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


    • Aug 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 968 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

    FEYENOORD, FENERBAHCE, BASEL - Reaction to Aston Villa's Europa League draw

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 15:36


    The moment is finally here, Aston Villa's Europa League draw!Dan Rolinson and John Townley filmed their live reactions together as the draw unfolded, and this video shows off the best bits.

    Lucky shirts, magic walking sticks & leaving money in the Villa Park toilets

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 34:42


    In the 2nd edition of "Claret & Brew", Dan Rolinson is joined by John Townley and Mat Kendrick to tackle the subject of superstitions in football.

    Needing transfers, reasons for positivity & the cursed black kit

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 66:43


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley open up the "Olof Mailbag" after the first defeat of the season to answer another batch of your Villa questions... LIVE!

    Disastrous afternoon for ATROCIOUS Aston Villa against Brentford

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 49:24


    Join Dan Rolinson and Rob Warner to reflect on Aston Villa's second game of their season, their first away trip, against Brentford.

    Beating Brentford, minutes for Malen & the CB conundrum

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 44:02


    Dan Rolinson and Rob Warner preview Aston Villa's first away match of the new season as Unai Emery's side faces Brentford.

    Aston Villa: Feisty one you are...

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 36:48


    Dan Rolinson, Mat Kendrick and John Townley discuss Aston Villa standing up for themselves. Whether that be Emery biting back in an interview, McGinn and Mings calling out the PSR difficulties or a bit of on pitch rough and tumble, we want to see more of that.

    Nicolas Jackson linked, Bailey loaned to Roma & Cash back to Forest?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 50:33


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley discuss the latest Aston Villa transfer lines as Chelsea look to offload Nicolas Jackson, Leon Bailey completes a loan move to Roma and Nottingham Forest may be interested in a deal for Matty Cash.

    An unfiltered conversation on modern football as Villa's lofty ambitions BLOCKED

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 44:32


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley have an unfiltered conversation about the state of the Premier League and where modern football is heading. Limiting financial rules, media bias and the Big Six - what's the point?

    Frustrated Malen, priority signings & Tielemans' best role

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 35:35


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley take the Q&A on the road for the first time to answer your Aston Villa questions after the opening weekend of the season.

    10-man Villa hold on for point against Newcastle United

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 46:09


    Dan Rolinson is joined by Mat Kendrick after Aston Villa's first game of the season against Newcastle United at Villa Park. Ezri Konsa was sent off in the second half of the match as Villa held on for the 0-0.

    Rogers FIT to face Newcastle, Martinez ban explained & ticketing 'madness'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 50:25


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are back for the first preview show of the season as Aston Villa start their 25/26 season at home to Newcastle United.

    What Villa do next when Jacob Ramsey completes Newcastle move...

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 35:07


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley discuss what happens next when Jacob Ramsey leaves for Newcastle, what does that mean for Villa's summer business?

    Predicting the ENTIRE 25/26 Premier League Table!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 16:13


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are back with their annual season prediction video, trying to place exactly where each 20 Premier League sides will finish. What do you think?

    Villa's Jacob Ramsey heading to Newcastle for ÂŁ40 MILLION

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 46:34


    Newcastle United are progressing in their move for Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey as Eddie Howe lines up a ÂŁ40 million move for the Villa midfielder. Dan Rolinson and John Townley share their thoughts on the move.

    Sharing our BOLD Aston Villa predictions for the new season

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 34:41


    Dan Rolinson, John Townley and Mat Kendrick share their Aston Villa predictions for top scorer, player of the season, league position and success in the cup competitions. Plus, they all give their big Aston Villa prediction featuring silverware, mascots and the 100 club.

    The Big Aston Villa 2025/26 SEASON PREVIEW

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 36:23


    Dan Rolinson, John Townley and Mat Kendrick are back for their annual season preview show as Aston Villa get ready to return to action against Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime.

    Jacob Ramsey offered NEW Aston Villa deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 28:04


    The homegrown midfielder has 2 years remaining on his current deal, but news has broken this afternoon that Unai Emery wants to secure Jacob Ramsey's services to a longer term contract.

    Guessand signs, McGinn's true value & what happens to Buendia?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 62:49


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are live for a Q&A special. Loads to discuss as the new Premier League season approaches, can Buendia have an impact and have Villa had a 'good' window?

    Everything you need to know about Evann Guessand

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 39:50


    Evann Guessand is to join Aston Villa from Nice after a breakout season. The versatile forward will bolster Unai Emery's attacking options, but what exactly will he bring to the side? Alex's thread: https://x.com/AlexanderBrkr/status/1914297600716538178

    Aston Villa set to complete signing of Evann Guessand

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 41:10


    Join Dan Rolinson and John Townley for a live episode of the podcast to discuss Aston Villa's imminent new signing, Evann Guessand.

    Striker supplement, flipping PSR youngsters & setting season expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 74:06


    Dan Rolinson is joined by Neil Dunworth from the For the Love of Paul McGrath podcast to answer your Aston Villa questions as the start of a new Premier League season fast approaches.

    The unfair financial rules holding Aston Villa back

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2025 19:28


    John McGinn spoke to John Townley in America earlier in the week, where he criticised the Premier League's spending rules, which he says hold Aston Villa back and provide the 'big six' an unfair advantage. Claret & Blue MAILBAG: https://forms.gle/4R4kq4g1Ffta5xWW6 Sponsored by Saily, for the more information: https://saily.com/claretandblue Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast provider: https://podfollow.com/claret-blue-an-aston-villa-podcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/claretbluepod.bsky.social John Townley: https://bsky.app/profile/johntownley.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    McGinn x Townley: What is was like to interview Aston Villa's captain

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 24:13


    Dan Rolinson is joined by John Townley once again in the states after recording a sit-down interview with Villa club captain, John McGinn.

    Europa League arrogance, getting left behind in the window & John's USA surprises...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 56:49


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley link up again for another edition of the Claret & Blue mailbag to answer your questions on the latest Aston Villa subjects.

    Watkins “not for sale”, Kamara's bumper deal & opening the Villa mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 48:50


    Dan Rolinson links up with John Townley for the first time on his tour of the US for catch up on all things Villa, most notably: Ollie Watkins isn't for sale and the importance of Kamara's new contract.

    Kamara's new deal is absolutely massive for Aston Villa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 20:28


    John Townley offers his verdict on today's news that Boubacar Kamara has signed a new 5-year-deal with Aston Villa Football Club.

    Your UNPOPULAR Villa opinions: Jinxes, bad chants & rubbish rivalries

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 28:10


    Dan Rolinson and Dan Bardell react to some of your very unpopular Aston Villa opinions.

    Our plans for Aston Villa's pre-season tour of the US

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 18:18


    John Townley is off to the US this week to cover Aston Villa's pre season tour, so here are our plans...

    How Aston Villa unlock the next phase of the transfer window

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2025 67:52


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley discuss the next phase of the summer transfer window, Aston Villa's pre-season match in Germany and take on your Aston Villa questions in the live chat.

    Why you shouldn't read much into Aston Villa's pre-season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 50:49


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley discuss Aston Villa's start to pre-season against Walsall, plus any transfer questions you may have during the live episode.

    Marco Bizot joins, Enzo to Benfica and Forest's interest in Ramsey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 31:12


    John Townley discusses some of the transfer news surrounding Aston Villa from Bizot officially joining the club, to Nottingham Forest being interested in signing Jacob Ramsey. This podcast was cut together from a Facebook Live stream on Tuesday afternoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The transfer domino effect, reducing wages & rating Ezri Konsa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 56:20


    Dan Rolinson and Neil Dunworth open up the Claret & Blue mailbag to answer another batch of your Aston Villa questions.

    The one key area Aston Villa must improve this season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 18:21


    Dan Rolinson is joined by Simon Lines, Max Stokes and Dan Bardell from Villa On Tour and 1874 for a quick catch up about Aston Villa's upcoming transfer business.

    Europa League incentive, Douglas Luiz return & season ticket waiting lists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 73:15


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are LIVE to answer all your Aston Villa questions.

    John McGinn's Aston Villa story isn't over yet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 28:39


    According to reports in The Athletic, Everton hold an 'interest' in Aston Villa club captain John McGinn. So, Dan Rolinson and John Townley hopped on to the podcast to share their verdict.

    UEFA fine clarity, new signings & the Aston Villa project

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 85:46


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley open up the Claret & Blue Mailbag for a live Q&A special.

    Instinct, goalscoring streaks & big chances missed... what to do with Ollie Watkins?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 48:20


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley address the always relevant Ollie Watkins debate. When is the right time to cash in? Can Villa improve on that postion? If not Watkins, who could play up front for Emery? It's not as easy to say you either love him or hate him, nor is he a brilliant footballer or a terrible one. Ollie Watkins is a great footballer who will reliably score goals and be available, but he is not without flaws.

    How we would spend ÂŁ100 million on transfers at Aston Villa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 59:58


    It's that time of year again when we put ourselves into the shoes of the Aston Villa transfer committee to bring you the deals' WE would like to see happen at Villa Park.

    Aston Villa COMPLIANT with PSR for 24/25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 55:41


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are live for a chat about PSR as the 30th June deadline comes and goes with minimal fuss... however, is it time to celebrate?

    Where are Aston Villa's points coming from in 25/26?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 35:51


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley have taken inspiration from the 'Back of the Net' podcast to predict Aston Villa's 2025/26 season - in a different way.

    Villa's transfer strategy, Garnacho's Instagram & fighting a mascot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 49:24


    Dan Rolinson and Dan Bardell answer your Aston Villa questions as the end of June approaches and with it, that PSR deadline...

    Why Villa's trophy success in the 90s wasn't the start of something special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 44:33


    Ivan McDouall is the author of Only the Real Thing: Aston Villa and The Coca Cola Cup and a huge Aston Villa fan (obviously) So, we invited him in to the Poddymoor Heath studio to venture down memory lane to simpler times... Buy the book: https://amzn.eu/d/bX5ax42

    Explaining Pau Torres: Aston Villa's most divisive footballer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 53:45


    Aston Villa's Pau Torres may just be one of the most divisive players at the club. Fans seem to either "love" him or "hate" him. Dan Rolinson and John Townley get behind the microphone to discuss the Spaniard, his defending versus his passing ability.

    Live reaction to Aston Villa's Premier League fixtures for 25/26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 49:32


    John Townley loves the day that sees the Premier League confirm the fixtures for a new season, Dan Rolinson on the other hand is just glad to see Aston Villa will face all other 19 Premier League clubs at home and away...

    Villa Park naming rights, summer transfers & fresh podcast plans…

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 57:03


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are back at Poddymoor Heath HQ to tackle another batch of your Aston Villa questions.

    Aston Villa Q&A: Transfers, Tielemans & leaving Villa Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 56:43


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley recorded a special LIVE edition of the Claret & Blue podcast to answer your questions on the fly, if you enjoyed this let us know and we'll aim to do more.

    Jack Grealish back to Aston Villa? Our FINAL verdict...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 36:59


    Every time we do a new Q&A episode we're asked about Jack Grealish. So, to put a stop to that, we decided to do a whole episode on his 'potential' return to Villa.

    Big name signings, Martinez to United & the point of winning trophies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 52:55


    Dan Rolinson is joined by Neil Dunworth from For the Love of Paul McGrath podcast to answer all your Aston Villa questions.

    11 tasks on Unai Emery's to-do-list

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 42:22


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick outline 11 tasks facing Unai Emery this summer ahead of a big campaign for Aston Villa next season. This is Unai Emery's Aston Villa to-do-list...

    The definitive guide to Aston Villa's finances in 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 69:36


    Many questions surround Aston Villa's finances whether it be wages, PSR, UEFA squad cost rules, amortisation or contracts. We've invited business expert Dave Powell back onto the podcast to answer all of your questions.

    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...

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