About The Holte Roar
The Holte Roar launched in August 2026 to provide an alternative media outlet for the informed Aston Villa fan.
While there is no shortage of Villa coverage, regular, detailed reporting is harder to find. We believe there is room for an insightful and engaging platform that provides the news and analysis supporters want without bombarding them with sensationalised content
At The Holte Roar, we want to fill that gap. More importantly, we know we can.
In Andrea Locorotondo, the outlet has a data journalist whose connection to the club runs deeper than most.
At Opta, Andrea took up the baton from club legend Gary Shaw, stepping into the role after his sad passing and it brought with it a responsibility he has carried ever since: a duty to every Villa supporter to try and walk in his shoes.
That same responsibility and dedication now shape The Holte Roar. Andrea’s story with Villa is not one of birthright, but of belonging: an Italian who moved to Birmingham 11 years ago and never left.
Michael Plant's story couldn't be more different. Born in Birmingham as a fourth-generation Villa fan, Michael grew up in Belfast, making regular trips across the Irish Sea to watch his beloved Villans. His first Villa Park memories came in 2001, when he was launched into the air by his father after Darius Vassell scored.
Now living in the North West, Michael is a freelance journalist who previously covered Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool as a club correspondent. But when the opportunity to cover his boyhood club arose, Michael couldn't turn it down.
The aim of The Holte Roar is to bring comprehensive and astute Villa coverage - that applies to Unai Emery’s Europa League winners and the youth and women’s teams.
This is an exciting project at a fascinating time in the club’s history. We want supporters to be part of that journey, so reach out, share your views and help shape a website built especially for you.
Come with us on this special journey, as Villa look to close the gap to the Premier League’s best.
