PREMIER LEAGUE IS BACK

Hail GFOP!

I raise a glass to the beginning of the 2022-23 Football Season. Its return filling our world with a burst of joy and meaning. That rollicking narrative which connects us to the unique hero’s journey narrative that is the Premier League – the 30th mash-up of Homer’s Odyssey and Love Island – acted out live, by grown men in tight shorts with surplus neck tattoos and over-swollen calf muscles. Welcome to football without Mike Dean, with five substitutes, and third kits that coincidentally honor the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, even though we all know that club is owned by PIF.

It has to be noted before a ball is kicked: This season will be like no other, a wild card strange beast. FIFA’s brazen addiction to corruption and reckless decision making will dump the World Cup into November, contorting the traditional calendar of global football, splitting the club season into two halves, as if it was just the final season of Ozark. An unprecedented and never-to-be-normalized reality which has created a six-week break mid-campaign. This has never happened before, and we don't know how it will impact the title race. Will it favor the richest, deepest squads, or, after their shattered players charge around in the desert for a month – Manchester City will lose 15 or 16 players – will the weaker teams whose players will have a mid-season break gain the advantage?

Today though is a magical day. National Chris Richards Day. The only one in the season in which we can all dream, revel, and magical think. Brace yourselves. We all know that our teams will soar and plummet, causing us to run the gauntlet of every emotion known to humankind. That is the true gift of the game. I raise this Bud to the sense of connection we have to each other as the spectacle unfurls, and the cross-generational memories we will forge along the way.

🍺 It's the first weekend of a Premier League season. Let's be real. None of us are moving off the couch. So let Drizly bring the beers to you. Order Budweiser via Drizly and get $5 off your first order when you use the code: BUDXMIB Courtesy of Drizly. New Drizly users only. Must be 21+. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Per applicable law, value may be applied towards order total or shipping or delivery fees. Includes orders of non-alcoholic items. Void where prohibited. Expires on 12/31/22 at 11:59 EDT. 🍺

2. 🚨Huge Piece of News: WE HAVE WRITTEN A NEW BOOK!!! 🚨

Gods of Soccer The Pantheon of the 100 Greatest Soccer Players* (*According to Us)

Every fan has their own list of the 100 soccer players they consider the greatest ever to play the game. A list based on triumphs, sublime moments of skill, superhuman tenacity, and telenovela-esque backstories. To the list-maker, that 100 feels objective. Unequivocal. An absolute truth. This book, which comes out right before the World Cup, is our list. We put it together with joy, and argument and wonder – it includes household names like David Beckham and Alex Morgan, along with cult icons such as Garrincha, the Brazilian star of the 1960s who was born with one leg six inches shorter than the other, and Briana Scurry, a trailblazer who paved a path for young African-American soccer-playing women.

I have always loved the beautiful way Chronicle Books create massive art books, and to partner with them and the immensely talented artist Nate Kitch to create a full-color tome has been a creative act of wonder. I was also inspired by the brilliant format of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and hope this is a book fans young and old can savor together. WATCH ROG FLIP THROUGH THE BOOK IN THIS VIDEO.

You know how much PRE-ORDERS contribute to the success of a book. We are elated to work with two remarkable INDIE BOOKSTORES, Elliott Bay in Seattle and The Strand in New York, both of whom have signed editions for PRE-ORDER NOW… which also come with limited edition posters based on Nate Kitch’s artwork. GFOPs who pre-order will also be invited to the big digital launch party at which we will celebrate the ridiculous act of writing a book with magical guests and you guys across the nation. Your support on this project is so bloody meaningful and we never take it for granted. BIG LOVE

Once again: Please consider supporting MiB and hitting the PRE-ORDER LINK and Support Your Indie Book Stores, America!!! 🙌

3. To the Football

i. Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal (This afternoon, 3 PM ET)

Few finer ways to start the season than under the floodlights of a delirious Selhurst Park. Arsenal began last season by soiling themselves at plucky Brentford. Tonight, expect that stagger to be replaced by swagger. Birmingham, AL's Chris Richards and Palace are battered by injuries. And Arsenal this season intend to isolate their humiliation to the unfurling episodes of All of Nothing. They are Gabriel Jesus’s team now, with Zinchenko and the returning Saliba bolstering an effervescent young squad now captained by Odegaard, and propelled by the creative genius that is Matt Turner. Brace yourself, Arsenal fans: Good Vibes are coming your way.

More: Arteta confident Arsenal can go next level with new signings

ii. Fulham vs. Liverpool (Saturday, 7.30 AM ET)

Welcome to post-Sadio Mane Liverpool. A squad in evolution. Yet, after reading too much into last week’s Community Shield victory, the media have flip flopped en masse and declared that Darwin Nunez, with his movement, deft finishing, and Liver King abs, is the Second Coming. Mo Salah will charge around post-new contract, fearing only laser pointers. Jota is out with injury but Jurgen Klopp will believe he has enough to flick Fulham’s switch to “relegation battle.”

iii. Everton vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 12.30 PM ET) 💩

Premier League Script Writers, You Cruel Bastards. Starting Everton’s Season off with an El Blazerico, and forcing sweet Frank Lampard to confront the gang he used to run with. Yes, Chelsea appear unsyncopated in their attack, with Raz still to bed in. Yes, they have also somehow lost their last four visits to Goodison Park. And yes, last May’s delirious 1-0 victory was one of the single greatest days of my life. But Richarlison who scored that goal has dumped us. Calvert-Lewin is injured, Rondon suspended. Lampard is said to be considering Paul Stratton as his opening day striker – the fan/hero who has been driving supplies from Liverpool to Ukraine, and subbed on last week in the friendly against Dynamo Kiev. Dude has scored with every touch he has ever had. Could always be worse Blues fans – Rafa could be our manager.

iv. Tottenham vs. Southampton (Saturday, 10 AM ET)

What a difference a year makes. This time last season, Harry Kane was done. Nuno was the manager. The club was in shambles. How we laughed. And how the arrival of Antonio Conte has changed everything. That smoldering Italian trophy-addict has driven his team through a grueling pre-season training experience and even menaced Dan Levy into opening his wallet. His reinforced squad are lean, hungry and ready. Harry Kane appears relaxed, focussed, and most importantly, happy. Sonny has reportedly spent the off-season working on a brutal regimen to perfect his finger origami goal celebrations, and the addition of Richarlison adds his surreal brand of slapstick menace off the bench. Spurs Silverware Season. Book it.

v. Leeds vs. Wolves (Saturday 10 AM ET)

Leeds United States of America begin their season with a naive optimism, as Jesse Marsch, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams take the field with the thoughts and prayers of thousands of American football fans behind them. Make no mistake: Top tier football is a reactive, risk-averse culture. If our American boys succeed, more U.S. managers and young players will benefit. If they fail, the collateral damage will sting. I believe in them. I do. Jesse Marsch has spent the off-season re-working his Raphina-less and Kalvin Phillips-shorn team with an emphasis on gym work and physicality. They will be very different to the Murderball menace of the Bielsa-era. Godspeed to the Pride of Dutchess County, Tyler and New Jersey’s “Heat Map Jesus” Brenden. We will be watching.

vi. Manchester United vs. Brighton (Sunday, 9 AM ET)

United Revival or continued suffering in the post-Sir Alex Upside Down? That is partially down to Erik ten Hag’s ability to assert his authority and control, but even more about the marketing team’s ability to resist the urge to enable the self-sabotage of Ronaldo and his 473 million Insta Followers. Ironically, with former wantaway striker Anthony Martial injured, Ten Hag may have to start new wantaway striker Ron Ron just for the Craic.

Miguel Delaney: Erik ten Hag’s encouraging start undermined by Manchester United’s familiar problems

vii. West Ham vs. Manchester City (Sunday 11.30 AM ET)

Not an easy opening move for Pep in his fourth title defense. West Ham are unbeaten in their past three home games against Manchester City and David Moyes’s low block organization and willingness to dispatch Michail Antonio on the counter has proven to be a bug in Pep’s code.

Our tribute to Manchester City and their sweep of history.

Also this: Godspeed to Nottingham Forest, that sleeping giant who savor their first top-flight game in 23 years tomorrow at Newcastle. This proud, passionate club have been given new life by the arrival of American CEO Dane Murphy, a 36-Year-Old Billy Beane Protégé from Redding, Conn. I spent the morning with Dane this week, and our conversation, which is honestly magical, will be released next week. Godspeed to all Forest fans. You deserve every joy.

New to the Raven Newsletter. A GFOP POLL!

4. MiB Fantasy Football is Back 🏆

That is right, fantasy football no longer just applies to Everton avoiding relegation. We are bringing the MiB fantasy league back: GFOPrimavera. Your chance to compete against Rog and the GFOP Community. SIGN UP HERE. Code: m0wxiw (we know that looks like the Roman Numeral of the year Everton was last relevant, but it also gains you entry into our league). And, as promised, we are pleased to announce the prizes, right here in this very newsletter. Here is a breakdown.

• Winner: $1,000 to spend at the MIB Store and VIP Tickets + pre-show raising a glass at an upcoming MIB Live show

• Runner Up: $500 to spend at MIB Store

• 3rd: $250 to spend to spend at MIB Store

• 4th: $100 to spend to spend at MIB Store

• 5th and 6th (Europa League spot) $50 to spend at MIB Store

• 7th Place (Europa Conference League, the Brodge Spot): Joy and happiness in telling yourself that you have won something nobly.

FYI: My team is named RELEGATE ME NOW and features both Anthony Gordon and Brenden Aaronson. I will Smash You.

5. Men in Blazers. The Dark Cloud in the New Season’s Silver Lining

Our CONTENT. Like the Filet O' Fish at McDonald's. Always on the menu. Never in demand.

• It's Home Pod Special, in which Rog reacts to England's Euro 2022 victory. LISTEN HERE

• The Women's Game, Presented by Paramount+ with special guest Dr. Nadia Nadim. LISTEN HERE

• We have released a video version of our Washington, DC Live Show with Everton Football Club in which Rog and special guests Frank Lampard, Jordan Pickord, DCL and Anthony Gordon played to a sold out Howard Theatre. WATCH IT HERE.

• This YouTube video breaking down the infamous Clint Dempsey "You don't know where I'm from, Dawg?" encounter with Micah Richards frame by glorious frame.

Coming up next week:

• Episode Four of Tyler Adams: Road to the Cup, Powered by Volkswagen. Call in your questions at 646-450-9472

• Rog's interview with Nottingham Forest CEO, American Dane Murphy

6. Most Important Post Euro-2022 Reads 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆

Simon Kuper: What we're seeing at Euro 2022, but also in Barcelona, Morocco and all over: Women's football can be wildly popular. But people knew that a century ago - which could be why men banned it.

ii. Fascinating piece about how English players' exposure to America taught them that they could create a footballing culture where they did not have to shout and scream for the bare minimum. 🇺🇸

iii. Lioness: A Feminine Suffix Comes Roaring Back The name of the English women’s soccer team follows a once-fashionable pattern for making words female.

7. New Logo. New Merch. Same Crap MiB.

This week, we dropped the new logo for the Men in Blazers Media Network to reflect the evolution of MiB. Read more about the logo and its font HERE. It includes an easter egg of a hidden “MiB” in the blazer lapels which once you see, you won’t unsee (Hartford Whaler-style) as well as Raven Talons which pay tribute to all the emails and ideas you send our way. And to celebrate the logo, we've only gone and launched some new schmatter in the MiB Merch Store. We're talking t-shirts, tote bags and a dog bandana. I swore I'd never be a dog person. And now I'm a dog bandana person. It's all available RIGHT HERE and please know that your support of our merch enables us to keep growing and creating more and more of the content you know and tolerate.

8. Classic Football Shirts, Did Ya Say?

We are genuinely giddy to announce a new collaboration with Classic Football Shirts, the world’s largest reseller of vintage football kits and apparel. We first encountered Classic Football Shirts during our visit to Manchester with VisitBritain and found it to be polyester Heaven on Earth. Judging from the Star Wars cantina of football shirts you all wear at our live shows, you will think so too.

We are delighted to be able to say this: each week we will release a hand-curated collection of 11 different Classic Football Shirts that reflect the true heritage and evolution of some of the most legendary designs ever to be unleashed on football fields around the world. Every shirt is available for you to acquire but there is only one of each, and once they are gone, they are gone. Like Rafa at Everton.

The shirts go live on shop.meninblazers.com at 12pm ET every Friday.

9. Not Football, and All the Better for It

i. The 17 Best Short-Ass Movies You Can Stream Right Now. The world is divided into long movie people and people who cried in the theater in the middle of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood because they couldn't believe there were still 90 minutes left to go.

ii. Hershey says it won't be able to meet Halloween demand this year. Hershey Jesus, take the wheel.

iii. Amazing piece of archival England: 1981: BURGER BOOM - Will US fast-food CONQUER BRITAIN? | Newsround Extra | BBC Archive. Fast food first, now football. The question is which British industry will America invade next? (Spoiler: it's pie-making)

iv. Moral Panics Come and Go. Sex Bracelet Hysteria Is Forever. Bring Back Silly Bandz You Cowards.

v. NOAA Scientists Film Shark Swallowed Whole by grouper during Deep-Sea Feeding Frenzy. The Big Sam of fish.

vi. Vin Scully calls Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run. RIP to a great one

vii. SIX DAYS WITH A BIG LOLLIPOP. Not a euphemism we swear.

viii. The people making millions off Listerine royalties. Gotta get that mouthwash money.

ix. Mapped: The Salary You Need to Buy a Home in 50 U.S. Cities. As depressing as Everton's pre-season.

x. Discovered in the deep: the snail with iron armour. Lets gooooo. Irons Irons Irons.

xi. The Disastrous Record of Celebrity Crypto Endorsements. An amazing fact about celebrity crypto that this article won't tell you is that Ben McKenzie aka Ryan from the OC is now a full time anti crypto celebrity activist. In the words of Editor Sophie, "Seth Cohen could never."

xii. Long live People's Park. San Francisco historical landmark and home to many.

xiii. Modern-Day Conquistadors: The Decline of Nahuatl, and the Status of Mexican Bilingual Education. Big love to all the linguistic anti-imperialists out there fighting the good fight.

xiv. Seriously, What Are You Supposed to Do With Old Clothes? The practical approach is to keep them in a box in your closet marked In Case of Emergency, to be opened only when you find yourself in a 17 Again situation and are flailing in desperate need of clothes that looked amazing on you two decades ago...But if you want to live on the edge and make them into novelty pillows I can't stop you.

xv. I Loved This Book: 2 AM in Little America by Ken Kalfus. A humorous, human, yet dark dystopian novel by a cult-hero of a writer. The U.S. has destroyed itself in civil war. Its citizens have become refugees. A diaspora fanning out across a suspicious world, desperate to find work and safe harbor. I have not stopped thinking about this short, kidney punch of a read.

That is it for today. What a week awaits us. And I don’t just mean because of the football. Tuesday is Philip Larkin’s 100th Birthday. The miserable English poet who gave us so many great, dark lines, and also the sign-off of this newsletter, “We should be careful Of each other, we should be kind While there is still time.” I love this series the New Statesman did honoring his life and impact. To better days ahead for all.

Big Love.

Courage.

UTFT.

ROG