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!
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1:08:52
Match Reaction: Amadou Onana “This Feels Like Home”
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.
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33:51
Match Reaction: Tielemans’ Fulham winner keeps Champions League hopes alive
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.
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32:07
Garry Thompson: “I Cried My Eyes Out When I Left Villa”
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!
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1:23:57
Tyrone Mings on FA Cup Semi Final: “There’s no getting away from how big this is”
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!
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About Villa Podcast: The Official Aston Villa Podcast
VillaTV’s Kate Tracey and former Villa big man Alan McInally take you behind the scenes at Villa Park, Bodymoor Heath and beyond.
Kate and Rambo will be bringing you exclusive, deep dive interviews with some of your favourite players from the clubs past and present, getting the inside scoop on the latest club news and taking you on the road as Villa embark on their Champions League adventure.
Make sure you are following this podcast so you never miss an episode and keep up to date with the latest club news via www.avfc.co.uk.
Up the Villa!
Villa Podcast: The Official Aston Villa Podcast is a Sport Social Podcast Network production for Aston Villa FC.
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