Episodes

  • Dean Saunders: “Villa was the best move ever for my career”

    Dean Saunders: “Villa was the best move ever for my career”
    Aug 20 2025
    Dean Saunders, the Welsh striker who lit up Villa Park in the early 90s, joins Kate Tracey and Alan McInally for a captivating look back at his time in claret and blue. Dean reflects on playing alongside Villa legends Paul McGrath and Steve Staunton, sharing insights into what made those players so special and the camaraderie within the squad during his time at the club. He also reveals the story behind that famous umbrella photo with Dalian Atkinson, giving fans a glimpse into the personality and humour that made him such a popular figure among supporters and teammates alike. In a wide-ranging conversation, Dean opens up about his journey to Villa Park, the characters he played with, and his memories of representing one of English football's most historic clubs during a memorable period in the club's history. An episode full of personality, stories, and genuine affection for Aston Villa, from a striker who gave his all in claret and blue. Subscribe now to the Official Aston Villa Podcast and never miss an episode and to check out a full video version of this podcast head to: https://www.avfc.co.uk/video/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Brian Little: “Nothing could have stopped me managing Villa” (Part Two)

    Brian Little: “Nothing could have stopped me managing Villa” (Part Two)
    Jul 23 2025
    In Part Two of our chat with Brian Little, the Villa legend tells Kate Tracey and Alan McInally how he made his emotional return to Villa Park, this time as manager. Brian reveals how nothing was going to stop him taking the job, telling Leicester City he’d walk away from management altogether if they blocked the move. He recalls his first days with the squad, walking into the dressing room after his first game and declaring: “You’re going to be a Brian Little team starting tomorrow.” The conversation also touches on his sharp eye for talent, from quickly scouting a young Gareth Southgate to making sure he signed the player who would become a key figure for club and country. Missed Part One? Go back to hear Brian’s rise through the Villa ranks, the 1977 League Cup Final, and the injury that ended his playing career far too soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Brian Little: “I achieved far more than I could ever have imagined” (Part One)

    Brian Little: “I achieved far more than I could ever have imagined” (Part One)
    Jul 8 2025
    What was it really like to be Aston Villa’s rising star in the 1970s? In this special two-part interview, Villa legend Brian Little sits down with hosts Kate Tracey and Alan McInally to reflect on the highs and heartbreaks of his unforgettable playing career at Villa Park. In Part One, Brian opens up about his early life and journey to becoming one of Aston Villa’s most exciting attacking talents. He relives the glory of the 1974/75 season, and that iconic League Cup Final replay against Everton, scoring the winner in the dying seconds. The conversation also turns to the cruel injury that brought his playing days to a premature end, and the deep bond he formed with the club that would define his football life. This is a must-listen for Aston Villa fans who want to hear the inside story from one of the club’s most influential figures. From boyhood dreams to Wembley glory, Brian Little’s Villa story is as emotional as it is inspiring. Subscribe now and stay tuned for Part Two, where we dive into Brian’s time in the dugout and the managerial legacy he left behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Andy Townsend: A True Villa Captain

    Andy Townsend: A True Villa Captain
    Jun 4 2025
    Andy Townsend, the last Aston Villa captain to lift a major trophy for the club, joins Kate Tracey and Alan McInally for a deep-dive into his journey from non-league football to cup-winning captain. Andy reflects on those iconic League Cup triumphs in 1994 and 1996, reliving the legendary battles with Tranmere Rovers and Manchester United, and sharing what it truly meant to lift silverware in claret and blue. He also opens up on how Ron Atkinson brought him to Villa, unforgettable calls with Terry Venables and Sir Alex Ferguson, and how it felt living next door to Doug Ellis. In a wide-ranging conversation, Andy shares his honest view on modern-day punditry, his non-league beginnings, and the journey into the media world. He draws comparisons between the side he played in and the current Unai Emery team, highlighting the balance of the Brian Little era and why today’s Villa squad reminds him of his time playing alongside the likes of Savo Milosevic. An episode full of insight, pride, and nostalgia, from a true Villa captain. Subscribe now to the Official Aston Villa Podcast and never miss an episode and to check out a full video version of this podcast head to: https://www.avfc.co.uk/video/ Up The Villa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Match Reaction: Amadou Onana “This Feels Like Home”

    Match Reaction: Amadou Onana “This Feels Like Home”
    May 16 2025
    Kate Tracey is joined by Lee Hendrie and James Chester to break down Aston Villa’s season-defining 2-0 win over Spurs. They discuss Boubacar Kamara’s first Premier League goal, Villa’s impressive squad depth, and the electric atmosphere at Villa Park. Plus, Amadou Onana reveals his favourite Villa Park moment of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Match Reaction: Tielemans’ Fulham winner keeps Champions League hopes alive

    Match Reaction: Tielemans’ Fulham winner keeps Champions League hopes alive
    May 3 2025
    Join VillaTV's Kate Tracey pitch-side at Villa Park with former Aston Villa players, Alan McInally and Garry Thompson, as they dissect Villa’s 1-0 victory against Fulham. Youri Tielemans’ bullet header, an assist on John McGinn’s 200th appearance, and a vital clean sheet are all discussed, as Villa’s Champions League hopes remain intact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Garry Thompson: “I Cried My Eyes Out When I Left Villa”

    Garry Thompson: “I Cried My Eyes Out When I Left Villa”
    Apr 30 2025
    On this episode of Villa Podcast: The Official Aston Villa Podcast, hosts Kate Tracey and Alan McInally sit down with former Aston Villa forward Garry Thompson for a fascinating deep dive into his journey from Villa fan to Villa player. Thompson shares heartfelt stories about growing up as a die-hard Aston Villa supporter, the unforgettable moment he first stepped into Villa Park, and the pride of signing for his boyhood club. He also opens up about his early career at Coventry City, his clash with Graham Taylor, and the legendary manager’s role in putting Aston Villa back on the map. Expect never-heard-before tales, including a fiery bust-up at Sheffield Wednesday, how a meeting with Doug Ellis sealed his dream move to Villa, and the emotional farewell that left him in tears. This is a must-listen for Aston Villa fans and football lovers alike—tune in now for an episode packed with passion, nostalgia, and insider stories from a true Villa man! Subscribe now to the Official Aston Villa Podcast and never miss an episode and to check out a full video version of this podcast head to: https://www.avfc.co.uk/video/ Up The Villa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Tyrone Mings on FA Cup Semi Final: “There’s no getting away from how big this is”

    Tyrone Mings on FA Cup Semi Final: “There’s no getting away from how big this is”
    Apr 24 2025
    In this special episode of Villa Podcast, hosts, Kate Tracey and Alan McInally are joined by Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings, joins us ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Semi Final clash with Crystal Palace, offering a brilliant insight into the mindset and preparation inside the camp. In a refreshingly honest and thoughtful chat, Tyrone opens up about the pride he feels in his comeback this season, the importance of understanding his role in a strong squad, and how compartmentalising setbacks has been key to his journey post-injury. He reflects on Villa’s incredible run, how it’s met his expectations because of the sheer quality in the squad, and why Unai Emery keeps everyone on their toes. We also dive into dressing room routines, the psychology of matchday, and why sometimes it’s easier to fire up Call of Duty than sit alone with your thoughts. Plus: what fans don’t see behind the scenes, clear roles and responsibilities, and a funny moment involving a pair of goalkeeper gloves you won’t want to miss. “There’s no getting away from it” - a must-listen episode with one of Villa’s leaders. 🎧 Subscribe now to the Official Aston Villa Podcast and never miss an episode and to check out a full video version of this podcast head to: https://www.avfc.co.uk/video/ Up The Villa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins