My Old Man Said - An Aston Villa Podcast

This week’s My Old Man Said podcast opens with the Lovers Walk Unlimited Orchestra summing up the Villa week in song, before the show dives straight into the fallout from a chaotic few days. From David’s Dublin airport delay courtesy of Zelensky, to a Brighton game that veered from disaster to delirium, it has been peak Villa in every imaginable way.The show pulls apart the Brighton match first. Emery’s rage in the dugout. A tactical plan that looked too respectful. A comeback powered by firepower off the bench. Questions about the squad answered by Onana bullying back posts, Watkins waking up again and Marlon emerging as a genuine asset. Emery’s long-range revolution gets dissected too. The pundits are baffled, the xG merchants are twitching, but Villa are simply doing what good teams do. Take the right shot when it is on.From there the episode moves into the Arsenal preview. A match that could tilt the entire narrative of the season. Beat Arsenal and suddenly the door creaks open to something bigger. As MOM

Aston Villa’s derby win over Wolves was a tale of two halves. The first was everything you expect in this fixture. Wolves flying into tackles, Larsen bullying the back line, and Villa drifting through the opening forty minutes with an air of casualness. The turning point arrived when Emi Martinez produced a double save to keep the game level and stop Wolves gaining a foothold.The second half belonged to Villa. Kamara’s top-corner screamer lit the place up, exactly the moment of quality the afternoon had been begging for. From there Villa pressed higher, forced Wolves deeper and finally imposed their rhythm. Ollie Watkins and Donyell Marlen gave the front line purpose, the midfield tightened up and the atmosphere switched from frustrated to defiant.In this episode the podcast digs into why Villa started so slowly, how Martinez’s intervention changed everything, Marlen’s tough afternoon leading the line, Watkins’ impact from the bench and the tactical tweaks Emery made to drag the game back. There is also talk

Aston Villa return from a Europa League win against Young Boys with plenty to argue about. The xG police have spent the week sounding alarms, but MOMS explains why the conversation around underperformance is nonsense. Villa are evolving, not chancing their luck. Emery has shifted his side toward controlled mid-range and long-range shooting patterns, and the data heads have not caught up yet.The episode also looks back at the Young Boys win and the question the habit of Villa looking a little foggy after European nights. With two-point Wolves up next, it is exactly the fixture that can trip a team that has not fully reset. There is talk of a lack of sharpness, with Ollie Watkins needing a spark and the reality of winter football when injuries and workload begin to stack.Along the way the show looks at Premier League’s new Squad Cost Ratio idea, the odd decisions coming out of Sky’s TikTok department and Ronaldo’s mystery discount ban. It is the new format of the show, built around more stories, more football i

Aston Villa went to Elland Road expecting a fight, and that is exactly what they got. Leeds were physical and up for it, and the game swung on two long VAR checks that are worth discussion. Unai Emery made the decisive halftime changes, flipping the pace and shape of the attack with Donyell Marlen and Ian Maatsen. Rogers took over from there - a sharp finish for the first, and a cultured free kick for the second, becoming the first Villa player to score twice at Elland Road since Gareth Southgate in 2000.It was not pretty. It was not controlled. It was not Emery-ball in its purest form. But it was the kind of away win that top-four teams collect without apology. Villa stood up to the size, the chaos, the set pieces, and the atmosphere - and came out with exactly what matters: three points and a foothold in the Champions League chase.In this new-look post match episode, 'The MOMS Post-mortem' we break down the VAR incidents, the tactical switch that changed the game, Watkins’ substitution, Rogers’ growing infl

Aston Villa entered the latest international break in style, smashing Bournemouth 4-0 at Villa Park.In this week’s My Old Man Said podcast, David Michael, Chris Budd and Phil Shaw unpack a dominant display built on Buendia’s brilliance, Martinez’s penalty heroics, and Emery’s evolving system finally clicking again.From Cash’s Plan B assist to Barkley’s clever cameo, the show breaks down every moment - including the “sh*t skimmer” finish, the triple substitution power play, and why Buendia’s fire is changing Villa’s attack.There’s also talk of Watkins’ role, the PSR shadow over squad decisions, and how Emery’s fine-tuning could push Villa back into European contention.As ever, expect blunt truths and a few laughs along the way.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods. Spotify Links to Opera Tracks My Old Man Said OperaHolte Enders in the Sky - Traditional Verse AriaAlso available on all music streaming platforms.GET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBGet ad-free shows and extra

After a wild week that swung from European frustration to domestic delight, Aston Villa head to Anfield to face Liverpool in what feels like the “final boss” test, after beating Spurs and Manchester City in recent weeks.In this episode, we look at Villa’s evolving mentality under Unai Emery, the re-engineering of Matty Cash into a right-back goal machine, and whether Villa’s defence can stand up to Liverpool’s bruised but dangerous attack.There’s also discussion on Arne Slot’s wobble, Liverpool’s long-ball problem, and how the likes of Gravenberch and Salah might define the contest. Plus, updates on Emi Buendia’s injury, tactical tweaks, and the latest musical sermon from the MOMS Lovers Walk Unlimited Orchestra - serving up some funky gospel Polish funk to lift the Villa faithful ahead of Anfield.Emery’s touch is almighty divine, Turning right-back water into wine! Man of the match, goal of the month, new deal signed, The Polish Cafu is doing just fine.Topics DiscussedFrom Go Ahead Eagles to Man

Villa Park witnessed another Unai Emery masterclass as Aston Villa produced a performance of tactical brilliance to beat Manchester City for the third consecutive time at Villa Park.In this week’s My Old Man Said, David Michael, Chris Budd and Phil Shaw break down how Villa controlled the champions, ghosted Haaland, and played out from the back with Harlem Globetrotter-level confidence.From Matty Cash’s grass-cutting finish to Pau Torres’ ice-cold passing, the trio dissect how Emery’s control culture has flipped Villa fortunes this season - and what comes next with Liverpool looming.Expect wit, insight, and the usual madness - plus a few operatic nods from the Lovers Walk Unlimited Orchestra.UTVSpotify Links to Opera Tracks (also available on all streaming platforms)My Old Man Said OperaHolte Enders in the Sky - Traditional Verse AriaGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBGet ad-free shows and extra shows, and join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club.For more details and to become a mem

After five straight wins, Aston Villa’s European dream hit turbulence in Deventer - as Go Ahead Eagles clipped the Villans’ wings.In this Something for the Weekend edition of My Old Man Said, David Michael and Chris Budd dissect how Villa managed to make a mess of a winnable tie and what it tells us ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Villa Park.From the strange lethargy in Holland to Emery’s squad rotation gamble, we pick apart what went wrong, who’s to blame, and how Villa can bounce back with a statement win over City.Expect frank talk, tactical insight, and the usual humour - plus an appearance from the Lovers Walk Unlimited Orchestra to lift spirits.UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBGet ad-free shows and extra shows, and join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club.For more details and to become a member, click here: Become a MOMS MemberJoin the show’s listener facebook group The Mad Few.Credits:David Michael - @myoldmansaid Chris Budd - 

After a fifth straight win, the My Old Man Said crew bask in the glory of Villa’s gritty away triumph at Spurs - or as one listener put it, “Stoke City in a spaceship.”We dissect the new blue-collar Spurs, Buendía’s resurrection arc, and Emery’s latest tactical masterclass - while also diving headfirst into the off-pitch chaos that’s gripped Villa Park: from the political circus around the Maccabi Tel Aviv away fan ban to the weekly merch drops that seem to matter more than the football.Also in this packed show:Curtis Davies literally folds Paddy Kenny in halfBowie’s Ziggy catsuit and Spitting Image horrorAI football and £179k-a-day sackingsWhy UEFA should never have let this fixture happenAll that, plus 'Speed Demon' and 'Emery's Clipboard'.UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBGet ad-free shows and extra shows, and join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club.For more details and to become a member, click here: Become a MOMS MemberJoin the show’s listener facebook group The

From Warsaw to Rotterdam, and every airport bar in between - Aston Villa’s European adventures have reignited something special among the fanbase. Unai Emery is currently enjoying his eighteenth consecutive season in European competition, but is he likely to continue the run at Villa?In this episode of the My Old Man Said podcast , David Michael and Chris Budd, are joined by the returning Max Stokes of Villa on Tour to look back at Villa’s start to the season so far, and reflect on Villa's best European trips of the past three seasons.It’s part travelogue, part therapy session - and an update to see if Emery’s blueprint is still intact.Expect analysis, dry humour, and the odd flashback from the continent.UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBGet ad-free shows and extra shows, and join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club.For more details and to become a member, click here: Become a MOMS MemberJoin the show’s listener facebook group The Mad Few.Credits:David Michael - @myold

When journalist and author Guillem Balagué arrived in England in 1991, there were only 13 foreign players in the Premier League. Three decades later, Spanish minds are shaping its future — and none more intriguingly than Unai Emery at Aston Villa.In this face-to-face interview recorded inside the changing rooms of Biggleswade United, the ninth-tier club where Balagué is chairman, My Old Man Said takes the conversation far beyond the touchline. From Emery’s obsession with control and structure to the Spanish influence redefining English football, Balagué opens up about a year spent shadowing Villa’s manager for his new book The Rise of the Villans.Expect fly-on-the-wall stories from Bodymoor Heath, conversations with Emery's mum, the mystique behind Emery’s intensity, what makes Villa’s project so unique, and how football has evolved from the Cantona-Wenger era to the analytical age of Emery, Guardiola and Maresca.For Villa fans, it’s a rare insight into the inner w

After a winning week that took Aston Villa from the chaos of Rotterdam to the comfort of Villa Park, My Old Man Said returns to make sense of it all.From the surreal experience of being herded behind Perspex to watch Villa play Feyenoord to the sight of Napalm Death on the flight home, the European trip had everything - but most importantly, it reminded fans what Unai Emery’s Villa can be when fully switched on.Back on home soil, Burnley offered the perfect chance to consolidate that rhythm. With Marlen’s ruthless finishing, Bogarde’s composure under pressure, and a midfield that finally hummed again, it felt like the real Villa had clocked back in. Yet, the familiar sight of a soft goal from a set piece showed there’s still work to do before they can start dreaming bigger.In this episode, we unpack the growing control in Villa’s play, the tactical tweaks behind the win, and why this run might just be the spark to reawaken Emery’s machine - plus a few laughs along the way.UTVAs mentioned in the show:Inve

Aston Villa finally got their first league win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Fulham at Villa Park - but is this the turning point or just a temporary lift?In this week’s My Old Man Said podcast, we break down a game that went from frustration to relief. From Watkins snapping his seven-hour league goal drought, to Buendia’s record-breaking six-minute cameo of a goal and assist.We also ask the big questions: has Pau Torres unlocked Villa’s true identity for Emery? Are new arrivals like Elliott and Sancho destined to struggle?Beyond the pitch, we try and embrace a new football “woke” language guide.UTVBe Smart and Invest in YourselfAs mentioned in the show, don't feed football's commercial beast and invest in yourself. These are investing services MOMS personally uses (after hours of research) - all low-cost, no trading fees, and they come with bonuses when you sign-up below:Penfold – Pensions Made SimplePerfect if you’re self-employed or a freelancer. A super simple, low-cost pension you can set up and

Aston Villa might have beaten Bologna in Europe, but the cracks are still showing. In this Something for the Weekend edition of the My Old Man Said podcast, we break down the limp Europa League performance, the flat atmosphere at Villa Park, and why ticket prices are killing the buzz.We dive into Unai Emery’s squad choices, the ongoing questions around recruitment, and whether Ollie Watkins can really be trusted to deliver when it matters most. With Fulham next at Villa Park, history says this should be three points - but for the first time under Emery, there’s genuine doubt.From transfer missteps to corporate tifos, and fromLincoln City air raid siren ultras to the cold reality of Villa’s current strike force, we get into the big picture issues and why a result against Fulham is non-negotiable.UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBIf you want ad-free advance versions of the shows and extra exclusive shows during the month and to join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club, please do suppor

Two games unbeaten, but it hardly feels like a run worth celebrating. Against ten-man Sunderland, Aston Villa had over an hour to assert themselves and still contrived to look second best. Unai Emery called it “lazy” - and for once, the word fits.From powder-puff defending that gifted the Black Cats an equaliser, to attacking play that never once forced their keeper into panic, Villa’s performance was a rancid watch. Possession stats may look healthy, but the reality was lethargic movement, predictable patterns, and wasted opportunities.This week’s My Old Man Said Podcast digs into the identity crisis at Villa Park. Why, nearly three years into Emery’s reign, does the starting XI still resemble the one he inherited? Has Villa’s slick system simply gone stale? And why does every promising new signing need months to “learn the system” while results go begging?We also cover:The missed chance to put ten-man Sunderland to the sword.Emery’s frustrations boiling over on the touchline.How ticketing shambles

The weekend brings a trip to the Stadium of Light and with it, plenty for Villa fans to chew over.In this Something for the Weekend edition of the My Old Man Said podcast, we tackle the mini-meltdown around Aston Villa’s start to the season and ask whether patience is already in short supply.From the Carabao Cup exit to questions over Emery’s squad strategy, we get into why the noise around “Emery Out” is nonsense, and why context matters when judging the bigger picture.We also look ahead to Sunderland, the youngest side in the Premier League under Régis Le Bris, and weigh up how their physical, Palace-like style could pose Villa problems. With memories of Benteke’s hat-trick against the Black Cats in a 6-1 win recalled, we ask: can Villa find their spark again, or will this become another bruising away day?UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBIf you want ad-free advance versions of the shows and extra exclusive shows during the month and to join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club

In this latest post-match show, the My Old Man Said team reflect on the 0-0 draw at Everton and the growing sense that Villa’s early-season struggles are less about bad luck - and more about a tactical identity crisis.We also catch up with the latest Villa news, including the League Cup defeat against Brentford and beers at Villa Park while watching a match.UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBIf you want ad-free advance versions of the shows and extra exclusive shows during the month and to join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club, please do support the show by becoming a MOMS Member.For more details and to become a member, click here: Become a MOMS MemberFollow the show on:X/Twitter at @myoldmansaid / Threads at @myoldmansaid / Bluesky at @myoldmansaid and join the show’s listener facebook group The Mad Few.Credits:David Michael - @myoldmansaid Chris Budd - @BUDD_musicPhillip Shaw - @prsgameMy Old Man Said - https://www.myoldmansaid.comGet your MOMS

As the dust settles on the international break, Villa are back in action - but are they back in business? This episode of Something for the Weekend dives deep into an important clash at Everton’s new home, with plenty to prove and plenty to fix. With the Grealish narrative dominating the headlines, Villa fans will be more interested in what new loanees Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliot can bring to the party. UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBIf you want ad-free advance versions of the shows and extra exclusive shows during the month and to join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club, please do support the show by becoming a MOMS Member.For more details and to become a member, click here: Become a MOMS MemberFollow the show on:X/Twitter at @myoldmansaid / Threads at @myoldmansaid / Bluesky at @myoldmansaid and join the show’s listener facebook group The Mad Few.Credits:David Michael - @myoldmansaid Chris Budd - @BUDD_musicMy Old Man Said - https://ww

With Birmingham Council recently approving plans for the latest North Stand redevelopment at Villa Park, we take a look at the documentation and discuss the details. Also, we look back at Aston Villa's Europa League draw.UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBIf you want ad-free advance versions of the shows and extra exclusive shows during the month and to join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match Club, please do support the show by becoming a MOMS Member.For more details and to become a member, click here: Become a MOMS MemberFollow the show on:X/Twitter at @myoldmansaid / Threads at @myoldmansaid / Bluesky at @myoldmansaid and join the show’s listener facebook group The Mad Few.Credits:David Michael - @myoldmansaid Chris Budd - @BUDD_musicMy Old Man Said - https://www.myoldmansaid.comGet your MOMS EXCLUSIVE NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.sjv.io/ZdjLdq Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a chaotic start to the season and a quiet transfer window (until the very last day), have Villa done enough to keep pace with their ambitions?In this episode, we go deep on:Why the club’s PSR situation made bold moves nearly impossibleThe truth behind the Martínez drama — and why keeping him might define our seasonDeadline day surprises: Sancho, Lindelöf, and Elliott – quick fixes or clever stopgaps?The problem with Villa’s long-term identity and succession planWhether the club is actually stronger than this time last year – or just treading waterWe also reflect on how Emery’s past shows he can steady the ship after a poor start, and whether these new arrivals are enough to reignite the campaign post-international break.This is the definitive verdict on Aston Villa’s summer business — no fluff and no misinformation.UTVGET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUBIf you want ad-free advance versions of the shows and extra exclusive shows during the month and to join My Old Man Said's 24/7 Villa community, Match