Claret & Blue Podcast
Episodes
Everything you need to know about Evann Guessand
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Striker supplement, flipping PSR youngsters & setting season expectations
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Premi...
The unfair financial rules holding Aston Villa back
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Vi...
McGinn x Townley: What it was like to interview Villa's captain
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 subjec...
Watkins “not for sale”, Kamara’s bumper deal & opening the Villa mailbag
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Kamara's new deal is absolutely massive for Aston Villa
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
John Townley offers his verdict on today's news that Boubacar Kamara has signed a new 5-year-deal with Aston Villa Football Club. 🎙🎙 Clar...
Your UNPOPULAR Villa opinions: Jinxes, bad chants & rubbish rivalries
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and Dan Bardell react to some of your very unpopular Aston Villa opinions. 🎙🎙 The Claret & Blue MAILBAG: https://forms.gle/4R...
Our plans for Aston Villa's pre-season tour of the US
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
John Townley is off to the US this week to cover Aston Villa's pre season tour, so here are our plans... 🎙🎙 Claret & Blue MAILBAG: https://for...
How Aston Villa unlock the next phase of the transfer window
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 V...
Why you shouldn't read much into Aston Villa's pre-season
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 epis...
Marco Bizot joins, Enzo to Benfica and Forest's interest in Ramsey
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
John Townley discusses some of the transfer news surrounding Aston Villa from Bizot officially joining the club, to Nottingham Forest being interested...
The transfer domino effect, reducing wages & rating Ezri Konsa
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and Neil Dunworth open up the Claret & Blue mailbag to answer another batch of your Aston Villa questions. 🎙🎙 The Claret & Bl...
The one key area Aston Villa must improve this season
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 transf...
Europa League incentive, Douglas Luiz return & season ticket waiting lists
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley are LIVE to answer all your Aston Villa questions. 🎙🎙 The Mailbag: https://forms.gle/4R4kq4g1Ffta5xWW6 S...
John McGinn's Aston Villa story isn't over yet
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
UEFA fine clarity, new signings & the Aston Villa project
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley open up the Claret & Blue Mailbag for a live Q&A special. 🎙🎙 The Mailbag: https://forms.gle/4R4kq4g1Ffta5xWW6 S...
Instinct, goalscoring streaks & big chances missed... what to do with Ollie Watkins?
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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? ...
How we would spend £125 million on transfers at Aston Villa
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Aston Villa COMPLIANT with PSR for 24/25
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 celeb...
Where are Aston Villa's points coming from in 25/26?
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and Dan Bardell answer your Aston Villa questions as the end of June approaches and with it, that PSR deadline... 🎙🎙 The Claret ...
Why Villa's trophy success in the 90s wasn't the start of something special
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Explaining Pau Torres: Aston Villa’s most divisive footballer?
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 J...
Live reaction to Aston Villa's Premier League fixtures for 25/26
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Asto...
Villa Park naming rights, summer transfers & fresh podcast plans…
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley are back at Poddymoor Heath HQ to tackle another batch of your Aston Villa questions. 🎙🎙 Sponsored by Saily, f...
Aston Villa Q&A: Transfers, Tielemans & leaving Villa Park
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 le...
Jack Grealish back to Aston Villa? Our FINAL verdict...
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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' ret...
Big name signings, Martinez to United & the point of winning trophies
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson is joined by Neil Dunworth from For the Love of Paul McGrath podcast to answer all your Aston Villa questions. 🎙🎙 Sponsored b...
11 tasks on Unai Emery’s to-do-list
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The definitive guide to Aston Villa’s finances in 2025
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many questions surround Aston Villa's finances whether it be wages, PSR, UEFA squad cost rules, amortisation or contracts. We've invited business expe...
Emery's long-term goals, revamping PSR & a round up of transfer rumours
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The missing puzzle pieces of Aston Villa's 25/26 team
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Making of Morgan Rogers
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Europa League ambitions, replacing Martinez & 60 chicken nuggets
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 al...
Appreciating the squad, looking forward & the necessity of winning trophies
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
Aston Villa's 2025 summer rebuild starts here
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Emer...
The ALTERNATIVE Aston Villa Awards 2025
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Aston Villa miss out on Champions League on final day
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
It all comes down to this...
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Permutations, predictions and superstitions... Aston Villa head to Old Trafford on the final day of the season to face Europa League runners up Manche...
Malen's impact next season, the losers of PSR & John's Lynx collection...
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Aston Villa state of play heading into the final day
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to beat United, Leon Bailey's value & final day drama
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley answer another round of your Aston Villa questions ahead of a huge week for Unai Emery's side.🎙🎙 This podcast i...
Villa take it to the final day, Chelsea win & Emi Martinez in tears....
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Aston Villa have to beat Spurs... it's as simple as that
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why Aston Villa's transfer strategy is a lesson in patience...
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Meet the Villa fan running 11 marathons in 11 days for charity
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Explaining Villa's form, summer signings & midfield dynamics
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
10 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and Dan Bardell share their instant reaction after Aston Villa's huge win against Bournemouth in the race for Champions League qualificat...
Aston Villa have to beat Bournemouth - it's as simple as that
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Y...
EXPLAINED: Aston Villa's route into the 2026 Champions League
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Vil...
Aston Villa beat Fulham 1-0 to keep UCL dreams alive
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa find themselves three points outside the Top 5 - and with a worse goal difference - heading into the final four Premier League games. T...
Pau problems, Martinez drop off & moving the goalposts of success
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley are joined by Neil Dunworth to tackle your Aston Villa questions after the huge disappointment at Wembley against Crysta...
Aston Villa drop Wembley STINKER in humiliation against Palace
26 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Our verdict on Aston Villa's exciting NEW North Stand plans
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley share their instant reaction to Aston Villa's exciting new North Stand plans. 🎙🎙 This podcast is sponsored by No...
Man City deliver a swift kick to Aston Villa's Champions League plums
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dan Rolinson and Rob Warner as they share their instant reaction to Aston Villa's late heartbreak defeat against fellow Champions League rivals, ...
Unprecedented winning run, Tielemans appreciation & a letter to Prince William
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Villa dominate Newcastle in massive Champions League six-pointer
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick to get their instant reactions to Aston Villa's massive win against Newcastle United at Villa Park. 🎙🎙 This...
Villa vs Newcastle: A vital match in race for Champions League finish
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 V...
That night against Bayern, surprising Europe's elite & best Villa Park tifo...
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Aston Villa beat PSG on the night but fall short of the semi-final
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to face PSG, life after Watkins & hunting down the Top 5
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Villa's bench too hot to handle for Southampton
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Late PSG "sucker-punch" gives Aston Villa big task in 2nd leg
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Leag...
PSG vs Aston Villa - An opportunity we've waited a generation for...
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Leagu...
Kamara’s "historic" contract, excited for PSG & Unai Emery’s statue
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 For...
Aston Villa's "second string" beats Forest in massive victory
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick as they share their verdict on Aston Villa's massive win against Nottingham Forest. 🎙🎙 This podcast is spon...
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest in the battle for European football
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Darren Fletcher: Aston Villa can dare to dream again
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Cha...
Villa smash & grab their way to 3 massive points against Brighton
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Aston Villa are primed and ready for the run in
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Marcu...
Aston Villa must beat Preston... there can be NO excuses
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Aston Villa & The FA Cup: This is what it means
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Answering Rashford's critics, a rest for Tielemans and talking double Dutch...
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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?...
Ticket troubles, PSR frustration & Aston Villa's succession plans
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 frustratio...
Mat Kendrick’s Villa Voicenotes: What I really think about that David Platt podcast
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No journalist likes to be scooped on a big interview, especially when your own cowardice is the main thing that stopped you landing the exclusive in t...
Empty stadiums, a row with Deano & the three months that saved Villa
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ashley Preece returns to the Claret & Blue podcast studio for the first time since leaving his role as Aston Villa correspondent in May 2023. Five yea...
What next for Aston Villa's 11 expiring contracts?
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa have 11 first-team players with contracts coming to an end in the summer transfer windows of 2025, 2026 and 2027. For a select few, their...
The need to win trophies, Watkins in Dubai & breaking PSR rules
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa haven't played a match since Club Brugge and won't again till Preston in the FA Cup - but that won't stop us taking on another set of your...
The Aston Villa Draft: Our controversial picks for best Villa XI
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Villa Social returns but with a man down... Dan Rolinson, James Rushton, Dan Bardell and Max Stokes head in to the Poddymoor Heath studio to take ...
PSG may be dangerous but underestimate Emery's Villa at your peril
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lot has been said about PSG in the knockouts of the Champions League and whilst they might be dangerous and one of the favourites for the competitio...
Aston Villa: Champions League Quarter Finalists!
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick to discuss Aston Villa reaching the Champions League Quarter Finals after beating Club Brugge 3-0 at Villa Park. Un...
Nervous or confident? Aston Villa’s UCL 2nd leg with Brugge awaits
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa take a two-goal advantage into the Champions League R16 2nd leg against Club Brugge after victory in the Jan Breydel stadium last week. Un...
Aston Villa's best defence, Enzo impressing & understated Ramsey
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest Claret & Blue podcast Q&A, we answer your questions around Jacob Ramsey's role, who makes up Villa's best defence and who might 'do a Bo...
Unai Emery's Claret & Blue army win away at Brentford
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson is joined by Matt Lynch to react to Aston Villa's 0-1 away win at Brentford. Ollie Watkins' goal at the start of the second half was enou...
Villa have to end 'post-Europe-slump' with result away at Brentford
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa will hope to build on a win in Europe on Wednesday by heading to Brentford on Saturday evening and bringing a positive result back to B6. ...
Mat Kendrick's Villa Voicenotes: I can't stop thinking about the FA Cup
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa are heading into March still in the Champions League and in contention to finish in a European place in the Premier League. But there's on...
Mings’ touch, late goals & advantage AVFC - The story of Villa in Brugge
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick to dissect Aston Villa's first-leg clash away at Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Unai Emery's...
Villa have their greatest chance of FA Cup glory in years
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley react to Aston Villa's FA Cup Quarter Final match up with Preston North End, whilst also looking ahead to Brugge in the ...
Predicting the rest of the Champions League & how far Aston Villa will go
01 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley share their predictions for the remainder of the Champions League, but not just for Aston Villa. They predict every sing...
Marco Asensio fires Aston Villa to the FA Cup Quarter Final
01 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and Mat Kendrick share their immediate post match thoughts after Aston Villa's FA Cup 5th round victory against Cardiff City. 🎙🎙 ...
Aston Villa have to go all out for the FA Cup against Cardiff
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Rolinson and John Townley discuss Aston Villa's home match against Cardiff City in the 5th Round of the FA Cup, potentially Villa's best bet in 's...
Mat Kendrick's Villa Voicenotes - An away day to forget but with moments to remember
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mat Kendrick is back for another Villa Voicenotes after *checks notes* at rubbish defeat away at Crystal Palace? Fear not, it's not about the match, b...