Holtecast - An Aston Villa Podcast
Welcome to the Holtecast - An Aston Villa Podcast; established by #AVFC fans for #AVFC fans! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ASTON VILLA 1-0 MANCHESTER CITY: Cash on the money!
Aston Villa certainly bounced back from a poor showing on Thursday and in some style too! Join Cole and Simon to discuss a complete performance against Manchester City at Villa Park.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Could we have asked for a more complete performance?Just how important is Ezri Konsa to Unai Emery's system?Amadou Onana, a physically dominant performance.Has Matty Cash well and truly silenced his doubters now?Are Villa heading to Anfield at the perfect time?STAY...
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Eagles soar to stun wasteful Aston Villa
Welcome back to the latest edition of "Under The Lights" as Cole and Simon return to discuss the fallout from Aston Villa's frustratingly wasteful performance against Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
From the perfect start to being punished for being extremely wasteful; what can be made of Villa's first loss in the Europa League this season?Were too many changes made to the starting XI?Where's Harvey Elliot?How should we expect Villa to reac...TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1-2 ASTON VILLA: Please don’t take my Emi away...
Happy Monday and welcome back to the Holtecast! Join Cole and Simon as they react to Aston Villa's performance on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur in North London!
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
What a win! How important was Sunday's result?The goals - how good was Morgan Rogers' and Emi Buendia's goals?Amadou Onana's role within this Villa side.How are we all feeling heading into Thursday's Europa League clash in Deventer, Netherlands?STAY CONNECTED:
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ASTON VILLA 2-1 BURNLEY: A delightful Donyell double!
Another dreadful international break is upon us, but before we all mentally unplug from the lovely world of Aston Villa, join Cole, Seb and Simon to reflect on a fourth win in a row for Unai Emery's men.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
So, how are we all feeling about Aston Villa these days?Are we starting to see the old (and much better) version of Emery's Villa?Just how impressive has Lamare Bogarde been?Donyell Malen and his role within this...UNDER THE LIGHTS | Captain fantastic McGinn leading by example
Happy Friday all and welcome back to the latest edition of "Under The Lights". Listen in as Cole and Dom return to discuss Aston Villa's third consecutive win, with Unai Emery's men beating Feyenoord 2-0 in Rotterdam.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
No Martinez, no problem! Just how impressive has Marco Bizot been since joining Villa?Has Emi Buendia been Villa's best player so far this season?What can be made of John McGinn's impressive form?Having that winning feeling back is l...ASTON VILLA 3-1 FULHAM: We have liftoff!
Aston Villa are starting to get their mojo back! Join Cole, Simon and Seb as the lads discuss Villa's first win of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign and look ahead to the trip to Feyenoord on Thursday!
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
What can be made of Sunday's performance at Villa Park?Did Fulham have one or two valid penalty shouts?Emi Buendia, proving his doubters wrong!John McGinn's ability to lead by example.Can Villa keep up the momentum heading into Thur...UNDER THE LIGHTS | John McGinn seals Villa's win against Bologna
Happy Friday everyone and welcome to a new feature on the Holtecast called "Under The Lights". Join Cole and Dom as they reflect on the good and the bad of Aston Villa's first win of the season against Bologna and look ahead to Sunday's match against Fulham in 25 minutes or less.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
A goal, a clean sheet and the first win of the season; how are we all feeling about Thursday's result?Evann Guessand, a bright light with...SUNDERLAND 1-1 ASTON VILLA: An identity crisis!
Aston Villa secured their first Premier League goal of the season, but failed to hold on for all three points against 10-man Sunderland. Listen in as Cole, Simon and Seb gathered to reflect on another frustrating performance, Morgan Rogers' poor form and try to figure out where Villa's identity has drifted off to.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Are the alarm bells already ringing at Villa?Where has Villa's identity gone?What can be made of Emery's post-match comments?Are we putt...EVERTON 0-0 ASTON VILLA: The goalless drought continues!
Aston Villa's struggles infront of goal continue, with Unai Emery's men now failing to score a goal in their last 5 Premier League fixtures. Join Cole, Tom and Simon as the lads dive into all the latest Villa-related chatter. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Given Aston Villa's struggles this season, was a clean sheet and a point on the road a good result?Is it time to get over the Emi Martinez drama and move on?The midfield injury list continues to grow...More impo...Equality, diversity and inclusivity in football with Gemma Taylor-Whitehead
Only a few days remain until Aston Villa are back in action and with that in mind, Cole and Simon are joined by fellow Villa fan and UEFA B coach, Gemma Taylor-Whitehead, to discuss supporting the club from her point of view, inclusivity in football and how things are shaping up for Unai Emery's men ahead of Saturday's trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
From Gemma's perspective, what has supporting Aston Villa meant to her?Is it fair to s...Crystal Palace fallout, Martinez's future and a hectic transfer deadline day
Cole, Simon and Seb return for the latest episode of the Holtecast to discuss all of the fallout from the 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday, Emi Martinez's future and Aston Villa's hectic transfer deadline day.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Where has Aston Villa's goalscoring touch gone?Just how poor has the start of the season been?Is there a way back for Emi Martinez at Villa?Are Villa's deadline day moves enough to help refresh the squad?What's the...BRENTFORD 1-0 ASTON VILLA: A slow start or cause for concern?
Aston Villa claim their first loss of the young Premier League campaign, falling to a 1-0 loss away at Brentford. As a result, Cole and Tom got together to react to the performance and chat about what's really going on at the football club.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
What did the lads make of Saturday's performance against Brentford?Does this result show that a lack of width and pace isn't the only issue?Has/is Villa's squad getting stale in cert...ASTON VILLA 0-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED: Marco Bizot's safe hands and a night out with Barry Bannan!
The Newcastle match has come and gone and with that, Aston Villa have their first point of the Premier League campaign. Join Cole, Simon and Tom as the lads reflect on an opening weekend stalement at Villa Park, Marco Bizot's Premier League debut and Simon's encounter with Barry Bannan on a night out all those years ago.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
How are the lads feeling about Saturday's draw against Newcastle United?Is it a point gained or two points drop...The BIG Aston Villa 2025/2026 Season Preview!
The 2025/2026 season is nearly underway for Aston Villa and as a result, Cole, Simon, Seb and Tom are back for their annual season preview show ahead of Saturday's match against Newcastle United. Join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win one of two prizes: https://shorturl.at/veEhE.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Right then, how are we all feeling about Villa heading into the new season?Are we all...THE VILLA CATCH UP: Guessand's arrival, Ramsey's future and McGinn's importance
Happy Tuesday and welcome back the latest edition of the Holtecast! It's been a while since we've reflected on the latest Aston Villa news, so tune in as we have plenty of chatter in store for you.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Boubacar Kamara may have signed a new contract back in July, but what does his and Lucas Digne's new deals mean going forward?Is this a make or break season for Jacob Ramsey?John McGinn, an irreplaceable meatball.Should we e...What to expect from Evann Guessand w/ French football expert, Jonathan Johnson!
Aston Villa unveiled the signing of 24-year-old Ivory Coast international, Evann Guessand on Friday and as a result, Cole was joined by French football expert, Jonathan Johnson to discuss what Villa fans can expect from Guessand and how he could fit into Unai emery's plans.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
What kind of player is Evann Guessand?From Jonathan's point of view, what are Guessand's main attributes?Should Villa fans be concerned about Guessand missing time due to the Africa Cup of N...ULTIMATE ASTON VILLA XI: A season ticket holder of 28 years' best Villa team!
There's been plenty of memorable players that have donned the famous Aston Villa shirt over the years, but what would a best XI look like from a tenured season ticket holder? Listen in as Cole and Simon run through Simon's best Villa XI from his time as a season ticket holder (beginning in the 1997/1998 season).
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Is Emi Martinez truly the best Aston Villa goalkeeper of the last 28 seasons?Have Villa lacked true quality in the full-back area...WAKING THE GIANT: Inside the Rebirth of Aston Villa w/ Gregg Evans and Matt Maher
Following the release of "Waking the Giant: Inside the Rebirth of Aston Villa" on July 17th, Cole and Simon had the pleasure of speaking with co-authors, Gregg Evans and Matt Maher, to discuss the ins and outs putting the book together and the stories that have Aston Villa fans captivated across the globe.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
How did the idea of writing this book come about and what has the journey been like to write and release the book for...NEWS ROUNDUP | Bizot joins, Barrenechea's move to Benfica and the oddly timed home kit release!
Happy Wednesday and welcome to another episode of the Holtecast! Things are starting to get busy for Aston Villa, so join Cole and Simon as they have their say on the latest news surrounding the football club.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Incomings - Marco Bizot has officially joined the club and fills the backup goalkeeper spot behind Emi Martinez.Outgoings - The likes of Tommi O'Reilly, Finley Munroe, Oliwier Zych and Kosta Nedeljkovic have already departed on loan; should we expe...TIER LIST: Ranking Aston Villa's signings in the Unai Emery era!
Aston Villa fans have enjoyed plenty of fantastic moments with Unai Emery at the helm and with that, new arrivals have made their mark along the way. Join Cole, Simon and Tom as lads rank the football club's signings within the Unai Emery era.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
From the depths of Ross McCormack's gate to the heights of being Paul McGrath-like, we run through the players that haven't lived up to expectations, are precious gems and those that are some...Assessing Aston Villa's trajectory w/ Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM!
BBC Radio WM host, Daz Hale, returns to reflect on last season's campaign for Aston Villa and key decisions that the football club will have to make heading into next season.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
What did Daz make of the season that was for Unai Emery's men?Was missing out on the Champions League the end of the world?Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins' Villa futures.Do fans of the football club need to stop looking back at the past...KEEP, LOAN, SELL: Aston Villa's summer rebuild starts here!
With the summer transfer window now open once more, Cole, Simon and Tom assess the futures of the first steam squad in what is sure to be yet another busy and challenging period for the football club.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Which first team regulars could be made available this summer?Could we see a complete overhaul in the goalkeeping department?Does Matty Cash still have a role to play in this squad?Could Youri Tielemans' or Boubacar Kamara's futue at V...THE VILLA ROUNDTABLE: Looking ahead to Aston Villa's busy summer!
The Villa Roundtable is here! Cole is joined by Neil Dunworth, Pete Schaad and Rich Sutherland to reflect on where the 24/25 season leaves Aston Villa and look ahead to what will be a busy summer for the football club.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Right then, how are we all feeling about Aston Villa heading into the summer months?Was missing out on Champions League football the be-all and end-all?How concerned are we all about potential player sales?It's safe to s...The BIG Aston Villa 2024/2025 End of Season Review!
With Aston Villa's 2024/2025 campaign now in the rearview mirrior, Cole, Simon and Seb sat down to reflect on the season that was for Unai emery's men – who was our standout player of the season? Who failed to live up to expectations? And everything in-between.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Now that the dust is setlled, how are the lads feeling about the season as a whole?Who stood out ahead of the rest within the Aston Villa squad this term?Who was a...MANCHESTER UNITED 2-0 ASTON VILLA: Falling at the final hurdle!
Aston Villa's season certainly ended with plenty of chaos! Join Cole and Gather 'Round The Lamps, Andy Bates, as they try and make some sense of Sunday's frustrating loss to Manchester United shortly after the final whistle.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Just how poor was that performance from Aston Villa at Old Trafford?Let's talk about Matty Cash's passing and THAT Emi Martinez bodycheck, shall we?An officiating disaster for the ages.Europa League football certainly isn't a bad thing, is i...PREVIEW | Manchester United v Aston Villa: Can Villa end the season in style?
The final day of the 2024/2025 season is nearly here! Cole and Simon are back again to look ahead to Sunday's trip to Old Trafford and look at what's at stake for Unai Emery's men.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
How are we all feeling heading into the final match of the season?Is there any reason to fear Manchester United or Old Trafford anymore?Is a better match for Tyrone Mings or Pau Torres?Who deserves to get the start at left...ASTON VILLA 2-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Anyone fancy some final day drama?
Aston Villa are taking their Champions League bid down to the final day of the 2024/2025 Premier League campaign! Join Cole and Simon as the lads reflect on a professional performance by Unai Emery's men, an emotional Emi Martinez and attempt to dissect the log jam for the last two Champions League spots.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
What did Cole and Simon make the Friday's performance at Villa Park?Defensively solid and taking care of business at the top of the pitc...BOURNEMOUTH 0-1 ASTON VILLA: Record-breaking Watkins sends Villa on another European tour!
It's been another important weekend for Aston Villa Football Club, with Ollie Watkins becoming Villa's record Premier League goalscorer and Unai Emery's men securing a third consecutive season in Europe. Listen in as Cole and Tom wax lyrical about a vital win on the South Coast and reflect on Villa's chances of a top 5 finish.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
What a win! What can we take from that performance?How impressive is Ollie Watkins' record-breaking achievement on Saturday and what lies...THE VILLA MONDAY SUPPLEMENT: What would be a successful season?
Well, it certainly wasn't a good week for Aston Villa, with consecutive losses to Manchester City and Crystal Palace. With only a few games remaining in the Premier League, it's now a big week leading up to Fulham's trip to Villa Park, so Cole and Simon got together to look at the bigger picture (or at least attempt to).
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Should we be concerned about last week's performances heading into the final four matches of the season?Why...ASTON VILLA 4-1 NEWCASTLE UNITED: The Ian Maatsen appreciation society!
It's now five consecutive wins for Aston Villa in the Premier League, with Unai Emery's men now only two points off of Newcastle United in third place. Listen in as Cole and Simon discuss a massive victory at Villa Park, the squad's undeniable confidence and look ahead to the trip to Manchester City on Tuesday.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Did it truly feel like it was Aston Villa's day after Ollie Watkins' goal in the first minute?Let's get the diab...GOIN' OUT SWINGIN': Can Aston Villa keep up the momentum?
Aston Villa bow out of the Champions League in style, with a 3-2 comeback win against PSG and nearly turning the tie around. Join Cole and Simon as the lads return to reflect on Tuesday's memorable performance at Villa Park and look ahead to Saturday's clash against Newcastle United.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
How proud can Aston Villa fans be of Tuesday's performance at Villa Park?Simon's thoughts on the Villa Park atmosphere on Tuesday.John McGinn's rendition of THAT Alan...SOUTHAMPTON 0-3 ASTON VILLA: A sub-perb victory!
It's four Premier League wins in a row now for Unai Emery's Aston Villa, with a 3-0 win over Southampton being the latest result in a strong run of form. Listen in as Cole and Simon got together to react to a positive result on the road, Villa's sub-perb options from the bench and look ahead to Tuesday's massive clash against PSG.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
PSG, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Crystal Palace in the space of two weeks - ho...Post-Paris reflections and looking ahead to Southampton!
Aston Villa's trip to Paris was certainly a difficult adventure, but one that shows just how far this team has come. Join Cole and Simon as the lads return to reflect on some valuable lessons learnt away at PSG and look ahead to this weekend's trip to Southampton.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Alright, it was certainly a difficult match, but there were certainly some positives.The third goal was a sucker-punch, but the tie isn't over yet, is it?Importance of t...VILLA MEAN BUSINESS: Reflecting on a perfect week and looking ahead to PSG w/ Jonathan Johnson!
Unai Emery's Aston Villa are now on a seven match unbeaten run and are heading into a massive clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, with plenty of momentum. Listen in as Cole and Simon reflect on wins over Brighton and Nottingham Forest and look ahead to Villa's trip to Paris with France-based football journalist, Jonathan Johnson.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
Cole and Simon give their view on Aston Villa's performances last week.A clean sheet and two wins are all that...PRESTON NORTH END 0-3 ASTON VILLA: We're off to Wembley!
Aston Villa are off to Wembley for a date with Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Semi-Finals! Cole, Seb and Simon return to chat about all things Villa in the wake of victory and a clean sheet at Deepdale against Preston North End on Sunday.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
How do the lads feel about Aston Villa's performance?Marcus Rashford's big performance at Deepdale.Three clean sheets in a row! What has changed?A little Boubacar Kamara love-in!How important will...FA CUP PREVIEW | Preston North End v Aston Villa w/ former Preston striker Neil Mellor!
Former Preston North End striker, Neil Mellor, joins Cole and Simon for a chinwag ahead of Preston v Aston Villa in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
We're FINALLY back after a long and dreaded international break - hooray!What has Neil made of Preston's season thus far?Could Preston take the next step in becoming a promotion candidate in the near future?How has life been under the stewardship of Paul Heckingbottom?No Kaine Kesler-Hayden for Preston this...A HECTIC RUN-IN: Can Aston Villa go the distance this season?
The Aston Villa train is going full steam ahead heading into the latter stages of the 2024/2025 campaign, with Unai Emery's men set to compete in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup alongside their bid for a European place in the Premier League. Join Cole, Simon and Seb as the lads look ahead to Villa's clash with PSG next month and try to get some perspective on a busy run-in for the boys in claret and blue.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE D...
BRENTFORD 0-1 ASTON VILLA: Watkins stings The Bees again!
Aston Villa are officially undeafeted in the Premier League for the month of March! Listen in as Cole, Seb and Simon get together to discuss a hard-fought win away at Brentford, Axel Disasi's passion and try to spread some optimism heading into Wednesday's Champions League clash against Club Brugge.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
It wasn't pretty, but it certainly was effective! What did the lads make of a second consecutive away win?Ollie Watkins love scoring against Brentford, doesn't he?Axel...CLUB BRUGGE 1-3 ASTON VILLA: Tyrone Mings' redemption!
It's advantage Aston Villa heading into the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Club Brugge following a 3-1 away win on Tuesday evening. Join Cole and Simon as the lads return to reflect on a key victory in Belgium, Villa's squad health and look ahead to a clash with Brentford on Saturday.
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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?
A draw would've done nicely, but a win is a win! What did the lads make of a key away win...Palace frustrations, Cardiff celebrations and Champions League aspirations!
Aston Villa's inconsistent form continued in the Premier League, with a frustrating 4-1 loss to Crystal Palace, however, Unai Emery's men quickly redeemed themselves by besting Cardiff City 2-0 to advance to the Quarfer-Finals of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2014-2015 season. Listen in as Cole and Seb return to put some perspective on the week that was for the Villa and look ahead to a massive match away at Club Brugge on Tuesday.
You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!
WHAT DO WE DISC...
