Aston Villa are well and truly in a bit of a rough patch at the moment, with a self-inflicted loss to Brugge in the Champions League and a hard-fought loss to Liverpool in the Premier League. Join Cole and the returning Tom Nightingale as the lads try to put some perspective on Villa's recent form, look at the bigger picture, and try to decide whic…

In what will likely be the worst week of the season thus far from an Aston Villa perspective, Cole and Simon return to discuss Villa's dip in form as of late, squad rotation question marks, and look ahead to away trips to Brugge and Liverpool. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? 2 losses and 1…

It was yet another busy week for the mighty Aston Villa as Unai Emery's men improved to a 3-0 record in the Champions League and dropped two points against Bournemouth in the Premier League following a last second equalizer by the visitors. Listen in as Cole and Simon discuss Villa's balancing act between midweek and weekend fixtures, a worrying sh…

Another dreaded international break has ended and the mighty Aston Villa are back in business following a 3-1 win on the road against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Join Cole, Simon, and Seb as they discuss a healthy Villa squad, Youri Tielemans quietly churning out impressive performances, and look ahead to Tuesday's match against Bologna in the Champi…

It's certainly been an interesting week for Aston Villa! Listen in as Cole and Tom return to discuss an emotional victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Sunday's sleepy draw against Manchester United, and reflect on strong start to the season for Unai Emery's men. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! …

Well, Aston Villa certainily never do anything the easy way and Sunday's draw away at Ipswich Town was no different! Join Cole and Tom as they discuss Sunday's events at Portman Road, continuous defensive concerns, and look ahead to a massive clash against Bayern Munich at Villa Park on Wednesday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, a…

Yet again, Aston Villa turn things around at Villa Park, with a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. Tune in as Cole, Tom, and Simon discuss Villa's impressive "Never say die!" mentality, Ross Barkley's impact, and the flexibility within the squad. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE D…

After the first international break of the 2024/2025 season, Aston Villa returned to action with a thrilling 3-2 come from behind win over Sean Dyche's Everton. Listen in as Cole and Tom return to discuss Villa's defensive frailities, Jhon Durán's goal for the ages, and look ahead to Tuesday's visit to the Wankdorf in the Champions League. You can …

It's two consecutive wins on the road to start the season for Aston Villa and heading into the first international break of the season, there's plenty to be positive about! Join Cole, Simon, and Seb as the lads discuss a promising start to the season for Unai Emery's men, Villa's upcoming Champions League journey and look back at the summer transfe…

Fail to take your chances and eventually, you'll get punished! Aston Villa found that out the hard way against Arsenal on Saturday, however, there are still plenty of things to take encouragement from when it comes to Unai Emery's men. Join Cole and Tom as the lads reflect on a rusty Ollie Watkins, the incredible Morgan Rogers, and all things Aston…

Aston Villa claim their first win away at West Ham since April 16th, 2011 and now look to make it three wins in a row against Arsenal on Saturday, With that in mind, listen in as Cole, Simon, Tom, and Seb reflect on a positive start to the season for Unai Emery's men. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO W…

With Aston Villa returning to Premier League action on Saturday, it's time to look ahead to the new campaign with excitement and optimism. As a result, Aston Villa writer for The Athletic, Jacob Tanswell, joined Cole and Tom to discuss Villa's busy pre-season, transfer business, and what we could expect from Unai Emery's men this season. You can li…

Aston Villa's pre-season journey is underway and with that in mind, Cole, Simon, and Tom return to discuss the football club's latest transfer business, Morgan Rogers' bright future, and an absolutely epic home kit launch. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? What can be made of Jaden Philogene…

It's been a busy summer for Aston Villa and as a result, Cole and Simon return to reflect on the PSR juggling act, the comings and goings in the locker room, and the recent ticket price structure that has been put in place at the football club. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? What have the…

July 1st has proven to be a busy day for Aston Villa Football Club, with three new additions walking into Bodymoor Heath. With that in mind, Cole was joined by Ollie from The WALT (We Are Luton Town) Podcast to discuss what Villa fans can expect from Ross Barkley in what will be his second spell at Villa Park. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Appl…

The transfer carousel has started to spin and as a result, Aston Villa have confirmed the departure of Tim Iroegbunam to Everton and the signing of Lewis Dobbin from The Toffees. As a result, Cole was joined by Mike Richards from The Unholy Trinity Podcast to discuss what Villa fans can expect from Dobbin and how he could fit into Unai Emery's plan…

With the transfer chatter surrounding Douglas Luiz's potential move to Juventus only heating up, our Cole was joined by Youtuber and Juventus FC host/presenter, Giuseppe Bognanni, to discuss the Brazilian's pending move to Italy and what Aston Villa fans could expect from the likes of Samuel Iling-Junior and Weston McKennie. You can listen for FREE…

BBC Radio WM host, Daz Hale, joined Cole and Simon to discuss what it's like to cover a variety of West Midlands football clubs on the radio, some of his favourite moments hosting the Football Phone-In, and the season that was for Aston Villa. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? From the persp…

Aston Villa writer for The Athletic, Jacob Tanswell, stopped by to chat with Cole, Simon, and Tom about covering the Villa during an incredibly special season, what Unai Emery is like in-person from his point of view, and what lies ahead for the football club, with the summer transfer window opening on June 14th. You can listen for FREE on Acast, A…

As Aston Villa's summer business begins to take focus, Cole, Simon, and Seb assess the futures of first team players under Unai Emery in what is expected to be a summer that focuses on increasing squad numbers and the overall quality of the team. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Are there a…

With Aston Villa's 2023/2024 campaign now in the rearview mirror, the entire Holtecast team sat down to reflect on the season that was for Unai Emery's men — what was the moment that made us believe that Villa would finish in the top 4 of the Premier League? Who are our surprise performer(s) of the season? And everything in-between. You can listen …

It's happened! Aston Villa have officially qualified for the Champions League following Tottenham Hotspurs' 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Tuesday evening. Tune in as Cole and Simon bask in the glory of the football club's incredible accomplishment and the pure ecstasy that this season has sparked. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, …

Two frustrating and fatigue-led losses in the matter of a week for Aston Villa see's Unai Emery's men crawling towards the finish line when it comes to Champions League qualification and hoping for a miracle in Greece on Thursday. Listen in as Cole, Tom, and Seb return to reflect on the week that was for the Villa, the growing injury list, and look…

A valuable point gained or two lost? That'll be the question many Aston Villa fans are trying to answer following Saturday's 2-2 draw at Villa Park against Chelsea. Tune in as our very own Tom and Simon discuss Saturday's draw, the growing injury crisis at the football club, and try to put this fantastic season into perspective given the growing ex…

Aston Villa take yet another step towards Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth at Villa Park on Sunday. Listen in as Cole, Simon, and Seb return to reflect on what's been a brilliant 8 days for Unai Emery's side (including Simon's trip to Lille!), Ollie Watkins' dominance, and look ahead to Chelsea on Saturday. You can lis…

It certainly wasn't a performance that will be spoken about for years to come, but Aston Villa squeek through to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League in dramatic fashion, beating LOSC Lille 4-3 on penalties. Tune in as Cole and For The Love of Paul McGrath Podcast's, Neil Dunworth, bask in the glory of Emi Martinez's brilliant shithouser…

Aston Villa made it a clean sweep in North London for the 2023/2024 Premier League season, with a 2-0 away win against Arsenal on Sunday. Listen in as Cole and Seb reflect on a successful week for Unai Emery's men in Europe/domestically, the brilliance of Youri Tielemans, and look ahead to the trip to Lille on Thursday. You can listen for FREE on A…

Aston Villa blew a 2-0 lead and thanks to the brilliance of Ollie Watkins, rescued a point against Brentford on Saturday. Tune in as Cole and Simon reflect on Saturday's chaos at Villa Park, Morgan Rogers' impressive week, and Villa's defensive struggles. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? We…

A rough night in Manchester that, surprisingly enough, led to a few positives for Unai Emery's men! Tune in as Cole and Simon return to discuss Wednesday's 4-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, the importance of positivity heading into the weekend, and look ahead to Brentford on Saturday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcast…

The final international break of the season is over, Aston Villa are back to winning ways, and the charge towards Champions League qualification continues! Listen in as Cole and Tom discuss Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park, Ezri Konsa's brilliance, and look ahead to Wednesday's trip to the Etihad. You can listen for FRE…

Aston Villa left the London Stadium with an important away point on Sunday following a 1-1 draw against West Ham United. Listen in as Cole and Simon discuss Sunday's events in London, Nicolò Zaniolo's time at Villa, and Morgan Rogers' performances in a claret and blue shirt thus far. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - d…

Cole, Simon, and Seb return to discuss Aston Villa's mentality heading into the final stages of the season, the positives and negatives of losing John McGinn for 3 league matches through suspension, and look ahead to Thursday's round of 16, second leg clash against Ajax at Villa Park. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - …

The first leg of Aston Villa's round of 16 tie in the Europa Conference League has come and gone, with Unai Emery's side leaving Amsterdam with a 0-0 draw. Listen in as Cole and Simon discuss events at the Johan Cruyff Arena and look ahead to Tottenham Hotspurs' trip to Villa Park on Sunday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spo…

It's three wins on the bounce for Unai Emery's men as Lucas Digne's 89th minute winner snatched all three points for Aston Villa away at Luton Town. Join Cole, Tom, and Seb as the lads discuss Villa's set-piece woes, the dynamic partnership between Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins, and look ahead to Ajax on Thursday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, …

Aston Villa make it back-to-back Premier League wins and secure their first win at Villa Park since December 30th following Saturday's 4-2 victory over Nottingham Forest. Listen in as Cole and For The Love of Paul McGrath Podcast's Neil Dunworth discuss Leon Bailey's brilliance, Douglas Luiz's love for scoring at Villa Park, and look ahead to an im…

Ahead of Aston Villa welcoming Nottingham Forest to Villa Park on Saturday, Cole, Seb, and Tom got together to look ahead to the weekend's festivities and Villa's potential opponents for the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa Conference League. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? With Aston Villa …

Aston Villa make it back-to-back Premier League away wins and climb back into the top 4 following Saturday's 2-1 win over Fulham. Listen in as Cole and Simon return to discuss Unai Emery's tactical tweaks to an injury-riddled Villa, Douglas Luiz's midfield dominance, and Ollie Watkins' all-round game. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcast…

With a trip to Craven Cottage looming for Unai Emery's men, Cole, Seb, and Dom look ahead to Saturday's Premier League fixture between Fulham and Aston Villa. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Now that Boubacar Kamara is set to miss the rest of the season and Diego Carlos' recent training gr…

Aston Villa were back to their creative best on Sunday, but came up short in the finishing and aerial defending departments, with a late Scott McTominay goal securing all three points for Manchester United. Tune in as Cole, Simon, and Tom discuss the recent form at Villa Park, defensive lapses, and Leon Bailey's impact. You can listen for FREE on A…

Aston Villa put forward a five star performance against Sheffield United on Saturday as Unai Emery's side put 5 goals past Chris Wilder's men at Bramall Lane. Join Cole, Simon, Tom, and Seb as the lads break down a superb Villa performance, the top-tier quality of Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins, and have a go at our newest feature, Dean Smith's Jug…

It certainly isn't the most ideal way to be included in the draw for the 5th round of the FA Cup, but Unai Emery's Aston Villa are part of the party for the time being. With that mind, our Cole, Seb, and Tom got together to discuss Friday's 0-0 draw against Chelsea, the football club's transfer business/plans this month, and look ahead to Newcastle…

The fourth round of the FA Cup beckons and as a result, Aston Villa make the trip to Stamford Bridge to face a Chelsea side that are starting to find their footing under Mauricio Pochettino. Tune in as Seb and Louis Beneventi of The Chelsea Echo Podcast discuss Chelsea's season since our last clash in September and look ahead to Friday's match in W…

After managing over 180 matches in England, Unai Emery has finally secured his first 0-0 result. With that in mind, our Cole and Tom got together to discuss Aston Villa's stalemate at Goodison Park, the need for patience when it comes to recent performances, and Kaine Kesler-Hayden's future at the football club. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Ap…

With Aston Villa now through to the 4th round of the FA Cup, our Cole and Seb discuss victory of Middlesbrough, Jhon Durán's Aston Villa future, and look ahead to the trip to Goodison Park on Sunday as Unai Emery's Villans take on Everton. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Saturday's win ove…

With the third round of the FA Cup already underway, our Seb was joined by Tom Green of The Boro Breakdown Podcast to discuss Middlesbrough's season thus far, Michael Carrick, and look ahead to Saturday's match at the Riverside Stadium. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? After 26 matches, Mid…

With the holiday season coming to an end, our Cole, Simon, and Seb dusted off their microphones and got together to reflect on Aston Villa's batch of festive fixtures/results, the year (2023) that was for Unai Emery's mighty Villa, and look ahead to the January transfer window. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!…

It’s the second half of December and the mighty Villa are one point away from league leaders, Arsenal...let that sink in, Villans! Join Cole and Simon as the lads huddle together for a quick recap on Sunday’s away victory over Brentford and look ahead to Cameron Archer’s return to Villa Park on Friday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcas…

Well, what a week for the mighty Villa! Moments after the final whistle our Cole and Tom got together to try and find the right words that would make sense of such a memorable week for Unai Emery’s side, with Villa walking away from Fortress Villa Park with a 1-0 win over Arsenal. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig …

With Wednesday’s victory over Manchester City potentially being the most complete performance most Aston Villa fans may have ever seen, our Cole and Dom got together to process the brilliance of Unai Emery’s Villa and look ahead to Arsenal on Saturday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Well …

Our Seb was joined by football/sports writer, Amos Murphy, to discuss Manchester City’s season thus far and to look ahead to Wednesday’s match at Villa Park. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? It’s third versus fourth on Wednesday, with Aston Villa sitting a point behind the defending Premier…