Claret & Blue - An Aston Villa Podcast

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Welcome to the home of Claret & Blue - An Aston Villa Podcast. Hosted by Mat Kendrick and Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live. Here we'll be posting a new weekly podcast amongst other features and mini documentaries.

Birmingham Live


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 918 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Claret & Blue - An Aston Villa Podcast is a podcast that truly brings the best of game analysis and humorous banter to its listeners. As an expat living in the USA, I often miss the lively conversations and banter with my mates at the pub after a game. However, this podcast perfectly encapsulates that feeling, making me feel like I am part of a passionate community discussing all things Aston Villa.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the perfect balance between game analysis and humorous banter. The hosts have an incredible understanding of the game and provide insightful analysis that keeps you engaged throughout. They break down key moments, tactics, and player performances, delving deep into what makes Aston Villa such a fascinating team to watch. Additionally, their ability to inject humor into their discussions really sets them apart. It feels like you are listening to a group of friends having a casual conversation about football, which adds an enjoyable and relatable element to the show.

    Furthermore, the hosts' dedication and investment in Aston Villa shine through in each episode. Their passion for the club is infectious, making it easy for listeners to share in their enthusiasm. They go above and beyond to engage with their audience on platforms like Twitter and YouTube, creating a sense of community amongst Villa fans from all around the world. The responsive nature of the hosts adds another layer of enjoyment as they actively interact with listeners' comments and thoughts.

    However, no podcast is without its flaws. One potential drawback for some listeners might be that occasionally there could be too much focus on banter rather than diving deeper into certain topics or offering more detailed analysis. While this lighthearted approach is part of what makes The Claret & Blue so enjoyable, it may leave some fans desiring a bit more depth on occasion.

    In conclusion, The Claret & Blue - An Aston Villa Podcast is a must-listen for any Villa fan craving insightful game analysis and lighthearted banter. The hosts' passion for the club, combined with their ability to strike a balance between analysis and humor, creates an enjoyable and engaging podcast experience. Whether you're in lockdown, an expat like myself, or simply looking to connect with fellow Villa fans, this podcast is the perfect choice. I commend the hard work of the hosts and appreciate the dedication they bring to each episode. Cheers from Texas and Up The Villa!



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    Latest episodes from Claret & Blue - An Aston Villa Podcast

    Emery's long-term goals, revamping PSR & a round up of transfer rumours

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 61:41


    Dan Rolinson is joined by 1874's Dan Bardell and The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell (for his podcast debut) to tackle another batch of your questions. The season may be over, but there's talking points a plenty...

    The missing puzzle pieces of Aston Villa's 25/26 team

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 74:39


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley identify the missing profiles or qualities from Aston Villa's current first-team squad and the priorities Unai Emery and Monchi must work on for the 2025/26 season.

    The Making of Morgan Rogers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 35:48


    Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has been propelled into Premier League stardom in what feels like a blink of an eye. From Halesowen in the West Midlands to West Bromwich Albion's academy to the Riverside Stadium (via Man City) Rogers now finds himself under the development of Unai Emery.

    Europa League ambitions, replacing Martinez & 60 chicken nuggets

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 79:33


    Dan Rolinson, Mat Kendrick and John Townley welcome Ty Bracey, Max Stokes, Dan Bardell and James Rushton to the Hockley Social Club stage to answer all your Aston Villa questions after an eventful end to the season.

    Appreciating the squad, looking forward & the necessity of winning trophies

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 38:15


    Dan Rolinson, Mat Kendrick and John Townley took to the stage at Hockley Social Club this week to reflect on Aston Villa's season and look ahead to another European campaign next year, Due to a technical problem at the venue, our main audio files were corrupted. So, we're using a back up feed, it's not as high standard as we'd like to share with you, but needs must. Apologies for the mix up - we'll be better next time.

    Aston Villa's 2025 summer rebuild starts here

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 44:39


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley assess Aston Villa's entire first team squad ahead of a massive summer for the club. Who stays and who goes as Unai Emery's side embark on a third successive European campaign.

    The ALTERNATIVE Aston Villa Awards 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 66:36


    Dan Rolinson is joined by Matt Lynch and Neil Dunworth to hand out the alternative Aston Villa End of Season awards - no best player or best goal here, we're after the more niche aspects of Villa's 2025 campaign.

    Aston Villa miss out on Champions League on final day

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 66:30


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick discuss Aston Villa's terrible defeat to Manchester United which sees them play in the Europa League next season instead of the Champions League.

    It all comes down to this...

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 40:54


    Permutations, predictions and superstitions... Aston Villa head to Old Trafford on the final day of the season to face Europa League runners up Manchester United. Villa know they must win to stand any chance of qualifying for the Champions League AND need a result to go their way in the Newcastle, Man City or Chelsea/Forest matches.

    Malen's impact next season, the losers of PSR & John's Lynx collection...

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 29:13


    Dan Rolinson and Dan Bardell are at Hockley Social Club to answer your questions for a bonus episode this week. Note: This was filmed before the Spurs fixture.

    The Aston Villa state of play heading into the final day

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 19:41


    Something a little different for you today, Dan Rolinson brings you the car chronicles (working title) - after spending a lot of time behind the wheel talking Aston Villa on the phone, it's time to record some of those thoughts for the podcast feed. Why not? Heading into the Poddymoor Heath studio, Dan shares his thoughts on Villa's race for the Champions League as the final day of the season approaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How to beat United, Leon Bailey's value & final day drama

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 56:17


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley answer another round of your Aston Villa questions ahead of a huge week for Unai Emery's side.

    Villa take it to the final day, Chelsea win & Emi Martinez in tears....

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 82:30


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick share their instant reaction after Aston Villa's final home match of the season against Spurs in which Unai Emery's side won 2-0, making a new club record of 18 consecutive matches unbeaten at home.

    Aston Villa have to beat Spurs... it's as simple as that

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 49:12


    John Townley and Dan Rolinson preview Aston Villa's final Premier League home game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur. Aston Villa must win, it's as simple as that.

    Why Aston Villa's transfer strategy is a lesson in patience...

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 19:56


    Dan Rolinson and Dan Bardell visit Hockley Social Club - the venue of our upcoming live event - to discuss Villa's transfer strategy and the need for patience when it comes to judging players. Get your tickets to the live show! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aston-villa-qa-claret-blue-live-2025-tickets-1353427129979?aff=oddtdtcreator

    Meet the Villa fan running 11 marathons in 11 days for charity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 20:43


    Villa fan Harvey Knight is aiming to raise £11,000 for charity by running 11 marathons in 11 consecutive days. Harvey's running route is inspired by his favourite player, Ollie Watkins, starting in Exeter, moving on to Weston-super-Mare and Brentford, before finishing at Villa. You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/harvey-knight-2?newPage=true Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Explaining Villa's form, summer signings & midfield dynamics

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 59:58


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick are in the Poddymoor Heath studio to take on a batch of your questions as the Premier League season draws near its end.

    Watkins breaks record, Ramsey sees red & a massive 3 points

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 66:35


    Dan Rolinson and Dan Bardell share their instant reaction after Aston Villa's huge win against Bournemouth in the race for Champions League qualification.

    Aston Villa have to beat Bournemouth - it's as simple as that

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 36:44


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley preview Aston Villa's trip to Bournemouth in a must win game, simple as that. However, soon-to-be Player of the Season Youri Tielemans is unavailable through injury...

    EXPLAINED: Aston Villa's route into the 2026 Champions League

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 25:19


    John Townley walks you through all the permutations which would see Aston Villa compete in the Champions League for the second season in a row.

    Selling Martinez, absent Asensio & a tribute to Peter McParland

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 84:55


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are joined by Matt Lynch to take on a whole range of topics from your questions after Aston Villa beat Fulham 1-0 at Villa Park at the weekend.

    Aston Villa beat Fulham 1-0 to keep UCL dreams alive

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 52:53


    Mat Kendrick and Dan Rolinson share their post-match thoughts after Aston Villa's 1-0 win against Fulham in their penultimate home game at Villa Park.

    Aston Villa have to beat Fulham - it's as simple as that

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 40:36


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley preview Aston Villa's penultimate home game of the season as Marco Silva's Fulham head to B6. Villa have to win.

    The huge task facing Villa with four games left

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 30:41


    Aston Villa find themselves three points outside the Top 5 - and with a worse goal difference - heading into the final four Premier League games. They must win them all to stand a chance of Champions League qualification and still need others to drop points.

    Pau problems, Martinez drop off & moving the goalposts of success

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 75:11


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are joined by Neil Dunworth to tackle your Aston Villa questions after the huge disappointment at Wembley against Crystal Palace.

    Aston Villa drop Wembley STINKER in humiliation against Palace

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 56:50


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick share their disappointment after Aston Villa's humiliating defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley in the FA Cup Semi-Final.

    The Big Fat Crystal Palace Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 44:32


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley sit down at Poddymoor Heath HQ to discuss the big Semi-Final against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium. Which side will Unai Emery deploy to beat Palace, can Villa finally shake their issues against Glasner's side and ultimately, will they be playing for silverware come May?

    Our verdict on Aston Villa's exciting NEW North Stand plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 22:30


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley share their instant reaction to Aston Villa's exciting new North Stand plans.

    Man City deliver a swift kick to Aston Villa's Champions League plums

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 60:34


    Join Dan Rolinson and Rob Warner as they share their instant reaction to Aston Villa's late heartbreak defeat against fellow Champions League rivals, Manchester City.

    Unprecedented winning run, Tielemans appreciation & a letter to Prince William

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 75:36


    Aston Villa are absolutely flying and they'll need to continue to be if they're to achieve anything this season in regards a Top 5 finish and a couple of brilliant days out at Wembley. On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by returning favourite: Rob Warner.

    Villa dominate Newcastle in massive Champions League six-pointer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 56:17


    Join Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick to get their instant reactions to Aston Villa's massive win against Newcastle United at Villa Park.

    Villa vs Newcastle: A vital match in race for Champions League finish

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 53:20


    The big games just keep on coming for Unai Emery's Aston Villa! As the race for a Top 5 finish starts to heat up, 3rd place Newcastle United come to Villa Park where Villa, if they win, could end the weekend inside the Top 5 and 2 points behind Newcastle.

    That night against Bayern, surprising Europe's elite & best Villa Park tifo...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 39:34


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley reflect on Aston Villa's Champions League campaign, after their incredible journey came to an end against PSG.

    The race for next year's Champions League - Villa's Top 5 Rivals assessed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 65:09


    Aston Villa enjoyed one hell of a journey in this year's Champions League, but now the aim will be getting back into it again by finishing in the Top 5 of the Premier League. With Liverpool and Arsenal expected to finish first and second, that leaves 3 places up for grabs. The problem is, including Villa, there are 5 teams chasing down those 3 places. Something has to give!

    Aston Villa beat PSG on the night but fall short of the semi-final

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 64:11


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick discuss Aston Villa's second leg match against PSG in the Quarter Final of the Champions League. Unai Emery's men almost completed the comeback in the second half but ultimately fell short 5-4 to the French Champions.

    How to face PSG, life after Watkins & hunting down the Top 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 71:17


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are joined by Dan Bardell on this week's Q&A after Aston Villa beat Southampton comfortably at the weekend, they prepare for a huge 10 day period where they'll face PSG, Newcastle United and Manchester City.

    Villa's bench too hot to handle for Southampton

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 59:01


    Join Dan Rolinson and Matt Lynch to reflect on Aston Villa's massive win against Southampton as the race for the Champions League continues.

    PSG to one side, beating Southampton and the pain of Wembley tickets

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 53:31


    Aston Villa face already relegated Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium this weekend in a must-win match ahead of a vital couple of weeks for Aston Villa's season. PGS, Newcastle, Man City and an FA Cup Semi Final on the horizon...

    Late PSG "sucker-punch" gives Aston Villa big task in 2nd leg

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 41:27


    Join Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick after the final whistle in the Parc de Princes to discuss Aston Villa's 1st leg defeat to PSG in the Champions League Quarter Final.

    PSG vs Aston Villa - An opportunity we've waited a generation for...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 66:42


    Dan Rolinson is joined by John Townley & Mat Kendrick to preview Aston Villa's trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Quarter Final of the Champions League. Opportunity awaits...

    Kamara's "historic" contract, excited for PSG & Unai Emery's statue

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 55:36


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick are back in the Poddymoor Heath studio to answer another round of your questions. After Emery's side beat Nottingham Forest at the weekend, all eyes now look to the Parc de Princes as Villa head to PSG on Wednesday.

    Aston Villa's "second string" beats Forest in massive victory

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 62:37


    Join Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick as they share their verdict on Aston Villa's massive win against Nottingham Forest.

    Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest in the battle for European football

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 53:22


    Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest at Villa Park this weekend, with Forest sat in the Top 4 nine points ahead of Unai Emery's side in 7th, this feels like a huge game for Aston Villa that they simply must win.

    Darren Fletcher: Aston Villa can dare to dream again

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 58:22


    TNT Sports lead commentator Darren Fletcher joins us on the podcast for the first time since October to discuss Aston Villa's season so far, their Champions League adventure and what lies ahead of them against PSG.

    Villa smash & grab their way to 3 massive points against Brighton

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 63:10


    Dan Rolinson is joined by Matt Lynch to discuss Aston Villa's smash and grab win away at Brighton which sees them pick up a massive three points in the hunt for European football. Job done!

    Aston Villa are primed and ready for the run in

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 83:52


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley answer your Aston Villa questions after Unai Emery's side booked their place at Wembley ahead of a crucial month ahead.

    Rashford & Ramsey fire Aston Villa to Wembley Semi-Final

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 52:25


    Join Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick as they share their instant reaction to Aston Villa's FA Cup Quarter Final victory over Preston North End, as Marcus Rashford and Jacob Ramsey fire Unai Emery's side to Wembley to face Crystal Palace

    Aston Villa must beat Preston... there can be NO excuses

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 38:58


    You might think it's arrogance or over confident to suggest Villa HAVE to beat Preston, but we've got an FA Cup semi-final at stake, we want to win the whole competition! There can be no excuses for Villa failing to beat Preston this Sunday.

    Aston Villa & The FA Cup: This is what it means

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 25:39


    Mat Kendrick loves the FA Cup. It's no secret. A pre-season predictions podcast doesn't exist without Mat Kendrick predicting Aston Villa will win the thing and so far in the five years the podcast has been going, his prediction has failed to come true. Until, we hope, this season - where Aston Villa have a chance, a real chance.

    Answering Rashford's critics, a rest for Tielemans and talking double Dutch...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 41:51


    Aston Villa have had 15 senior players out representing their countries during this international break, but what exactly have each of them got up to? Here's our Aston Villa players on international duty round up for you!

    Ticket troubles, PSR frustration & Aston Villa's succession plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 52:22


    Despite Villa not playing this weekend there's still absolutely loads to discuss on the latest Q&A episode, from PSG ticket troubles to PSR frustrations, there's never a quiet moment when it comes to Aston Villa.

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