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


    • Mar 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 1,122 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

    How many points Villa need to qualify for the Champions League

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 70:20


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley were live after Aston Villa beat West Ham to take one step towards Champions League qualification, but exactly how many points do they need to finish the job from here?

    Aston Villa take BIG STEP towards Champions League qualification

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2026 42:59


    Aston Villa beat West Ham at Villa Park to capitalise on their Champions League rivals dropping points.

    Liverpool, Man United & Chelsea DROP POINTS as Villa host West Ham

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 46:24


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley go LIVE to discuss Aston Villa's match against West Ham United, the final Premier League fixture before the international break.

    TONE DEAF ticket prices make Villa fans the real victims of European success

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 24:17


    Ninety minutes after booking their place in the last eight of the competition, the club confirmed ticket details for the second leg against Bologna. Adults, whether season ticket holders or not, will be charged £10 more to watch the quarter-final than they were for the round-of-16.

    Aston Villa BEAT Lille to progress to Europa League QUARTER FINAL!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 37:54


    Mat Kendrick and Dan Rolinson are LIVE after returning home from Villa Park to watch Aston Villa beat Lille to make it through to the Europa League Quarter Final.

    Aston Villa simply must progress past Lille, no excuses...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 20:52


    It's almost time for Aston Villa's second leg against Lille in the Europa League Round of 16, this is knockout football.

    The one biggest worry about Aston Villa's recruitment

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 43:49


    Dan Rolinson, Mat Kendrick and John Townley get their heads together to discuss Aston Villa's ageing squad and the need for a big rebuild in the summer transfer window.

    What went wrong for Aston Villa against Man United?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 81:22


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley dive into the Mailbag LIVE to try and breakdown what went wrong against Man United on Sunday.

    Aston Villa FOLD at Old Trafford... what's new?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2026 25:46


    Dan Rolinson is joined by Neil Dunworth to discuss Aston Villa's 3-1 defeat to Man United at Old Trafford.

    McGinn starts, sticking with Watkins & taking a point at Old Trafford

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 27:29


    Aston Villa return to Premier League action with a trip to Old Trafford to face an in-form Manchester United side. Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick shift their attention from the Europa League to preview the game.

    Ollie Watkins wins the first leg for Aston Villa in Lille!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 30:41


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick went LIVE after the full-time whistle in Lille to discuss Aston Villa's 0-1 victory in the first leg match of the Europa League Round of 16.

    Lille vs Aston Villa: The calm before the storm...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 33:47


    Dan Rolinson checks in with John Townley, who has arrived in Lille, to discuss Unai Emery and Morgan Rogers' press conference. John McGinn's back, what a sight that is, whilst Matty Cash misses out with injury. You can sense the big occasion approaching...

    Europa League target, Champions League race & what's happened to Watkins?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 70:49


    The Villa Social returns with an Aston Villa roundtable, discussing the race for a top five finish in the Premier League, how far Emery's side will go in the Europa League, plus chat on Ollie Watkins, John McGinn's return and the atmosphere at Villa Park. With thanks to Matt Lynch, Simon Lines, Rob Jones, Neil Dunworth, Ty Bracey and Jude Aston.

    Aston Villa head to Lille for the most important match of the season

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 43:20


    Mat Kendrick, Dan Rolinson and John Townley get together to begin the build-up to Aston Villa's most important game of the season: The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 match away at Lille.

    Questioning Unai Emery, McGinn's return & the definition of insanity

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 80:01


    Since Aston Villa's defeat to Chelsea, there have been almost 70 messages in the Mailbag, so it's time Dan Rolinson and John Townley tried their best to answer them, LIVE!

    Aston Villa HUMILIATED by Chelsea at Villa Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 39:07


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick went live after returning home from Villa Park to discuss Aston Villa's timid defeat to Chelsea.

    Aston Villa simply cannot afford to lose against Chelsea

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 40:36


    It's a huge game for Aston Villa on Wednesday as Unai Emery's side host Chelsea in a Champions League 6-pointer. So, we're rolling our Fanzone and Claret & Brew shows into one, as Dan Rolinson, Mat Kendrick & John Townley preview the game against the Blues.

    Tactical changes, World Cup impact & where are the bloody goals?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 48:19


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are back to answer your Aston Villa questions from the Mailbag, it's a fresh week with a huge fixture coming up on Wednesday.

    The Villa Inquest: What's going wrong with Aston Villa?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 86:25


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are live to debrief the Wolves defeat and get the game out of their system.

    Aston Villa embarrassingly AWFUL in defeat to Wolves

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 38:23


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick discuss Aston Villa's embarrassing defeat to Wolves.

    1897 Group announce exciting plans to improve Villa Park atmosphere

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 20:10


    Aston Villa have granted the 1897 Group space inside Villa Park to help boost the atmosphere for the remainder of the league season. The fan group will be visible inside Villa Park with flags and banners during the final five home league games of the campaign, after the club's football staff - including Unai Emery and Damian Vidagany - encouraged efforts to enhance the matchday atmosphere.

    How Aston Villa can beat Wolves ft. Pau, Sancho and Tammy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 26:27


    As we begin our build up to Friday Night Football at Molineux, Dan Rolinson and John Townley listen to your thoughts and opinions on Wolves - and share their own too.

    Unai Emery's points-per-game, improving defensively & where is Madjo?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 52:13


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are LIVE for the midweek Claret & Blue Q&A.

    Ollie Watkins and the club that doesn't create enough chances

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 44:58


    On today's Claret & Brew episode, we're going serious. It's time to address Aston Villa's lack of creativity up front and Ollie Watkins' form. Is it as simple to say the midfield injuries have hampered us, or should the remaining players raise their game to get the club over the line?

    The Chelsea theory, what Leon Bailey offers & is it time for Torres?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 67:13


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley answer your Aston Villa questions after the 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

    Tammy Abraham RESCUES a point for Aston Villa against Leeds

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 45:04


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick give their post-match verdict on Aston Villa's 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

    Aston Villa UNLOCK Harvey Elliott... well, kind of

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 19:34


    It can be revealed that the appearance-based trigger which would see Villa buy Harvey Elliott permanently from Liverpool applies only to Premier League matches. Elliott can, therefore, feature freely in Europa League fixtures if selected by Unai Emery.

    Leeds United: The first of two must win matches for Aston Villa

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 24:21


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley preview Aston Villa's home match against Leeds United, massive opportunity for three points in the race for Champions League football.

    Sancho's summer move, becoming more physical & Villa's long-term strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 61:52


    John Townley and Dan Rolinson go LIVE for an Aston Villa Q&A session.

    Bang-average Martinez, stubborn Emery and more Villa unpopular opinions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 42:06


    On this afternoon's Claret & Brew episode, Dan Rolinson, Mat Kendrick and John Townley (nice of you to join us) are reacting to YOUR Aston Villa unpopular opinions.

    Big game pressure, discussing Villa's style of play & searching for positives

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 51:04


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley answer your Aston Villa questions after Unai Emery's side exited the FA Cup in the fourth round.

    Tammy's opener, Bizot's crazy red card & two for Tonali in the FA Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2026 49:52


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick discuss Aston Villa's exit from the FA Cup after defeat to Newcastle United at Villa Park.

    What we really think about Villa vs Newcastle in the FA Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 20:41


    Aston Villa host Newcastle United in the 4th Round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening, with Unai Emery's side gunning for Europa League victory, and a top five finish in the Premier League, how seriously will Aston Villa approach this tie?

    Midfield dilemma, grinding out wins & the yellow card conundrum

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 66:22


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley digest the Brighton result whilst also look ahead to the upcoming fixtures whilst taking on another batch of your Aston Villa questions - LIVE!

    Get in, get a HUGE three points, and get out of there

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 48:51


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick are live after Aston Villa's massively important 1-0 win against Brighton.

    Villa Park needs to be at its brilliant best for crucial run in

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 33:08


    Unai Emery needs Villa Park to be at its brilliant best to build momentum in a crucial part of the season. On this week's Claret & Brew: An open discussion on the atmosphere at Villa Park.

    Reasons for positivity, understanding concerns & the summer rebuild ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 67:32


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley are joined by Sky's Rob Jones to answer your Aston Villa questions. On today's episode we look for reasons for positivity amongst the fanbase, understanding why some may be concerned and having one eye on a summer in which a rebuild of Villa's squad could be expected.

    Aston Villa run out of steam in 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2026 34:33


    Dan Rolinson and Matt Lynch discuss Aston Villa's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, after Morgan Rogers put Unai Emery's side ahead.

    Unai Emery puts pressure on Liverpool over damaged Harvey Elliott

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 23:01


    Unai Emery discussed Harvey Elliott's loan situation in Aston Villa's pre-Bournemouth press conference.

    Aston Villa to bounce back from Brentford by beating Bournemouth

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 40:58


    Aston Villa head to Bournemouth on Saturday for a rare 3pm kick off with the feeling amongst supporters being that Villa need to bounce back after the Brentford defeat, and quick.

    Expensive ticket prices, comparing fixtures & should Villa just buy Elliott?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 38:38


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley return with a midweek episode about the latest in the world of Aston Villa. Looking at Villa's reason for expensive ticket prices against Leeds United, comparing the 'run in' with Liverpool and what to do with Harvey Elliott...

    The Aston Villa January Transfer Quiz - Dan vs John #4

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 30:41


    Claret & Brew returns this week as Dan and John go head-to-head once more in our quiz series. Once a month, Kendrick puts together a quiz to test their knowledge (and yours!) on this one, we're looking back at the last decade of the January Transfer Window.

    Transfer Deadline Day, Brentford defeat & Champions League target

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 74:34


    It's Transfer Deadline Day and whilst we expect Aston Villa to have a quiet Monday, there's still absolutely loads to get in to - come and ask us your Villa questions!

    Aston Villa lose at home to Brentford after VAR controversy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2026 35:03


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick discuss Aston Villa's defeat against with Brentford. Tammy Abraham thought he'd had the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out controversially by VAR.

    Set piece danger, must win territory and the return of Doug & Tammy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 24:34


    Aston Villa return to Villa Park for Premier League action on Sunday to face a Brentford side that, let's face it, are doing far better than anyone would have predicted in the summer. Emery's side must keep momentum going by picking up all three points.

    Harvey Elliott deal, Guessand to Palace & any more business?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 56:02


    Dan Rolinson and John Townley answer a round of your Aston Villa questions from the Mailbag - LIVE!

    Aston Villa's impressive comeback to secure Europa League top two!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 49:09


    Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick were live after the final game of the Europa League league phase, Unai Emery's side completed a comeback from 0-2 down in the final minutes to secure a 2nd place finish in the table.

    15 Premier League games to go, what happens to Aston Villa from here?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 27:39


    Aston Villa in 2026 have Europa League and FA Cup ambitions but also a desire to return to Champions League action in 2027. Currently sat 3rd with a good points buffer to 6th place, what happens next for Villa?

    TRANSFER UPDATE: Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 33:22


    Claret & Brew is back! Our weekly show where Dan, John and Mat discuss Aston Villa for half an hour over a coffee, on today's agenda, there can be only one topic: Transfers.

    Bailey's future, February fixtures & what makes an Unai Emery player?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 71:30


    After a brilliant win against Newcastle United, we've opened the mailbag to find a ridiculous amount of questions, so let's try and wade through as many as we can - live!

    SOB ON THE TYNE OLE OLEEEEE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2026 33:15


    Dan Rolinson is joined by For The Love of Paul McGrath Podcast 's Neil Dunworth to discuss Aston Villa's huge win against Newcastle United, ending a 21 year hoodoo.

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