Etoile Filante squad, as they prepare for another tilt at reaching the Champions League Group Stage.

2025/26 Open Thread: Brendan Rodgers’ Etoile Filante return to continental football for the first time in nearly 30 years, while striving to defend their Premier League crown.

2024/25 Open Thread: Having escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth, Brendan Rodgers’ Etoile Filante look to the future.

2023/24 Open Thread: Brendan Rodgers kicks off his tenure at Etoile Filante, sitting rock bottom, desperate for survival.

Before the first ball is kicked in anger, we must examine the world as it exists in 2024, and meet the manager who will (theoretically) lead our Nearly Men to glory. One way or another, this will all end in tears.

Let me tell you something, my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.