My Old Man Said - An Aston Villa Podcast

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

The new Premier League season promised a fresh push for Champions League places, but two games in and Villa are yet to score. In the latest episode of the My Old Man Said podcast, we dive into the concerning signs already emerging.Villa’s limp 1-0 defeat at Brentford felt all too familiar — predictability in attack, questionable tactical tweaks, and a severe lack of aggression or width. Despite boasting over 75% possession, Emery’s side struggled to break down a Brentford team who’ve promoted their set piece coach as manager and had key players stripped out over the summer.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 th

Aston Villa kicked off their season with a goalless draw against Newcastle, but behind the clean sheet lies a more intriguing story - one of financial recalibration, tactical caution, and squad transition.In this episode, we dive into the key takeaways from the Villa Park stalemate, including:The £40m Jacob Ramsey sale - smart business or soul-sapping necessity?Why Villa’s multiball fine and ban sums up modern football’s absurdityBizarre debut: has Emery found a keeper he can finally trust?Our new Speed Demon and Slow B*stard stats feature (guess who’s who)Tactical tweaks, red card fallout, and what the draw really tells us about Villa’s squad depthWe also discuss what it means to juggle UEFA’s squad cost ratio, PSR restrictions, and supporter expectations — and ask: has Emery quietly solved a major squad weakness while the club trims the financial fat?As mentioned in the show:Retro Football Manager – 2025 Aston Villa ChallengeRelive the glory days of Championship Manager with Retro Football Ma

As Aston Villa gear up for the 2025/26 Premier League opener against Newcastle, the latest My Old Man Said podcast dives into everything that’s gone down in a spicy pre-season finale.From the emergence of summer signing Guessand and the Buendia conundrum, to the practical madness of DNA sprays and rule tweaks that’ll reshape the season—David, Phil, and Chris dissect it all. The trio also touch on Mings’ unlikely moment of unity against Marseille, the club’s clever (if forced) moves in the French market, and what Villa’s average attendance says about their historical standing.With final verdicts on where Villa might finish, which players could shine, and how Emery’s “control over chaos” approach stacks up against a fiery pre-season, this episode sets the tone perfectly for what lies ahead.Listen now – it’s the calm before the Geordie storm.UTVAs mentioned in the show:Retro Football Manager – 2025 Aston Villa ChallengeRelive the glory days of Championship Manager with Retro Football Man

The My Old Man Said crew dissect Villa’s pre-season US tour and ask some uncomfortable questions: Have we seen this defensive script before? Is Buendía fading into the background? And just how worried should we be about what’s brewing down the road at St. Andrew’s (or whatever you call it nowadays)?Plus, lots, lots, more.UTVSuper VPN Discounted Offer with Extra Four Months Free & 30-Day Money Back GuaranteeThis episode of the My Old Man Said podcast is sponsored by NordVPN. NordVPN allows you the opportunity to help get access to those 3pm Saturday or 2pm Sunday games, which aren't available in your region, by switching your virtual location to a country which is screening it. As well as protecting your privacy and online data.With the MOMS deal on NordVPN, you can get the Fastest VPN in the world for the price of a coffee a month, while being able to use it across 10 devices and try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.Get your MOMS EXCLUSIVE NordVPN deal here ➼ https:

From the emotional tributes to Birmingham's own Ozzy Osbourne to the pressing concerns over rising ticket prices, this episode unpacks the complex dynamics shaping Aston Villa's current quiet summer. The arrival of goalkeeper Bizot is a plus, while Kamara's new contract, after a period of uncertainty, is a big step in the right direction. Key highlights:Local community's embrace of Ozzy Osbourne tributesPre-season analysis and defensive improvement needsKamara's new contractImpact of UEFA sanctions on transfer strategiesGrowing tension between commercial decisions and fan accessibilitySupporter representationTune in to this must-listen episode for an insightful exploration of how Aston Villa navigates the delicate balance between commercial growth and maintaining its soul as a community club.UTVSuper VPN Discounted Offer with Extra Four Months Free & 30-Day Money Back GuaranteeThis episode of the My Old Man Said podcast is sponsored by NordVPN. NordVPN allows you the opportunity to help get access to

As Aston Villa got wrapped over the knuckles by UEFA, after a gamble on high wages led to mixed success. All eyes are on how Unai Emery can take this team to the next level, while working within the financial restrictions that the club now face. We look at the avenues available to Villa in terms of players to be offloaded to ease the financial handbrake, UEFA's punishment, while catching up on the latest happenings at the club.Outside of Villa, we look back at the Black Sabbath and Oasis concerts and delve into the latest Three Points.UTVSuper VPN Discounted Offer with Extra Four Months Free & 30-Day Money Back GuaranteeThis episode of the My Old Man Said podcast is sponsored by NordVPN. NordVPN allows you the opportunity to help get access to those 3pm Saturday or 2pm Sunday games, which aren't available in your region, by switching your virtual location to a country which is screening it. As well as protecting your privacy and online data.With the MOMS deal on NordVPN, you can get the Fastest