Holtecast - An Aston Villa Podcast

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Holtecast

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.

✂️ Turn this podcast into clips
MANCHESTER UNITED 4-4 ASTON VILLA: Death, taxes and blowing it at Old Trafford!
MANCHESTER UNITED 4-4 ASTON VILLA: Death, taxes and blowing it at Old Trafford! episode artwork
#628
Yesterday at 8:05 PM

Aston Villa's missery at Old Trafford continues after blowing a 2 goal lead twice. Listen in as Cole and Tom return to mull over a frustrating afternoon against Manchester United and, deservedly so, try to let some frustrations out.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 Does Suzuki have a lack of confidence since that Fulham blunder or was it a bad day at the office?

🔵 Who else REALLY misses Ezri Konsa?!

🟣 Villa's midfield dilemma.

🔵 Why...just why is Old T...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | In-form Aston Villa sink on the South Coast
UNDER THE LIGHTS | In-form Aston Villa sink on the South Coast episode artwork
#627
10/29/2026

Welcome to the Holtecast and we've got another "Under The Lights" feature for you today, with Simon joining Cole to discuss a poor outting away at Bournemouth and to look ahead to Fulham's trip to Villa Park on Saturday evening.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 Is the Carabao Cup exit a lost opportunity?

🔵 Valuable minutes for the likes of Madjo and Goretzka.

🟣 Does Wednesday's cup defeat damper Villa's recent impressive form?

🔵 Expectations heading into the Fulham m...


ASTON VILLA 2-1 MANCHESTER CITY: Clinical Jackson and the Polish Cafu!
ASTON VILLA 2-1 MANCHESTER CITY: Clinical Jackson and the Polish Cafu! episode artwork
#626
10/26/2026

It's now 3 wins in a row for Aston Villa against Manchester City, so with that in mind, Cole and Tom return to dig into Villa's first home Premier League victory of the season, those ridiculous Unai Emery to Manchester United rumours and to look ahead to the trip to Bournemouth on Wednesday.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 Are Aston Villa officially Manchester City's bogey team?

🔵 Matty Cash's superb defensive shift.

🟣 Nicolas Jackson's red hot form!

🔵 Has V...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Aston Villa sink Viking to maintain perfect start
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Aston Villa sink Viking to maintain perfect start episode artwork
#625
10/22/2026

Aston Villa maintained their perfect start in the Champions League following a 3-1 victory over Viking FK on Wednesday evening. Listen in as Cole and Tom got together moments after the final whistle to reflect on a third consecutive win and look ahead to Manchester City’s visit to Villa Park on Saturday.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 Yet another pleasing night in the Champions League!

🔵 Was this Alysson’s coming out party?

🟣 Joao Gomes’ versatility.

🔵 No left...


THE VILLA CATCH UP: A joyous trip to Newcastle and Vikings at Villa Park!
THE VILLA CATCH UP: A joyous trip to Newcastle and Vikings at Villa Park! episode artwork
#624
10/20/2026

Unai Emery's Aston Villa continue to build momentum following Saturday's 1-0 away at Newcastle United. With that in mind, join Cole and Simon as the lads reflect on a second consecutive win on Tyneside and look ahead to Wednesday's Champions League clash against Viking FK at Villa Park.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 Emery's Aston Villa 2.0 clicking into gear and meaning business!

🔵 Villa's left-back dilemma.

🟣 Mbaye, Manzambi and Jackson; Villa youthful attack shines bright.

🔵 Give the lik...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Nicolas Jackson ends Ollie Watkins debate in Villa rout of Fenerbahçe
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Nicolas Jackson ends Ollie Watkins debate in Villa rout of Fenerbahçe episode artwork
#623
10/15/2026

Aston Villa continued their strong form in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, with a dominant 6-0 victory over Fenerbahçe. Listen in as Cole and the returning Tom Nightingale reflect on a memorable night at Villa Park and look ahead to Saturday's trip to Newcastle.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 A historical European night at Villa Park.

🔵 Nicolas Jackson's strong form continues.

🟣 Ross Barkley's rises to the challenge!

🔵 Johan Manzambi's superb positioning.

🟣 Can Villa...


ASTON VILLA 2-2 BRENTFORD: Growing pains
ASTON VILLA 2-2 BRENTFORD: Growing pains episode artwork
#622
10/12/2026

Aston Villa returned to action on Saturday, but were only able to hang on for a point against a strong Brentford side. Join Cole and Simon as they go through and try to make sense of all the latest talking points surrounding the football club.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 Signs of attacking intent, but still some defensive lapses to clean up; was a draw a fair result?

🔵 How concerned should we be about Villa's recent defensive performances?

🟣...


The ins and outs of Aston Villa's season thus far w/ Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic!
The ins and outs of Aston Villa's season thus far w/ Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic! episode artwork
#621
10/05/2026

With the lengthy international break nearly over and Aston Villa's return to competitive action just around the corner, Cole and Simon had the pleasure of sitting down with The Athletic's Aston Villa writer, Jacob Tanswell, for a quick catch up on Villa's hectic summer, the season thus far and what lies ahead.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 Jacob's initial thoughts on how the summer went and Villa's start to the season.

🔵 Was there really a proper replacement if Tammy...


TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-3 ASTON VILLA: Death, taxes and Emi Buendia!
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-3 ASTON VILLA: Death, taxes and Emi Buendia! episode artwork
#620
09/21/2026

First Premier League win of the season secured! Cole and Simon discuss yet another win for Unai Emery at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 There is still room for improvement, but are Villa finally starting to click into gear?

🔵 Johan Manzambi's impressive first start in claret and blue.

🟣 Nicolas Jackson's underrated qualities.

🔵 Another Zion Suzuki lovefest!

🟣 Unai Emery's impressive record away at Spurs.

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: holtecast...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Abraham double powers Aston Villa to Carabao Cup win at Conventry
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Abraham double powers Aston Villa to Carabao Cup win at Conventry episode artwork
#619
09/17/2026

Unai Emery's men returned to winnings ways on Wednesday night, with a 3-1 win over Coventry City in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Listen in as Cole and Simon reflect on Aston Villa's second win of the season and look ahead to the trip to North London on Saturday.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 A relatively comfortable outing in Coventry.

🔵 Taylor Hardwood-Bellis' steady Villa debut.

🟣 George Hemmings excites and Ibrahim Mbaye dazzles.

🔵 Should we read m...


THE VILLA CATCH UP: Villa's early struggles continue and approaching Coventry City
THE VILLA CATCH UP: Villa's early struggles continue and approaching Coventry City episode artwork
#618
09/15/2026

Aston Villa's slow start to the season continues (albeit they finally scored a Premier League goal) and with Wednesday's trip to Coventry on the horizon, join Cole, Simon and Seb as they catch up on the latest Aston Villa chatter.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

🟣 Aston Villa's injury woes continue...

🔵 Is there any redemption for Tammy Abraham's Villa career?

🟣 Aaron Wan Bissaka's early Villa struggles.

🔵 Johan Manzambi and Ibrahim Mbaye's debuts.

🟣 Can Unai Emery afford t...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | First-half treble powers Aston Villa to Champions League victory
UNDER THE LIGHTS | First-half treble powers Aston Villa to Champions League victory episode artwork
#617
09/09/2026

Welcome back to the first Under The Lights edition of the Holtecast for the 2026/2027 campaign and with that, Aston Villa secured their first win of the season! Join Cole and The Holte Roar's, Michael Plant as the lads discuss an important victory on the road for Unai Emery's men and look ahead to Nottingham Forest's visit to Villa Park on Saturday.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Just how vital was Tuesday's win in Bruges in terms of potentially kick starting Villa's seas...


THE VILLA CATCH UP: Arsenal debrief and a transfer window for the ages!
THE VILLA CATCH UP: Arsenal debrief and a transfer window for the ages! episode artwork
#616
09/02/2026

Welcome to this morning's edition of the Holtecast, and like us, you're probably breathing a sigh of relief – the transfer window is now shut and with a narrow defeat to Arsenal on Monday, there are plenty of positive as the season rolls ahead.

There's still time to join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win a prize: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/ndaioe

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS...


BRIGHTON 4-0 ASTON VILLA: Distractions, frustrations and the dreaded red mist
BRIGHTON 4-0 ASTON VILLA: Distractions, frustrations and the dreaded red mist episode artwork
#615
08/24/2026

From transfer distractions to frustrating performances in Aston Villa's curtain raiser for the 2026/2027 Premier League season, Sunday's loss to Brighton had it all. Join Cole, Simon and Seb as they chat hours after the final whistle about the 4-0 defeat and where the football club goes from here.

There's still time to join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win a prize: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/ndaioe

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!


PSG 2-1 ASTON VILLA: The Kids Are Alright!
PSG 2-1 ASTON VILLA: The Kids Are Alright! episode artwork
#614
08/13/2026

Aston Villa shined brightly in a narrow 2-1 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, so with that in mind, join Cole and Tom as the lads reflect on a night filled with plenty of positives and excitement ahead of the new campaign.

Join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win a prize: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/ndaioe

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Vi...


The BIG Aston Villa 2026/2027 Season Preview!
The BIG Aston Villa 2026/2027 Season Preview! episode artwork
#613
08/11/2026

The 2026/2027 season is nearly underway for the mighty Villa and with that in mind, Cole, Simon and Seb are back for their annual season preview show ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG. Join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win a prize: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/ndaioe

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?



Well then, how are we all feeling about Vill...


THE VILLA CATCH UP: Emery's Garnacho project and MacPhee's move to Chelsea
THE VILLA CATCH UP: Emery's Garnacho project and MacPhee's move to Chelsea episode artwork
#612
07/26/2026

It's been non-stop business for Aston Villa as of late and with the arrival of Alejandro Garnacho and departure of Austin MacPhee, it seems as though there's no signs of thngs slowing down. Listen in as Cole and Tom lend some perspective to the latest news surrounding the football club.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Are some of the reactions about Garnacho's arrival at Aston Villa over the top?Emery's importance in the Garnacho signing.Could Villa be changing their style of p...


What to expect from Johan Manzambi w/ Spodcast Freiburg!
What to expect from Johan Manzambi w/ Spodcast Freiburg! episode artwork
#611
07/24/2026

Aston Villa unveiled the signing of 20-year-old Switzerland international, Johan Manzambi last Friday and as a result, Cole was joined by Julian from Spodcast Freiburg to discuss what Villa fans can expect from Manzambi and how he could fit into Unai Emery's plans.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?


What kind of player is Johan Manzambi?From Julian's point of view, what are Manzambi's main attributes?Does he have what it takes to make an immediate impact at Villa?What...


The lowdown on João Gomes w/ Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM!
The lowdown on João Gomes w/ Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM! episode artwork
#610
07/20/2026

Aston Villa have secured the signing of João Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee believed to be around £35 million. With that in mind, Cole and Simon sat down with Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM for a quick chat to discuss the Brazilian midfielder and what he can bring to Villa Park.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

From a Wolves perspective, is now the right time for Gomes to move on and remain in the Premier League?What type o...


GOODBYE MORGAN ROGERS: Aston Villa's summer refresh is well underway!
GOODBYE MORGAN ROGERS: Aston Villa's summer refresh is well underway! episode artwork
#609
07/19/2026

Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea for the £117 million sales of Morgan Rogers, a British record transfer fee. As a result, join Cole and Tom as they discuss an incredible bit of business and what it means for the football club's recruitment drive this summer.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Is now the right time for Morgan Rogers to leave Villa?What does Rogers' departure mean for Villa's summer business?The importance of the football club being proactive inste...


THE VILLA CATCH UP: Stealing Manzambi, Tielemans' move to Manchester and Digne's return to PSG!
THE VILLA CATCH UP: Stealing Manzambi, Tielemans' move to Manchester and Digne's return to PSG! episode artwork
#608
07/15/2026

It's been a crazy 72+ hours for Aston Villa and with that in mind, Cole and Simon return to discuss the football club's comings, goings and everything in-between.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Aston Villa have hijacked Newcastle United's move for Switzerland international, Johan Manzambi; how does he fit into Emery's plans?Just how savvy have Villa been in terms of moving players on and lowering the wage bill?Youri Tielemans' move to Manchester United and what it means for Villa's summer recr...


KEEP, LOAN, SELL: Will Aston Villa shake things up this summer?
KEEP, LOAN, SELL: Will Aston Villa shake things up this summer? episode artwork
#607
06/29/2026

With transfer speculation continuing to build, Cole and Danny return to assess the futures of the Aston Villa first team squad.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Could we finally be nearing the end of Emi Martinez's time at the football club?Maatsen versus Digne.Does Lamare Bogarde have a future at Villa?What's Morgan Rogers really worth?

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole...


The ins and outs of Aston Villa's incredible season w/ Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM!
The ins and outs of Aston Villa's incredible season w/ Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM! episode artwork
#606
06/08/2026

BBC Radio WM host, Daz Hale, returns to reflect on a memorable season for Aston Villa and what lies ahead for Unai Emery's men as the football club prepares for next season.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

So, what did Daz make of Aston Villa's season as a whole?What does winning the Europa League mean for the football club?Just how incredible were the scenes in Birmingham during the BBC's parade coverage?What could be in store for Villa this summ...


The BIG Aston Villa 2025/2026 End of Season Review!
The BIG Aston Villa 2025/2026 End of Season Review! episode artwork
#605
06/03/2026

With the 2025/2026 campaign now in the books, Cole, Danny, Seb and Tom sat down to reflect on the season that was for Aston Villa – who has shined the brightest? Can this season be topped? 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 has settled, how are the lads feeling about the season as a whole?Who stood above the rest within the Aston Villa squad?Who and/or what was a disappointment this campaign?What can we make o...


THE VILLA CATCH UP: Reflecting on Aston Villa's historic end to the season!
THE VILLA CATCH UP: Reflecting on Aston Villa's historic end to the season! episode artwork
#604
05/26/2026

Aston Villa have secured Champions League football, won the Europa League and beaten Manchester City at the Etihad for the first time since 2007...lovely stuff! With that in mind, join Cole, Seb and Simon as the lads are back to reflect on some memorable moments for the mighty Villa.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

How incredible have the last 10 days been for Villa?Villa's mentality change and finally getting over some big hurdles.Ollie Watkins late-season turnaround.Tales from Istanbul (or Asto...


THE VILLA ROUNDTABLE: Is it Aston Villa's time for European glory?
THE VILLA ROUNDTABLE: Is it Aston Villa's time for European glory? episode artwork
#603
05/18/2026

The Villa Roundtable is back! Cole is joined by Rich Sutherland, Neil Dunworth and Andy Bates to reflect on Aston Villa's journey to the Europa League final, the challenge that Freiburg presents and what it would mean to supporters for a European trophy to return to Villa Park.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

How are we all feeling ahead of Wednesday?Given last summer's frustrations and a poor start to this season, just how impressive have Villa been?Even before the fina...


BURNLEY 2-2 ASTON VILLA: Stumbling and fumbling towards the finish line
BURNLEY 2-2 ASTON VILLA: Stumbling and fumbling towards the finish line episode artwork
#602
05/11/2026

Well, if Aston Villa are consistent at anything, it's making sure they do things the hard way! Listen in as Cole, Seb and Simon return to discuss a frustrating 2-2 draw away at Burnley and assess Villa's chances of finishing in the top 5.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Why do Villa continue to create self-inflicted issues?The unfortunate decline of Tyrone Mings and his future at the club.Morgan Rogers' inconsistent form.Managing the final run-in of the season.

STAY CONN...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Villa blow Forest away on route to Istanbul!
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Villa blow Forest away on route to Istanbul! episode artwork
#601
05/08/2026

Aston Villa are heading to Istanbul! Join Cole, Simon and Seb as the lads reflect on an historic night at Villa Park as Unai Emery's men demolish Nottingham Forest 4-0 to secure a spot in the Europa League final.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Well then, just how incredible was that performance from the boys in claret in blue?!How special was the Villa Park atmosphere on Thursday?Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins, rising to the occasion when it matters most.John...


ASTON VILLA 1-2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Return of the late season jitters!
ASTON VILLA 1-2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Return of the late season jitters! episode artwork
#600
05/04/2026

It's become a yearly tradition for Aston Villa to make the end of season run-in as stressful as possible and this campaign is no different! Join Cole, Tom and Simon as the lads reflect on a dismal display against Tottenham Hotspur and look ahead to Thursday's Europa League semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Just how poor of a performance was that from a Villa perspective?Was there a lack of organization, motivation and/or mentality against Spur...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Digne handball gives Villa an uphill battle to overcome
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Digne handball gives Villa an uphill battle to overcome episode artwork
#599
05/01/2026

It's certainly not over, but Aston Villa have some work to do when Nottingham Forest visit Villa Park next Thursday. Listen in as Cole and Andy discuss Villa's 1-0 loss in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final at the City Ground and look ahead to Tottenham Hotspurs' visit to Villa Park on Sunday.

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 things after that one?THAT Elliot Anderson tackle on Ollie Watkins.Emi Martinez's rema...


PREVIEW | Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa: Can Emery's men handle the pressure?
PREVIEW | Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa: Can Emery's men handle the pressure? episode artwork
#598
04/29/2026

We're back! With Cole's UK honeymoon/spiritual trip to Villa Park now in the books, Simon joins him to take stock of Aston Villa's recent results and look ahead to a massive Europa League semi-final first leg tie at Nottingham Forest on Thursday.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Has Villa's recent form been convincing enough to give fans confidence ahead of Thursday?Forest's recent form and split focus between relegation and European glory.Which side is facing more pressure ahead of the...


NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1-1 ASTON VILLA: Failing to shake those Tricky Trees!
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1-1 ASTON VILLA: Failing to shake those Tricky Trees! episode artwork
#597
04/13/2026

It's a missed opportunity as Aston Villa fail to capitalize and only walk away from The City Ground with a single point. Join Cole, Simon and Seb as the lads reflect on Sunday's stalement and look ahead to Thursday's clash with with Bologna.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Big chances and even bigger misses, but is a point a fair result?The good and bad of Morgan Rogers.How does Tammy Abraham fit into Unai Emery's plans for the remainder of the...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Watkins double punishes Bologna and puts Aston Villa in driving seat
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Watkins double punishes Bologna and puts Aston Villa in driving seat episode artwork
#596
04/10/2026

It's advantage Aston Villa, with Unai Emery's men taking a two goal lead to Villa Park in the Europa League Quarter-Final. Listen in as Cole and Andy discuss a clinical outting in Bologna and look ahead to Sunday's trip to the City Ground.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

It certainly wasn't a dominant performance, but how important is it for Villa to develop a clinical nature in the latter stages of a European competition?Are Villa growing/maturing into a different beas...


THE VILLA CATCH UP: Are Aston Villa poised for success on and off the pitch?
THE VILLA CATCH UP: Are Aston Villa poised for success on and off the pitch? episode artwork
#595
04/02/2026

With Aston Villa still in the midst of their extended break from action, Cole, Simon and Seb return to discuss the club's positioning on and off the football pitch, with the end of year accounts recently being published.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Did the international break come at a good or bad time?Villa's form heading into the final run-in off the season.How are Villa positioned off of the pitch heading into the summer?

STAY CONNECTED:

Emai...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Villa finish off Lille to reach Europa League last eight
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Villa finish off Lille to reach Europa League last eight episode artwork
#594
03/20/2026

Aston Villa are through to their third consecutive European Quarter-Final following a 2-0 victory over Lille at Villa Park. Listen in as Cole and Tom reflect on a job well done by Unai Emery's men and look ahead to West Ham United's visit to Villa Park on Sunday.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Right then, how are we all feeling after a relatively comfortable European night at Villa Park?John McGinn's leadership and irreplaceable impact on the Villa squad.THAT Emi Mart...


MANCHESTER UNITED 3-1 ASTON VILLA: A slippery slope!
MANCHESTER UNITED 3-1 ASTON VILLA: A slippery slope! episode artwork
#593
03/15/2026

Aston Villa have now lost 3 Premier League matches in a row for only the second time under Unai Emery, with Sunday's 3-1 loss to Manchester United securing that statistic. With that in mind, Cole and Simon got together shortly after the final whistle to go over it again and to look ahead to Lille's trip to Villa Park on Thursday.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

A relatively composed and comfortable first half, but what didn't translate over to the second half?John...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Ollie Watkins header seals first-leg victory in Europa League
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Ollie Watkins header seals first-leg victory in Europa League episode artwork
#592
03/13/2026

Happy Friday and welcome back to the latest Under The Lights feature on the Holtecast! Join Cole and Andy as the lads reflect on an important first-leg win against Lille in the Europa League's Round of 16 and look ahead to Sunday's trip to Old Trafford.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Just how vital could Thursday's win in Lille prove to be for Aston Villa?Ollie Watkins' performance, goal and role within Emery's system.The return of Super John McGinn!Which Villa shou...


THE VILLA CATCH UP: Europa League ambitions and Villa's reality w/ French football expert, Jonathan Johnson!
THE VILLA CATCH UP: Europa League ambitions and Villa's reality w/ French football expert, Jonathan Johnson! episode artwork
#591
03/11/2026

It's yet another important week for Aston Villa and with that in mind, Cole was joined by Simon O'Regan and French football expert, Jonathan Johnson, to discuss the club's recent form, European versus domestic ambitions and look ahead to Thursday's trip to Lille.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

How should we expect Villa to approach European and domestic ambitions at this point in the season?Given recent form, should we expect to see much rotation between Thursday and Sunday?From Jonathan's poin...


UNDER THE LIGHTS | Joao Pedro, Chelsea tear apart sluggish Aston Villa
UNDER THE LIGHTS | Joao Pedro, Chelsea tear apart sluggish Aston Villa episode artwork
#590
03/05/2026

It's now just one win for Aston Villa in their last five fixtures at Villa Park and it seems as though a break in the schedule for Unai Emery's men may have arrived at the right time. Join Cole and Simon as they react to another frustrating result and try to see if there's light at the end of the claret and blue tunnel.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Should we be surprised by such a humiliating loss given recent performances?Star...


WOLVES 2-0 ASTON VILLA: What's going wrong?!
WOLVES 2-0 ASTON VILLA: What's going wrong?! episode artwork
#589
03/02/2026

Friday's humiliating loss away at Wolverhampton Wanderers has only loudened the alarm bells around Aston Villa, so with that in mind, Cole and Andy talk through Friday's frustrating display, what's gone wrong with the football club and try to put some perspective on things ahead of Chelsea's visit to Villa Park on Wednesday.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

Well, can we put that down as Villa's worst performance of the Unai Emery era?Is their too much blind faith between Emery and...