THE FINAL RAVEN 2023 🦅

Hail GFOP!

I write with fingers reflecting on all that has unfurled over this last 12 months which we have crashed through together at Pedro Neto pace. Football has basked in the Messi-World Cup winning afterglow. Lionel then became a star who walks (and pushes his supermarket cart) amongst us American fans. This year we witnessed Manchester City finally land Pep’s White Whale, the Champions League Trophy, overcoming all-comers with one hand, while attempting to fend off 115 charges with the other. The Saudi Arabian league made it rain; VAR has pushed every last nerve; Gregg Berhalter survived his Leadership Conference-inflamed Reyna crisis, and the the US Women finally buckled in the face of the tactically-dazzling European challenge, so the Emma Hayes-era is now poised to begin. And Everton, lowly Everton, were scapegoated by the football powers, receiving that death sentence-points deduction, only for the club to rise up, harder, tenacious and vengeful. 

It has been incredible to experience all of this at the heart of the MiB Media Network. We have had the remarkable Fabrizio Romano join us. Herc Gomez began to build our Vamos! project. Tim Ream followed as we worked with the mighty Sam Mewis and Becky Sauerbrunn to cover the Women’s World Cup in delirious fashion. We opened a studio in the UK which empowered us to create more content on the ground, beginning with our morning daily micro-pod Early Kick off. A new store… just in time for Christmas with the phenomenal team at World Soccer Shop. The partnerships we have developed to deepen our storytelling with Wrexham and PSV Eindhoven are the first of a number we will launch in the next 12 months. In 2024, we charge onwards, deepening our women’s game storytelling, building out the Vamos! coverage, and bracing ourselves for some nationwide journeying, hoping to raise a glass with so many of you, during the “Copa-Europa Summer” that lies ahead. 🇺🇸 

One quick shout-out: Holy Crap! Our Holiday slate of shows is immense: John Oliver, Sir Patrick Stewart, Becky Sauerbrunn, and John Green amongst others. We feel so lucky to have these conversations. They are rich, meaningful and really beautiful, even though I am in them. PS. This newsletter includes a playlist of my music of the year and my books of the year too. 

From a personal perspective, when I look back on the last 12 months, I have lived out Ange Postecoglou’s brilliant truth that “One part of your life could be flying, but there’ll be something — it could be a family member, it could be a health issue, could be a financial issue. Footballers are not immune from that.” I have talked a lot about my Dad this past six months, and will not do so again here. Suffice it to say, I have learned so deeply, about how finite our time is here together and how we should not take one moment, one kick, one goal, one hug, one pie, one pint for granted. I want to thank each and every one of you for approaching life with this philosophy. Both you mighty GFOPs and my staff, who tackle every challenge with Dyche-levels of passion and creativity. Let’s dive into the weekend ahead, for one last time this year.

Before we do, I want to raise my cap to a team who have inspired all of us as our 2023 team of the year: THE LEWISTON, MAINE BLUE DEVILS. This film which Producer JW made is really beautiful. There can be few greater testaments to the power of football WATCH OUR DIGITAL SHORT ON THEM HERE

🚨 This Sunday, join us as we Do it Live! ONE LAST TIME IN 2023… come be with us on YouTube after Liverpool vs. United. Come celebrate one of English football’s biggest rivalries and ask your questions live on the show. These YouTube Lives are such joyous occasions. If you’ve not yet experienced one, subscribe to our YouTube to make sure you do not miss it. 

2. To the Football

i. Liverpool vs. Manchester United (Sunday, 11.30 a.m. EST, USA)

Manchester United. A club for whom there is no bottom. After being whacked at home by Bournemouth, then soiling themselves upon their return to Champions League play, Erik Ten Hag must return to Anfield, the scene of last season’s 7-0 beatdown. Avoiding humiliation at league-leading Liverpool may feel like victory. 

Note: Liverpool fans, do not miss a pair of really special conversations with John Oliver (Dec. 18) and John Green (Dec. 20). Different, but both magic – and fascinating, I think, no matter what team you support.

ii. Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham (Today, 3 p.m. EST, USA)

The weekend begins early with The Brennan Johnson Memorial Derby. Postecoglou will pray the triage of a win against Newcastle is a turning point that can be built on versus Steve Cooper’s flailing Forest who have won just one in 12. Matty “Clean Sheets” Turner versus the World. Cuddly Ange quote of the week: "I wrote my letter to Santa so like my kids now, I've just got to see whether I've been naughty or nice and see what I get mate, we'll see mate, we'll see."

iii. Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 10 a.m. EST, USA)

City needed a come-from-behind win at Luton to snap a four-game Premier League winless run which has made them seem vulnerable, almost human. Four points off top place, they should have no problem closing the four-point gap to the top of the table against a Palace side who have managed just one win in nine. If you have laughed at Manchester City’s uncharacteristic wobble, Pep Guadriola has your name on a list. Know this: He will laugh last and longest. 

iv. Newcastle vs. Fulham (Saturday, 10 a.m. EST, P’Cock)

Newcastle left to rue lost opportunity after their agonizing exit from Europe. They will always have those surging memories of crushing PSG 4-1 at home. And the “What if…” sting of injustice about the late, cruel award of the penalty in the away leg. Fulham have transformed themselves from post-Mitrovic goal-shy also-rans, to a 16-goal in their last four games master-blasters. Sad news: Tim Ream is out with calf knack until the new year.

v. Burnley vs. Everton (Saturday, 12.30 p.m. EST, NBC Proper) 

Sean Dyche returns to Turf Moor for the first time since being escorted off the premises in April 2022 after nearly a decade on the job. He has his Everton team playing like the USMNT should: robust, organized, collective football imbued with a pugnacious spirit. It has been magical to watch these players respond to the injustice of the 10-point deduction by rising up and smiting all-comers. Part of me fears they are doing this in the same way as a chicken still runs around even after its head has been cut off. The fact that sword and shields, Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye are both out suspended will prove to be a great test of their defiance. My friend JJ Watt will be there in person and no doubt hoping to jump around the Cricket Field Stand once again.

More: “Poverty-Chanting” at Everton fans is met with a brilliant scoreboard response. I am so proud of this club in so many small ways.

vi. Arsenal vs. Brighton (Sunday, 9 a.m. EST, USA)

How will Arsenal respond to last week’s numbing 1-0 loss at Aston Villa? They welcome Brighton, no doubt still recovering from last night’s Europa League heroics, qualifying for the Round of 16 amidst delirious scenes, a remarkable achievement for a team who were in the third tier of football in 2011. Arteta is undefeated at home, but will remember the Seagulls are the last team to win at the Emirates, their 3-0 victory in May a textbook, smothering De Zerbi masterclass. 

vii. Brentford vs. Aston Villa (Sunday, 9 a.m. EST, P’Cock)

Are Villa for real? Is this really a four-team chase for the title?

MORE: Your Weekend Schedule Looks like this.

2. Rog’s best music of 2023 Playlist 🥁

These are the songs that saved me in 2023. A ton of fairly nurturing sounds on here. I hope there is something in here to sustain you, as each of these tracks has me.

3. My 10 Best Books of the Year

These are the 10 best books I have read this year. In a year of chaos, they have centered and challenged me. Each in their own way. Many are sad. But beautifully sad, in a way that makes you feel alive. Keep sending me the books you have loved. There is nothing better than to hear what you are reading. 📚💙

4. THIS WEEK AT MEN IN BLAZERS WORLD HEADQUARTERS 🍻🍻🍻

Brace yourselves. We are releasing content with all the restraint of a child who has smashed through their entire advent calendar by Dec. 15. And we are not stopping over the holidays. Yesterday, we announced our Men in Blazers Holiday Extravaganza, two weeks of content to keep you company during this holiday stretch with the likes of John Oliver, John Green, Becky Sauerbrunn, JJ Watt, Herc Gomez, Rory Smith, Sir Patrick Stewart and more. FULL LINEUP HERE. 

ii. And this Sunday, we will Do it Live! on YouTube after Liverpool vs. United. Come celebrate one of English football’s biggest rivalries and ask your questions live on the show. These YouTube Lives are such joyous occasions. If you’ve not yet experienced one, subscribe to our YouTube to make sure you do not miss it. 

iii. As for this past week, the assembly line kept moving with some pieces we are really proud of, including: the Final Euro Nights Episode of the Season with the always brilliant Rory Smith. This week, we talkin’ Atleti striker and NBA Superfan Antoine Griezeman. LISTEN HERE. And stay tuned for our Boxing Day Special episode of Euro Nights. Rory was in New York this week. I finally got the chance to go out for dinner with him. We went to Cookshop in New York City, and it was really, really lovely. I adore the conversations with Rory and have learned so bloody much from him. To more in the year ahead. 

v. It’s a holiday miracle: a new Men in Blazers Shop has just launched. That’s right, we are delighted to be partnering with WorldSoccerShop - North America’s largest soccer retailer - to bring you new merch that celebrates the game we love. It’s more than just a new store location, there’s new gear too. Our new Football University line: something for fans of English football’s biggest teams all designed in the style of those Classic American College sweaters that I admired so much growing up in England where our sweaters were still just burlap sacks. Plus, we’re bringing together brands from around the world that create some of the best most unique football gear around. All of this is available right now via shop.meninblazers.com. Thank you as always for your support and for making football memories with us. This store is just beginning. We would value your support, feedback, and if there are any brands you love that you think we should consider partnering with, drop us a line as ever, at [email protected].

5. Our Cup of European Wonder Floweth Over

i. AC Milan “COME ON BABY” 🇮🇹🤌🤌🤌

Fresh off inflicting the final blow to Newcastle's European dreams, Europa League bound AC Milan host mid-table Monza (Sunday, 6.30 a.m. EST. Paramount +) The Rossoneri remain third behind Juventus and Inter, whose blistering form of late sees them nearly 10 points clear of their crosstown rivals at the top of the table. Tune in for more Pulisic swagger. 

ii. PSV. Who says you cannot be Perfect? 🇳🇱

Five days after their no stakes draw against Arsenal in the Champions League, PSV Eindhoven head to the north of the Netherlands to take on third placed Jozy Altidore’s old mob AZ Alkmaar (Sunday 2 p.m. EST ESPN+). De Kaasboeren (The Cheese Farmers, yes, the Cheese Farmers) are fresh off a 2-0 loss against Legia Warszawa in the Europa League while Eindhoven arrive at the AFAS stadium looking to build on the sizzling 15 match winning streak that has them top of the Eredivisie 10 points clear of second placed Feyenoord. With Eindhoven's American contingent performing so well in their Champions League clash, Tillman, Pepi, and Dest are all likely to feature in Sunday's matchup. 

I had the delight of spending Wednesday morning with Ricardo Pepi. The interview, which is our latest episode of PSV-USA, was really inspiring. He is so emotionally intelligent and able to talk about the experience of his meteoric rise, excruciating fall and World Cup omission, and second coming – all achieved by the age of 20. I love that gent – The Pod drops today at Noon ET. Watch our Pod feed. 

6. More Football, Did Ya Say?

i. Bournemouth will be in Europe within five years. Bold talk from owner, and Las Vegas Golden Knights Supremo, Bill Foley. Good read.

ii. History: Rebecca Welch to be first woman to referee a Premier League game on December 23rd. May she be the first of many. 

iii. New research reveals why women players are suffering such a spike in ACL injuries.

Men in Blazers x Bud Light Sweepstakes - Exclusive Prizes for GFOPs 🍺

You’ve long known about the GFOPs at Bud Light’s support of the game we all love. Now, they’re giving us the chance to give away some exclusive prizes only to those of you reading this newsletter. Entering is easy: just head to budlight.com/MIB to enter for your chance to win signed gear, exclusive Bud Light merch, and more.*

7. It’s Always Sunny in Wrexham 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

After last week's canceled dud against Forest Green, Wrexham swing back in action hosting Colchester at the StoK Cae Ras (Saturday 10 a.m. EST iFollow). Led by former Spurs, West Ham, and Stoke winger Matthew Etherington, 21st-place Colchester will make the dreaded 220 mile trek up from Essex low on confidence, winless in four games. Wrexham’s worries revolve, once again around their goalkeeper. Manager Phil Parkinson confirmed to reporters Thursday that Rob Lainton will be out for 4 months following knee surgery. He joins first-choice Arsenal loanee keeper Arthur Okonkwo (jaw surgery) on the sidelines leaving Mark Howard to start in goal again for the Red Dragons. 

A new Episode of This Week in Wrexham, Powered by SToK Cold Brew Coffee with our host Tomi “Cheese” Lewis. An episode that encapsulates what it is truly like to be a lower league football fan in Britain as Tomi crams four mates into his tiny car for an away day, only to see the game called off due to a flooded pitch. But, as the saying goes, when life gives you lemonade, call an audible and find another nearby football match. Bath City, here we come. 

And talking of Wrexham, the next episode of our Pod series with the club drops Tuesday and features the club’s executive director Humphrey Ker, a gent “Welcome to Wrexham” devotees will know all too well. Not to be missed, his story about having to leave the Wrexham promotion celebrations early because of… horrific Body Odor. 

8. Not Football and All the Better for It

i. This film by the maker of Sexy Beast, looks incredible.

ii. Celebrity trainers. How stars get fit for concert tours in which they must dance for 3-hours every night. Newcastle United medical staff take note.

iii. From GFOP Beth Alvord: “I'm sure I'm the 879th person to send this to you: here's an article about how Bald Guys are Hot. It's from The Cut so it's gotta be true. 

iv. Most Canadians Live South of Seattle and Other Map Surprises. The West Wing taught me all this years ago. 

v. "Nights in Hong Kong these days feel as if still in the pall of a plague, or a deep political malaise" Where Did All the Hong Kong Neon Go?

vi. The wild true stories behind the 21 funniest animal photos of all time. All winners here.

vii. WaPo says that the new Doritos nacho cheese liquor is "actually good." Just wait, Doritos liquor walked so Slim Jims champagne could run.

viii. Sight and Sound’s 101 greatest movies you’ve never seen and a Google Doc linking out to free places where you can watch most of these. Look, it’s either this or hang out with your family. You choose. 

ix. I’m an Ultrarunner. Taylor Swift’s Treadmill Workout Wrecked Me. For the sake of other gym goers, do NOT try this yourself. 

x. The Italian Town That Welcomes Winter With a Procession of Fire. Who knew there were places that want to be the world’s capital of fire?

xi. Doing big numbers in the Man United dressing room: The Joy of Underperforming. 

xii. This Is What Happens to All the Stuff You Don’t Want. Add this instead of a gift receipt with all your Christmas presents. 

xiii. Michael Stipe Is Writing His Next Act. Slowly. Digressions include clavinets and Regis Philbin, naturally. 

xiv. THE NATIONAL LYRICS OR THINGS MY DAD SAYS WHILE REFUSING TO CHECK GOOGLE MAPS? Brilliant.

That is it for 2023. I am off to Italy for a spot, then headed to Liverpool. I do so with huge love in my heart for all of you. You are the most engaged, most supportive, most creative football community. We are so energized by every email, insight, YouTube comment, and Insta message. The New York contingent of our staff had a drink last night and it was incredible to toast all of them, and the rest of the team who dodged the bullet of my company as they are remote. I wish each and every one of them continued passion and energy – and deep personal growth as we work together. I am also immensely indebted to our partners – (especially Bud Light, Camarena, STōK, Allstate, New Balance, Cash App) who have made every show we make, every word we utter, every moment of MiB nonsense possible. 

Wishing each and every one of you love, strength, health, and joy.

To better days ahead for all. 

Let’s not take a second of this for granted. LET’S WIN THE BLOODY COPA.

Courage.

ROG

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