In Brexit Britain, it is important that the fine nation continues to send exports and ambassadors to the continent in order to maintain relations with Europe.
As one of the nation’s best and brightest managers, who was sacked after a 9-0 defeat at Liverpool, Scott Parker was seen as a fine candidate to be shipped out to Belgium, with his blue passport tucked in the top pocket of his gilet and a John Lewis notebook of tactical genius.
After sealing promotion from the Championship with Fulham and Bournemouth, leaving the clubs after relegation and a disastrous start respectively, he was earmarked as the man to take Club Brugge into the Big Cup knockout stages.
A last-16 tie against Benfica looked winnable, with the team having beaten Atlético Madrid, Porto and Bayer Leverkusen in the group.