Hello again NYC Bees! Now that we're done with the international breaks for a few months, Brentford's schedule really picks up in December. We've also expanded our social media reach and connected with a new podcast this past month. Here's some news and links as we close out 2024!
We're looking at a jam-packed, six-game schedule in December -- five league games, and a Dec. 18 quarterfinal match at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. December kicks off with a Wednesday, Dec. 4 game at Aston Villa. We'll be at The Red Lion, 151 Bleecker St., for all of them! Obviously many of us will have our holiday travels and itineraries, but hopefully you'll be able to join us for much of this stretch. (Side note: I'll be out of town for Dec. 21, but will do my usual promotion for that watch event.) See the graphic for our full December schedule.
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Media Hub: SlideTackles.com
You might have noticed that we've added to our social media presence this past month. We finally launched a Facebook channel to create a central hub for our busy schedule at The Red Lion. Then, with the massive growth of Bluesky (drawing 1 million new users per day!), we have created a Bluesky channel and already have surpassed a couple hundred followers. Connect with us at either platform. Our other social media channels are listed above.
During the November international break, Alison Roberts and Abhi Goyal were featured on the Don't Know Much About Football show! This relatively new podcast introduces folks to American-based Premier League fans and gets into the origins of their support. For Alison and Abhi, they delved into their interest in Brentford and provided some wonderful context about their fandom, our supporters' group, The Red Lion and much more. Highly recommend you give it a listen!
Brentford News & Notes
Schade's breakout moment: German forward Kevin Schade recorded his first hat trick and added an assist en route to a 4-1 Brentford victory over Leicester City on Nov. 30, as the Bees maintained their unbeaten run at home this season. Schade had not scored a Premier League goal since April. Schade is just the second Brentford player to record a hat trick, the other being Ivan Toney on two occasions.
Bees finally notch road result: It took a shorthanded lineup to do it, but Brentford picked up its first road point of the season on Nov. 23, a scoreless draw at Everton. The Bees lost Christian Norgaard late in the first half to a red card, but the club put in its best defensive performance of the season, which also was the team's first clean sheet. Mark Flekken, the Premier League's saves leader, made five stops to lead the way.
Jansson among Brentford HOF inductees: Brentford held its Hall of Fame ceremony on Nov. 20 and welcomed in 10 new inductees, including former defender Pontus Jansson who helped lead the Bees into their Premier League era. The other inductees: Former Bees manager Frank Blunstone, general manager and welfare officer Amy Crook, forward Billy Dare, Scottish footballer John Docherty, midfielder and club captain Terry Hurlock, 1980s midfielder Chris Kamara, who was the first Black player to suit up for the Bees, former forward and assistant coach Billy Lane, 1930s-1940s midfielder Duncan McKenzie, and forward and manager Andy Scott. Congratulations to everyone involved!
COPA90 to film at Red Lion on Dec. 15: The COPA90 football media company is going to be popping into our Brentford-Chelsea watch event on Sunday, Dec. 15. They will be capturing some content for the Premier League and Guinness. We'll probably have a nice turnout anyway with an afternoon kickoff time, but if you have a few extra friends or haven't joined us in a while, we'd certainly love to do our part to pack The Red Lion for this one! Obviously it's a great media and promotional opportunity for our supporters' group and the pub. I'll keep you posted on any other details in the coming weeks.
Brentford Women advance to FA Cup 3rd Round: With each victory, the Brentford Women continue adding new heights to their showing in the Adobe Women's FA Cup! Their latest was a 1-0, second-round victory over London Seaward. Nikki Woods tallied the game-winning goal in the 85th minute. The Bees will next host Fulham on Sunday, Dec. 8, in the tournament's third round. It doesn't get mentioned enough, but Brentford plays in the sixth tier of English football, and this third round brings in the second-tier teams within the pyramid. Brentford has already accomplished an impressive feat with this run, but we wouldn't mind seeing this journey continue!
Quick hits: We made our fifth appearance of the season on Premier League Fanzone, live on Peacock, previewing the Brentford-Fulham match on their Monday show (Nov. 4). If you're ever interested in participating in this or any other program, please let us know! ... Brazilian forward Thiago made his much-anticipated Premier League debut as a second-half sub during the Bees' 0-0 draw against Everton on Nov. 23. Thiago had been out with a meniscus injury since Brentford's preseason win against AFC Wimbledon on July 20, a game in which he scored two first-half goals. ... Midfielder Mathias Jensen, who was subbed off in the first half of the win over Leicester City, suffered a left hamstring injury. The club is saying it was a precautionary move, but it's too early to tell what his situation is looking like for the early part of December. ... Bryan Mbeumo was named to Alan Shearer's Premier League Team of the Season So Far, which was released on Nov. 16.
Suggestions, Comments, Feedback
If you ever have any thoughts, feel free to email (brentfordnyc@gmail.com) or chat with me anytime! #COYB!
Charlie