Welcome to this morning's edition of the Holtecast, and like us, you're probably breathing a sigh of relief – the transfer window is now shut and with a narrow defeat to Arsenal on Monday, there are plenty of positive as the season rolls ahead.

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WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• The first home game of the season; a good response to the opening day defeat?
• Positive debuts from Jackson and Suzuki.
• No shots on target or goals yet, but plenty of encouraging signs!
• Were Villa more proactive than reactive in the summer market?
• And much more!

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From transfer distractions to frustrating performances in Aston Villa's curtain raiser for the 2026/2027 Premier League season, Sunday's loss to Brighton had it all. Join Cole, Simon and Seb as they chat hours after the final whistle about the 4-0 defeat and where the football club goes from here.

There's still time to join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win a prize: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/ndaioe

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• Ugh...we haven't missed that feeling!
• No striker = Big problem.
• How much of a distraction has the transfer window become for Villa?
• Joao Gomes' debut to forget...
• What can be made of the Ollie Watkins saga?

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Aston Villa shined brightly in a narrow 2-1 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, so with that in mind, join Cole and Tom as the lads reflect on a night filled with plenty of positives and excitement ahead of the new campaign.

Join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win a prize: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/ndaioe

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• Villa didn't walk away with a trophy, but the likes of George Hemmings, Brian Madjo and Alysson provided plenty of excitement.
• Could these youngsters play an important part in the upcoming season?
• The Kamara/Gomes midfield partnership.
• How much encouragement can we take from this match?
• Villa's squad building continues!

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole Pettem: @TalkAstonVilla

Tom Nightingale: @tdnightingale

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The 2026/2027 season is nearly underway for the mighty Villa and with that in mind, Cole, Simon and Seb are back for their annual season preview show ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG. Join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win a prize: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/ndaioe

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• Well then, how are we all feeling about Villa heading into the new season?
• Is it safe to say that Villa are in a better position heading into this season compared to this time last term?
• Are we all happy with the looks of the squad?
• What would be deemed as a successful season for the football club?
• Our "Barkley's 6 Delightful" predictions are shared...let's see how they turn out this season!

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole Pettem: @TalkAstonVilla

Sebastian Bacon: @SebastianBacon8

Simon O'Regan: @SiORegan

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It's been non-stop business for Aston Villa as of late and with the arrival of Alejandro Garnacho and departure of Austin MacPhee, it seems as though there's no signs of thngs slowing down. Listen in as Cole and Tom lend some perspective to the latest news surrounding the football club.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• Are some of the reactions about Garnacho's arrival at Aston Villa over the top?
• Emery's importance in the Garnacho signing.
• Could Villa be changing their style of play this season?
• How big of a lose is Austin MacPhee?
• Are there any concerns around the amount of changes already made at the football club?

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole Pettem: @TalkAstonVilla

Tom Nightingale: @tdnightingale

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Aston Villa unveiled the signing of 20-year-old Switzerland international, Johan Manzambi last Friday and as a result, Cole was joined by Julian from Spodcast Freiburg to discuss what Villa fans can expect from Manzambi and how he could fit into Unai Emery's plans.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• What kind of player is Johan Manzambi?
• From Julian's point of view, what are Manzambi's main attributes?
• Does he have what it takes to make an immediate impact at Villa?
• What are the areas of Manzambi's game that he still needs to improve upon?

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole Pettem: @TalkAstonVilla

GUEST: @spodcast-freiburg.de

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Aston Villa have secured the signing of João Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee believed to be around £35 million. With that in mind, Cole and Simon sat down with Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM for a quick chat to discuss the Brazilian midfielder and what he can bring to Villa Park.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• From a Wolves perspective, is now the right time for Gomes to move on and remain in the Premier League?
• What type of midfielder is he?
• Is it safe to say that Gomes is good enough to step into a Villa starting XI right away if needed?
• What can be made of Villa's business thus far?

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole Pettem: @TalkAstonVilla

Simon O'Regan: @SiORegan

GUEST: @DazHaleWM

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Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea for the £117 million sales of Morgan Rogers, a British record transfer fee. As a result, join Cole and Tom as they discuss an incredible bit of business and what it means for the football club's recruitment drive this summer.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• Is now the right time for Morgan Rogers to leave Villa?
• What does Rogers' departure mean for Villa's summer business?
• The importance of the football club being proactive instead of reactive.
• Could Manzambi quickly fill the gap?

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole Pettem: @TalkAstonVilla

Tom Nightingale: @tdnightingale

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It's been a crazy 72+ hours for Aston Villa and with that in mind, Cole and Simon return to discuss the football club's comings, goings and everything in-between.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• Aston Villa have hijacked Newcastle United's move for Switzerland international, Johan Manzambi; how does he fit into Emery's plans?
• Just how savvy have Villa been in terms of moving players on and lowering the wage bill?
• Youri Tielemans' move to Manchester United and what it means for Villa's summer recruitment.
• Lucas Digne's return to PSG.
• Villa's controversial front of shirt sponsor and the return of Betano...

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole Pettem: @TalkAstonVilla

Simon O'Regan: @SiORegan

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With transfer speculation continuing to build, Cole and Danny return to assess the futures of the Aston Villa first team squad.

You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!

WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?

• Could we finally be nearing the end of Emi Martinez's time at the football club?
• Maatsen versus Digne.
• Does Lamare Bogarde have a future at Villa?
• What's Morgan Rogers really worth?

STAY CONNECTED:

Email: [email protected]

X: @HoltecastPod

Threads: Holtecast

Bluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.social

Cole Pettem: @TalkAstonVilla

Danny Raza: @RazaJourno

EPISODE NOTES:

Thank you to our charity partner, Acorns Children’s Hopsice.

Donate today to support a fantastic charity: https://www.acorns.org.uk/get-involved/donate/

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