Second City Podcast

Dan gives his thoughts on a controversial West Midlands derby between Blues and West Brom, whilst special guest James provides the Hawthorns perspective.Thumbnail by: Birmingham City Football Club.

Settle in for an overly long transfer window special! Callum and Dan catch up on recent results and transfers in the West Midlands, and break down Villa and Blues' five best and five worst Deadline Day signings from over the years.

Dan and Callum take a look at all the goings-on in Birmingham's football sphere this week. As Villa miss a huge opportunity to go second in the Premier League, it's nothing compared to West Brom, who stare down the very real possibility of relegation to League One. Meanwhile, Dan marks Blues' long-awaited away League win with a trip to Hillsborough, relives Kyogo's goal, and complains about parking.

Settle in, it's gonna be a long one! Dan and Callum take to the studio to take a look back at the many highs and lows of the year that was 2025, as well as giving an insight in to their hopes and dreams for 2026. Recorded on January 2nd 2026.

An ecstatic Callum revels in 9 consecutive wins in all competitions for Aston Villa, whilst Dan attempts to dissect Blues’ contrasting home and away form. Meanwhile, in the Black Country, Rob Edwards’ Wolves continue to be rooted to the foot of the Premier League.

Fresh off the plane from Prague and wallowing in new celebrity status, Callum and Dan take to the air to discuss the remarkable designs for Birmingham City's new stadium, as well as discussing Villa's ascension up the League table, Blues' 150th Anniversary Celebrations, a Second City Derby in the Women's League Cup, and the two upcoming West Midlands derbies involving West Brom and Wolves.

Dan gives his thoughts on a very eventful last few weeks at Birmingham City, covering thumping wins over Portsmouth and Millwall, the return of Phil Neumann, and the Kyogo conundrum.

Whilst Villa's season finally gets out of first gear, with wins both at home and abroad, Blues' gruelling start to life back in the Championship provides a cold reality check. Elsewhere, Tom Wagner provides a Delia Smith tribute to really the troops in the Wrexham away end, and Coventry storm to the Championship summit.

Callum and Dan resume business on The Second City Podcast, fresh on the heels of Villa's frustrating draw away at 10-man Sunderland, before looking at Blues' last gasp win over Swansea and the various goings-on at the other West Midlands teams.

Emi Martinez! Patrick Roberts! Jadon Sancho! Harvey Elliott! Jack Robinson? Victor Lindelöf? Callum and Dan take to the airwaves right on the heels of Deadline Day, giving their thoughts on the business conducted in the Second City.

Callum talks through Villa's underwhelming start to the new season and his hopes for the upcoming UEFA Europa League draw, whilst Dan breaks down Blues' impressive Championship form and the frustrating Cup exit at the hands of Port Vale.

Callum joins Dan for an extended discussion on the joys and sorrows of the new Amazon Prime documentary series: 'Built In Birmingham: Brady & the Blues', covering Brady, Rooney, Davies, Wrexham, Americanisation, Peaky Blinders, and everything in-between.

Dan sits down to give his thoughts on the brand-new Amazon Prime documentary series following Blues since their takeover by Knighthead in 2023.

The third time's the charm as the Second City Podcast returns for the 2025/26 season, taking a look at Villa and Blues' pre-season, new signings (or lack thereof), new kits, and new hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

It's that time again! As the 24/25 season rides off in to the sunset as quick as it arrived, Dan and Callum reflect on the highs and lows for both Blues and Villa, dishing out awards for their favourite games, goals, and much more.

Amidst a general Villa and Blues catch-up, Callum and Dan embark on a long discussion/rant about football kits, and take a look at Coventry and Walsall's contrasting play-off fortunes.00:00 - Intro04:06 - What We’re Wearing (Aston Villa)06:55 - What We’re Wearing (Birmingham City)08:41 - Aston Villa Catch-Up16:17 - Dan’s Football Kit Rant21:30 - Villa’s End of Season Awards23:10 - Blues Catch-Up29:29 - Emi Martinez’ Potential Exit36:45 - Coventry & Walsall’s Play-Off Fortunes

Callum gives his verdict on Villa's crucial win away at Bournemouth, whilst Dan catches up on all things Blues in the season's immediate aftermath, including transfer rumours and a pre-season tour. Elsewhere, the duo check in on the contrasting play-off fortunes of Coventry and Walsall...00:00 - Intro01:36 - What We’re Wearing (Birmingham City)04:15 - What We’re Wearing (Aston Villa)06:54 - Bournemouth vs. Villa Reaction18:14 - Blues Catch-Up29:17 - Aston Villa Women Stay In The WSL30:43 - Coventry vs. Sunderland Reaction34:15 - Chesterfield vs. Walsall Reaction

After a Champions League-themed 'What We're Wearing', Callum reacts to Villa's narrow victory over Fulham and the news of Chris Heck's departure, before a polite rant about the cost of a ticket to the club's End Of Season Awards. Meanwhile, Dan reflects on the end of Blues' record-breaking season and all 111 reasons to be happy, before looking at the near miss for Birmingham City Women and Walsall's late promotion heartbreak...

Dedicated to Eamonn Driscoll.Callum returns from Amsterdam and Dan recovers from illness to react to Villa’s Wembley capitulation, Blues’ League One trophy lift and record points haul, Villa’s stadium plans, Lukas Jutkiewicz’ swansong and Tony Mowbray’s West Brom exit.

Callum and Dan jump back on the pod to discuss a remarkable and so nearly iconic night at Villa Park, that saw Aston Villa fall agonisingly short of one of the great UCL comebacks. Callum gives his first hand account of events, as well as his undercover trip to Southampton on Saturday.

It's been a hectic week in B9. Dan and Callum reconvene to give their thoughts as Birmingham City are crowned League One Champions, but also suffer a disappointing EFL Trophy Final loss on the big day at Wembley, as well as reacting to the news of the recently announced, imminent Blues Amazon Prime documentary.

Get the kettle on friends, it’s a bumper episode of the SCP! In the first half, Callum and Dan reflect on taking the pod on tour, sharing their recent experience of visiting the city of Milan and the famous San Siro, as well as the picturesque lakeside Serie A stadium of Como 1907. In the second half, it’s back to domestic matters. Callum responds to Villa reaching the FA Cup semi-final and the team’s continued winning streak, whilst Dan attends an away day in Bristol and the remarkable demolition job of Barnsley. Before a round-up involving the other West Midlands teams, the duo preview the first leg of Villa’s mouth-watering Champions League tie against PSG, and Blues’ double header against Peterborough, in the defining week in the chase for promotion and EFL Trophy glory...00:00 - The Milan Trip02:59 - What We’re Wearing (Callum, Como 1907)06:49 - What We’re Wearing (Daniel, Inter Milan)12:35 - The History of Inter Milan vs. Birmingham City & Aston Villa15:24 - Como 190725:52 - The San Siro39:40 - Celebrity Spotting43:57 - Brighton vs. Aston Villa Reaction48:45 - Aston Villa vs. Nottingham Forest Reaction50:33 - Dan’s Bristol Rovers Away Day52:51 - Blues Demolish Barnsley1:00:28 - EFL Trophy Final Preview1:03:24 - Villa’s Big Week Preview01:06:12 - West Midlands Round-Up

As the international break draws to a close, Dan and Callum welcome back domestic football, previewing Villa's huge FA Cup quarter final away at Preston and Blues' chance for revenge at home to Shrewsbury, all following a trip down memory lane in 'What We're Wearing'.

Callum reacts to an iconic Villa Park night, as Aston Villa dismantle Club Brugge to reach the UCL Quarter-Finals for a mouth-watering clash against PSG. Meanwhile, Dan enjoys Blues' continued charge towards the League One title, despite sailing close to the wind against Northampton. There's also discussion on Blues and Villa's Women's teams, after checking-in on Wolves, West Brom, Coventry, Walsall, Solihull Moors and Tamworth.

It's been a week on the road for the Second City Pod. After Callum joins Dan for his first ever visit to St. Andrew's in the Wycombe away end for a top-of-the-table clash, he then ventures across the pond to Bruges to soak in Villa's knockout Champions League football adventure. Meanwhile, Dan has a slightly less glamorous trek up to Bolton, giving his take on a rare loss for Chris Davies' men. The duo also analyse the weekend just gone, as well as the exploits of the other West Midlands clubs.

It's been a week of high emotions - Dan gears up for Blues' first Wembley trip in 14 years, as victory over Bradford sees them reach the final of the EFL Trophy. Meanwhile, Callum scratches his head as Villa's impressive week against Liverpool and Chelsea comes crashing down with a humiliating defeat away at Crystal Palace. There's also discussion on Dan's Reading away day, Leyton Orient, Aston Villa Women, the other Midlands teams and a sure-to-be eventful week coming up...

In a profanity-laden, Parents Strongly Cautioned episode, Callum and Dan look back on another frantic week in the Second City - whilst Villa fight back against The Tractor Boys at Villa Park, Blues continue their unbeaten run in League One. They also discuss Walsall, 'Frank Lampard's Coventry', the Baggies, the Wolves, Craig Gardner's promotion, Kendrick Lamar, Blues' huge upcoming semi-final against Bradford and Villa's Premier League double header against Liverpool and Chelsea...

The magic of the cup lives on as Callum and Dan react to an electric FA Cup 4th Round weekend. They react to Blues hosting Newcastle amidst a ferocious atmosphere, Villa squaring off against Spurs and the exploits of the other West Midlands clubs this weekend. The duo also react to Blues marching through to the semi-finals of the EFL Trophy and Callum's trip to Goodison Park...

As the January Transfer Window slams shut, Callum and Dan react to the business done by the Second City Clubs. They also look back on Villa's triumphant night against Celtic, their far less triumphant night against Wolves, and Blues' continued dominance in League One...

Dan and Callum return for a rare but always enjoyable in-person edition of the Second City Podcast. They talk through Blues' top-of-the-table clashes against Wrexham and Huddersfield, Villa's recent Champions League exploits and their League draws against Arsenal and West Ham, as well as January signings and the second coming of Tony Mowbray at West Brom.

The Second City Podcast welcomes former Blues boss Lee Clark, who sits down to discuss the highs and lows of his two-and-a-half years at the club, that Bolton game, the current BCFC team in League One, and what Chris Davies' side can expect from the mouth-watering FA Cup 4th Round tie against his boyhood club, Newcastle.00:00 - Intro & Bobby Clark's Progress06:16 - Lee’s Early Football Memories08:33 - Lee’s Time As Blues Boss33:49 - Lee On The Current Blues Team38:32 - Blues vs. Newcastle Preview

The Second City Pod is picking up momentum as we go in to the second half of the season. Callum and Dan react to all the FA Cup and EFL Trophy action, as well as Villa’s trip to Goodison to confront the Moyesiah. They also react to the shock news at Blues of Garry Cook’s resignation as CEO and some intriguing news in West Brom’s search for a new manager, before previewing the weekend’s fixtures.01:19 - What We’re Wearing (Daniel)04:12 - What We’re Wearing (Callum)07:47 - Aston Villa vs. West Ham Reaction15:07 - Tamworth’s FA Cup Journey17:08 - Birmingham vs. Lincoln Reaction22:26 - EFL Trophy Reaction26:49 - Everton vs. Villa Reaction34:34 - Garry Cook Steps Down as Blues CEO40:35 - Villa Transfer Update43:28 - West Brom’s Manager Search45:42 - Arsenal vs. Aston Villa Preview48:02 - Blues vs. Exeter City Preview

It's anniversaries all round on the SCP this week as Aston Villa celebrate 150 years in their FA Cup tie with West Ham, while Dan celebrates 20 years since his first trip to St Andrews! Callum and Dan ring in 2025 with a very special 'What We're Wearing' followed by a round-up of both Villa and Blues' festive shenanigans. They also take time to cast an eye over West Brom's managerial hunt and Tamworth's big upcoming FA Cup tie against Spurs.

Dan and Callum round out the year with a reflection on the year that was, discussing the highs and lows of Blues and Villa's turbulent 2024, before looking ahead with their hopes and dreams for 2025.

Callum and Dan return to give a round up on the last couple of weeks, including Aston Villa vs. Juventus, Blues' League One exploits and Dan's last-minute trip to Celtic Park. They also discuss the FA Cup 3rd Round Draw, Frank Lampard and Gary O'Neil, before a quick look ahead to the weekend.

The Second City Pod has officially reached 50 episodes! Dan and Callum take time to preview this week's fixtures, with Villa welcoming Crystal Palace in the Premier League, whilst Blues trek to Shrewsbury and Exeter, after a 'What We're Wearing' with a twist.

Fresh off the plane from a trip to Fabulous Las Vegas, Callum and Dan return to react to Villa's recent struggles, including their losses to Club Brugge and Liverpool, and the first real bump in the road in Blues' season. The duo also try and make sense of Mark Robins' sacking by Coventry, and take a look at the fortunes of the Second City's Women's teams.

Dan and Callum continue to voyage through the endless black void of the international break by bringing you 'The Regardless XI' for Blues and Villa. The rules are simple: pick the best Blues or Villa XI, regardless of how good those players actually were in the Second City, but rather by taking their whole career in to account. For example, does Dwight Yorke get in the Blues team? Does Peter Schmeichel keep goal in the Villa team? If you still don't get it, give the episode a listen and you'll work it out!

After an unexpected break, The Second City Podcast returns to break through the black void that is the international break. Dan and Callum reflect on a monumental few weeks for both sides of the Second City, including Villa's monumental Champions League win against Bayern Munich, and Blues' continued dominance of League One. The duo also look at the fortunes of their fellow West Midlands clubs, as well as discussing Blues Women, Contract Extensions and 3rd kits.

Callum and Dan attempt to fill the remaining days of the international break by discussing their best loan signing XIs for Aston Villa and Birmingham City from over the years. On top of their trip down memory lane, they discuss Blues' simultaneous draw and loss to Walsall in the EFL Trophy, Villa's new third kit and Champions League ticket prices, before previewing Blues' top-of-the-table clash with Wrexham on Monday, and Villa's upcoming matches against Everton and Young Boys.

Dan reacts to an overwhelming week at Blues, involving a last-gasp winner in front of the Tilton against Wigan and, of course, the club obliterating the League One transfer record. Callum looks back on Villa's away victory over Leicester and gives his take on the Champions League draw, before the duo take a look at goings-on elsewhere in the West Midlands involving the likes of West Brom, Coventry and Wolves.

Dan and Callum are joined by special guest, friend of the pod and Arsenal fan Will, as the duo take the SCP on the road and talk in-person from Will's abode in Essex, not much more than a stone's throw from Leyton Orient. The trio discuss Blues' win at Brisbane Road, Villa's defeat to The Gunners, and the rest of the action across the West Midlands, before discussing transfers, the matchday experience, and the next set of fixtures.

Dan and Callum return to react to two successful away days for Birmingham's football clubs, as Blues truly get the Chris Davies era running and Villa start 24/25 with a Premier League victory. The duo also react to the latest transfer rumours, look across at the fortunes of West Brom, Wolves, Coventry, Walsall, and the local non-league teams this week, before previewing Villa's hosting of Arsenal and Blues' matches against Leyton Orient and Fulham.

The Second City Pod finally returns for the 2024/25 season, covering all things football-related in and around Birmingham. Callum previews Villa's upcoming season as they prepare for Champions League football, whilst Dan reacts to Blues' first steps back in the third tier for the first time in 30 years. The duo also preview West Brom, Wolves and Coventry's upcoming seasons, before previewing Villa's visit to West Ham and Blues' trip to Wycombe00:00 - Intro & Welcome Back02:47 - What We’re Wearing (Birmingham City)04:46 - What We’re Wearing (Aston Villa)07:17 - Blues: Preparing For Life In League One12:06 - Blues 1-1 Reading Reaction16:19 - Charlton 0-1 Blues Reaction18:58 - Previewing Villa’s Season27:51 - Predicting Blues’ Season32:20 - West Brom’s Fortunes36:40 - Wolves In 24/2539:20 - Previewing Coventry City’s Season41:44 - The Mystery Of Tim Flowers43:53 - Wycombe vs. Blues Preview46:22 - West Ham vs. Aston Villa Preview

It's finally here! Callum and Dan are back in the studio for their 2023/24 Season Reviews for Aston Villa and Birmingham City. Join them as they give their thoughts on everything that went right this season for their teams (mainly a Villa section) and everything that didn't (basically everything with Blues), discussing their favourite games, goals, signings and more!02:03 - What We’re Wearing (Aston Villa)06:48 - What We’re Wearing (Birmingham City)11:32 - Aston Villa’s Season Summary14:25 - Birmingham City’s Season Summary23:48 - Birmingham City: Best Game25:46 - Aston Villa: Best Game27:54 - Aston Villa: Worst Game29:54 - Birmingham City: Worst Game34:13 - Birmingham City’s Manager Of The Year Award36:48 - Aston Villa’s Badge Of The Year Award38:40 - Birmingham City: Best Signing 41:06 - Aston Villa: Best Signing43:04 - Aston Villa: Worst Signing45:16 - Birmingham City: Worst Signing50:23 - Birmingham City: Goal Of The Season52:11 - Aston Villa: Goal Of The Season53:54 - Birmingham City: Player Of The Year54:43 - Aston Villa: Player Of The Year56:10 - Aston Villa: Hopes For Next Season58:17 - Birmingham City: Hopes For Next Season

Ahead of their full end-of-season review, Dan and Callum have a quick catch-up on all the goings on in the Second City's football scene, including Chris Davies' arrival at Blues, and Villa's latest transfer dealings. However, we begin with a brief tribute to former Villa and Blues goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who tragically passed away this week aged just 26.TIMESTAMPS01:22 - Matija Sarkic, Rest In Peace.03:31 - Chris Davies: The New BCFC Manager07:50 - Blues’ New Home Shirt10:23 - Villa’s Transfer Business

Someone get me a thermometer, I think I've got Euros fever! Callum and Dan temporarily detour away from Second City football as they look ahead to Euro 2024 in Germany, giving their thoughts and predictions on the runners and riders, whilst also looking back on some of their favourite memories from Euros of yesteryear.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Countdown To Euro 202402:54 - What We’re Wearing (Republic of Ireland)07:40 - What We’re Wearing (England)10:37 - Earliest Euros Memories16:14 - Favourite Euros Memories23:06 - Predictions For Euro 202435:32 - How Far Will England & Scotland Go?

With the domestic season done and dusted, Dan and Callum react to the latest news going on in the Second City, including Blues' search for Tony Mowbray's successor, Unai Emery's new Villa contract, and, elsewhere, Wayne Rooney's return to management. TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Catch-Up03:02 - What We’re Wearing (Aston Villa)05:52 - What We’re Wearing (Birmingham City)13:13 - Mowbray Steps Down As Blues Manager24:51 - Unai Emery Signs New Contract28:01 - Villa’s New Badge29:36 - Blues: Released & Retained34:08 - Villa’s Data Leak35:59 - Rooney Returns To Management

This week on the SCP, Callum looks back on a huge week for Villa, which saw them both eliminated from this season's Europa Conference League, but also finally qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Dan gives his thoughts on which players Blues should release and retain this summer following relegation, and elsewhere, the duo look at West Brom's fortunes in the play-offs and another Wembley loss for Solihull Moors.TIMESTAMPS01:11 - Second City Teams Abroad05:35 - What We’re Wearing (Aston Villa)08:02 - What We’re Wearing (Birmingham City)11:50 - Olympiacos vs. Villa, 2nd Leg Reaction17:36 - Villa vs. Liverpool Reaction28:08 - West Brom In The Play-Offs34:52 - Solihull Moors In The FA Trophy38:48 - Blues: The Gary Rowett Situation43:36 - Blues: Release Or Retain?50:03 - Aston Villa: Interview With Chris Heck55:58 - Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa Preview

It’s been a chastening week in the Second City. After 13 years in the Championship, Blues finally ran out of luck and are confirmed to play their football in the third tier next season for the first time in 30 years. Whilst Dan dissects where it all went wrong, Callum looks at Villa’s surprise 4-2 Europa Conference League Semi-Final defeat to Olympiacos, as well as their 1-0 loss at Brighton in the Premier League. The lads then take a look at the fortunes of West Brom and Solihull Moors, before previewing a huge week ahead for Villa. 02:11 - What We’re Wearing (Birmingham City)05:53 - What We’re Wearing (Aston Villa)09:38 - Blues Relegated: Our Reaction23:48 - Villa vs. Olympiacos, 1st Leg Reaction30:54 - Brighton vs. Villa Reaction34:40 - Blues End Of Season Awards36:38 - West Brom & Solihull Moors39:43 - Olympiacos vs. Villa, 2nd Leg Preview42:04 - Villa vs. Liverpool Preview