WHO is the Favorite to be New Everton Manager? 😳

January 10, 2025

Hail GFOP!

I type with fingers filled with sorrow, powerlessly watching the agonizing scenes of fire and destruction in Los Angeles unfurl. Like you, I have so many friends who have suffered loss and turmoil. We have a contingent of Men in Blazers staff in that magical city who have been forced to evacuate and are living in fear and chaos. While I am blown away by the bravery of the firefighters and first responders, it is such a chilling time to be alive. I was in Atlanta this week and experienced the anxiety and dread with which so many of my friends in the South are awaiting the storm. These are literal times of Fire and Ice. From all of us at MiB, to all of you, we send our love. All I can do is urge us all to approach these days of darkness with empathy, support, and constructive thought and action.  

One small detail: I have always said, if the greatest pain in your life is that you experience through your sports teams, then you are doing OK.  These are days when the traumas of being Spurs, United, or yes, even Everton are being blasted into perspective. In times like these, I do believe those lines from Liverpool lore are human truth:

“When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid

Of the dark

At the end of a storm

Is a golden sky

And the sweet silver song

Of a lark”

Everton New Dad: Dyche out. Moyes in? 

Thank god that is over. In life, time is your only finite currency. The experience of voluntarily watching Sean Dyche’s Everton on the weekly – an outfit who won eight games total in calendar year 2024, who have scored one outfield goal in their last 10 games, who go whole games without a shot on goal, or barely a touch in their opponent’s box – is to reach a breaking point where you ask yourself in your angst-filled ennui, “Why am I doing this to myself, again?”.  

ii. This is a massive call from our new American owners, the Friedkins, and I applaud it. I am grateful to Dyche for keeping us up twice, including the season of points deductions that felt more like a Ninja Warrior obstacle course than a football campaign. Yes, he ground out draws against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, but the flames of the relegation zone are burning our behinds. Word out of Everton was of training sessions that were retrograde, scant opposition analysis and tactical change, and a fanbase on the verge of mutiny. The move to a stunning new stadium is so close, and with it, the opportunity for this grand old club to make a statement of a brave, new, momentum-filled era. It is crucial we reach it intact, and with an energy grounded in the memory and traditions of the past, fused with a sense of an ambition-fuelled future, in which everything is possible.

iii. Who now for Everton? In truth, we need not only a manager, but alignment throughout the whole culture. We have been a chaos club for the last four years. We cry out for a sense of vision, and organization, and connection between ownership, front office, head coach, and football squad. We need our version of Andoni Iraola, Thomas Frank or Fabian HĂźrzeler.  

That person cannot be recruited on the fly so it becomes mission imperative to make it to the end of the season safely. That immediately means, the Jose Mourinho tabloid crackle is not it. That would be a win only for memelords, or if Liverpool fans were given the power to select the next Everton manager. So we need, what they call in Italy, a traghettatore – a ferryman. A canny veteran on a short-term contract to keep us up. David Moyes may have been installed by the time you read this. There has been a mixed response from the Everton fanbase but I love the man – his humility, collective ethic, and the fight he can instill in a team. Think about him as the Elizabeth Taylor to our Richard Burton.  The relationship spans eras, but the love is forever true.  

Everton fans, let me know what you think at [email protected]. UTFT.

More: Everton’s next move is critical. 💙

This Week at MiB World HQ 💙

This has been quite a week for us. We filmed with Ryan Reynolds on Tuesday afternoon, for an epic show that comes out the week after next.  More, much more to come. Arsenal fans, we also filmed with Bellini sculpture in cleats, Riccardo Calafiori, which will drop next week. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE HERE and get the pods wherever you get your podcasts.

🚨 MEN IN BLAZERS LIVE IN NYC - Tuesday January 21st 🗽

We are kicking off 2025 with a SPECIAL NIGHT OF WONDER GOING DEEP ON THE STATE OF THE US MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM with my friend, the mighty Herculez Gomez. Together with you, we will look ahead at what the next 18 months hold for our gents as they gear up for a seismic 2026.  Our plan is to take your questions, and raise a beer or two along the way. 

Our aim is for this to be a really joyous night of conversation in which Herc and I are in conversation with you. It is a new format for us and we couldn’t think of a better way to start the new year than with you, our nearest and dearest, the incredible GFOPs who make this community so special. 

Tickets are free, BUT this is an extremely limited-capacity event. 

💌 HERE IS HOW YOU CAN SECURE YOUR SPOT AT THIS NIGHT O’NIGHTS:

1️⃣ Hit the “I can 100% attend” button below (please only do so if you’re absolutely, positively sure you’ll be there as you will be taking the spot of another GFOP).

2️⃣ Put the best email address for you in the “Additional Comments” section so we know where to reach out.

3️⃣ Await our official RSVP confirmation with further details on the event

Are you able to be in New York City on Tuesday, January 21st and attend the Men in Blazers live show at 7pm?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

DRESS CODE is “Football Casual” 😉. If you can, it would be immense to wear a piece of clothing that represents your favorite team – a jersey, tracksuit top, or whatever. Whether you’re rocking a Chelsea kit, vintage Cosmos shirt, Beto jersey, or something gloriously random from the Icelandic fourth division, this night is for you. 

To the FA Cup 3rd Round Football 🏆

Photo: Emirates FA Cup

Arsenal v. Manchester United (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, ESPN+)

Arsenal in crisis? Smacked 2-0 at home by a surging Newcastle in Carabao Cup semi-final action. A night made all the worse by the fact a striker they have long coveted, Alexander Isak, bullied their backline to open the scoring, the 3.76xG Arsenal had but failed to convert, and Arteta’s post-match explanation that the Carabao ball is “different.” The full-time boos at the Emirates still resound. Manchester United enter in the unusual circumstances of not feeling like the team most at a crossroads. This game – an FA Cup third round that should feel like a nothing – now carries true optical power for Arteta. Can his team summon the finishing and composure to prod away the narrative his squad have gone backwards?

More: How Amorim can transform United’s culture and learn lessons from Arteta. 

Aston Villa v. West Ham (TODAY, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Graham Potter Back. Magnificent to see the 49-year-old return to the game after his traumatic seven-month spell at Chelsea ended in April 2023. His Hammers have played insipid, identity-less football under the floundering Julen Lopetegui who was sacked midweek, conceding three goals or more on nine occasions this season. After the FA Cup, Potter has two Premier League home games next week, against Fulham and Crystal Palace. He is without the injured Bowen and Antonio. Funds are limited after big, erratic acquisitions in the summer. A fresh start for all.

More: Lopetegui bequeaths identity-free West Ham for Potter to build.

Liverpool v. Accrington Stanley (Saturday, 7:15 a.m. ET, ESPN +)

After their first defeat in 24 games, albeit just in the Carabao Cup against Tottenham midweek, Liverpool are in the first real dip of the Arne Slot era. Their inability to control Manchester United in last weekend’s chaos match still stings.  

Some respite then, to play Accrington Stanley, a tiny, historic club 20 miles north of Manchester, who are currently 19th place in League Two.  The club came to national prominence in 1989 due to the Milk Marketing Board's iconic television advert that featured the slogan Accrington Stanley, who are they?. The advert starred Carl Rice and Kevin Spaine (whose life, it turns out, became tragic). Accrington is famed for manufacturing the hardest and densest building bricks in the world, "The Accrington NORI" which were used in the construction of the Empire State Building. 

Up next for Liverpool after Stanley: Nottingham Forest Away. AKA The only team to beat them. Are Forest title challengers?

Chelsea v. Morecambe (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, ESPN+)

Another breather for a Premier League club who need one. After four games without a win, Enzo Maresca welcomes Morecambe, "The Shrimps" from a seaside town in Lancashire, who are currently 23rd in League Two.  They have never been past the FA Cup third round. Their manager Derek Adams is in his third spell at the club. The town is best known for Blobbygate. Tyson Fury lives in Morecambe and regularly flirts with running to represent the area in Parliament. He sponsored Morecambe in the 2022/23 season. 

Manchester City v. Salford City (Saturday, 12:45 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Salford are on the greatest run in their club history. Owned by a gaggle of ex-Manchester United legends, including David Beckham, they are on a six game winning streak that has them 3rd in League Two. The club's nickname, The Ammies, stems from their name from the early 1960s to the early 1970s, Salford Amateurs. Their anthem is The Pogues cover of "Dirty Old Town," a tune written by Salford local Ewan MacColl.  

More on the complexity of Salford here.

Tamworth v. Tottenham (Sunday, 7:30 a.m. ET, ESPN+)

Spurs fans, there is still life in Big Ange yet. That midweek win o’wonder against Liverpool was all the sweeter as the Reds had just blasted six goals past Spurs in December and the winner, scored by 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall was footballing art.

Tamworth, "The Lambs" compete in the National League, where they are currently 16th. They beat League One Hudddesfield in the last round and have won back-to-back promotions in the past two years. They are located in Staffordshire, 14 miles northeast of Birmingham and currently plays at the Lamb Ground which sounds very cute. They used to play in the Jolly Sailor Ground which sounds even cuter. The Lamb Ground holds 4,963 people, with just 518 seats. Brace yourself Spurs fans – Tamworth’s secret weapon is the quite gloriously named bald king, Tom Tonks and his long throw. A part-time sandwich seller for whom the fans sing  “he’s got no hair and we don’t care, Tommy, Tommy Tonks.”

America’s Best Soccer Bars: LAST CHANCE for Top 10 Voting 🗳️

AMERICA - We asked you to nominate your favorite soccer bars in a nationwide search, sponsored by our friends at Michelob ULTRA. Thousands of votes poured in from across the country and now we need your help in crowning the one true champion of America’s Best Soccer Bar. 

Listed out below, in no particular order, are your 10 Most-Nominated-Bars. Use the link below to vote on who you think should be the champion. Voting will close on Friday, January 10th, so be sure to cast your vote and share with your friends. Following the voting, we will have a special announcement for the winner, which involves us coming out to have a pint, or two or three. So follow along in The Raven and our social channels for more.

  • AJ Hudson’s (Chicago, IL) - As Chicago as Dick Butkus or The Bear. 

  • The Black Hart (Saint Paul, MN) - A kaleidoscopic canvas for the cold Minnesota mornings. 

  • Bluefoot Bar & Lounge (San Diego, CA) - Where ‘Supersonic’ is the factory setting, thanks to visits from Noel Gallagher. 

  • Football Factory (New York, NY) - Be transported around the footballing world without leaving the shadow of the Empire State Building. 

  • Brewhouse Cafe (Atlanta, GA) - To the town that Brad Guzan built, this place is the Lemon Pepper Wet of football. 

  • The Londoner (Addison, TX) - Just north of Dallas, where they are proper Arsenal. 

  • Gol PDX (Portland, OR) - One of America’s truly great soccer cities, Martin Scorsese will use the footage from outside Gol PDX for his upcoming film on soccer bars. 

  • Amsterdam Tavern (St. Louis, MO) - The Tim Ream of soccer bars, and a beautiful place for watching football. 

  • The Queen Vic (Washington, D.C.) - Imagine if JĂźrgen Klopp was a bar. 

  • Villa Capri (Doylestown, PA) - Scenes powerful enough to make me shed denim clad tears. 

MiB Mad Libs

Last Week’s Winner: 

"Everton should punish Neal Maupay by______________" was one of the most competitive yet, with suggestions including dispatching him to play for the Chicago Bears, Manchester United, and the Chicago Fire.  

Winner was GFOP Seth Viner who was simple but funny with "Everton should punish Neal Maupay by giving him season tickets." 

This week’s phrase is: “Everton should have considered appointing ______ as their new manager.

Email me your entries. Winner gets a coveted MiB Patch.

More Football, Did Ya Say?

In other games: Wrexham are off this weekend so:

🇮🇹 AC Milan v. Cagliari (Saturday, 2.45 p.m. ET, Paramount +)

Fresh off their 3-2 comeback win against rivals Inter in the Supercoppa Final (Pulisic goal here), the newly minted champs host Yerry Mina’s Cagliari amid rumors Marcus Rashford could join Milan on loan in January. After being appointed on December 30th, new coach SĂŠrgio Conceição will look to make it three wins in his first three as the Rossoneri return to league play against a side sitting nine places below them in Serie A. 

Also: Real Madrid and Barcelona will clash in a Clasico in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final.

PrizePicks: Best PP Since the Pink Panther

Charlie Kipp writes: Let’s be honest, it’s a funky weekend for all of us who live and breathe Premier League football. The FA Cup, while a fun change-of-pace is not entirely conducive to winning picks for reasons like rotated lineups, dodgy pitches and dare I say ‘lack of interest.’ To that end, what better time to pop open PrizePicks and explore the wide variety of sports and picks that they have on offer  - like this little-known competition kicking off this weekend: the NFL Playoffs. That’s right, we turn from the pitch to the gridiron and grab Jalen Hurts MORE than 36.5 Rushing Yards.

While the FA Cup is a deviation from the norm we know and love, there is something to be said about having CFP Playoff games, NFL Playoffs and back-to-back Premier League weekday fixtures to help get us through another week of winter. As we look to the NFL, my eye turns to a red-hot Philadelphia Eagles team and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Look, is he the most mobile? Maybe not. But we’re only asking for 37 yards here. That’s one broken-play scramble, or ya know, 37 Tush-Pushes. One way or another, I like Hurts to hit this number - and an added bonus for Rog, they’re playing the Packers. Jalen Hurts MORE than 36.5 Rushing Yards.

If you haven’t joined PrizePicks, CLICK HERE and play $5 and get $50 instantly when you use code MiB.

Not Football, And All the Better For It

Dear Rog... GFOPs Write ✍️

Jake Hukee sent me a beautiful letter after the birth of his first child.  Jake writes, in a long, but really powerful note: “Many of us toil with the existential question: what is our purpose?  I honestly couldn’t answer that question until this Monday, January 8th. Prior to a few nights ago, I meagerly attached my identity—subsequently, my purpose—to my job and my passion in the whiskey industry, but the writer Ryan Holiday once said “If your purpose is something larger than you—to accomplish something, to prove something to yourself—then suddenly everything becomes both easier and more difficult.”

The decision to dedicate my purpose to my boy is a seamless one. I want to demonstrate to him that the challenges, the failures, and the successes learned from those struggles are the most beautiful, rewarding moments of life. And what better way to teach him how to overcome the bleak botches of existence than as an Evertonian. Yes, for the last decade, I’ve been under the influence of the Toffees. However, the difficult decision remains: do I vicariously pass down my love for Everton Football Club? Do I subject my son to the tidal wave of consecutive relegation battles? To Italian Papas heading to the store for chianti and cigarettes to only abandon us for an old flame, and to never return home? 

Suddenly it all seems more difficult. However, my purpose is to raise a good human being. The pain and the loss that Everton will supply doesn’t create an easy route. My boy could freely select the champions, a team with trophies. Yes, actual trophies to fill their trophy cabinet—along with 100-plus Financial Fair Play allegations to join them—but where’s the life lesson in cheering for a club planted at the top of the table? Nevertheless, the circuitous path doesn’t have to be merely pain, loss, and defeat. Glory is built into the DNA of Goodison Park. 

Anthony Bourdain said, “Don’t be afraid to wander. Don’t be afraid to eat a bad meal. If you don’t risk the bad meal, you’ll never get the magical one.” Oh, how we’ve wandered as a club. We’ve wandered more than Wolverhampton.

Imagine, just imagine how delicious it’ll taste when Everton does return to glory. The Florida Cup will feel like a fleeting memory when my delusion of Everton winning the league turns into reality. But, by then, the decades of bad meals and building something greater than myself will be a transformative Michelin experience—since I’ll have my son sitting right next to me.  Sports at its best—just like whiskey—brings us together.”

Rog writes: HOLY CRAP JAKE. I am so bloody moved by your letter.  Congratulations you beauty. May we all make so many memories across the generations with your spirit and energy. Jealous of your job btw!

Keep sending your stories and questions to [email protected].

To Better Days Ahead for All.

Let’s not take a moment watching football together for granted and make great memories,

Big Love,

Courage.

ROG

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