Villa's popular podcast features three star guests this week - Paul Lambert, Stiliyan Petrov and Matthew Lowton.

Produced in-house by Jack Woodward from the club's in-house communications team, the audio bulletin is a must-listen each week, with big names appearing regularly.

Lambert talks us through the opening days of pre-season training, telling us how the players eventually get over their initial trepidation, knuckle down and show their quality.

The boss tells us of the importance for him of his players showing hunger and desire, not just in pre-season but throughout the entire campaign.

He insists that fitness is absolutely key as they get set for another top-flight term, where the physical demands are monumental.

Lambert discusses the arrival of Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa and his forays into the transfer market.

Stiliyan tells us how he's getting on with his treatment for acute leukaemia.

The club captain thanks everyone for their support - doctors, nurses, friends, family, players and, of course, the fans.

He insists this overwhelming show of solidarity is helping him massively.

Petrov also tells of his delight that former Celtic colleague Lambert is in charge.

Petrov is confident he'll do well and is the right man for the job.

We also relive some of his goals - his wonder strike at Derby in 2008, his expert finishes at Litex Lovech in 2008 and Stoke in 2009 as well as his vital header at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup run of 2010.

Lowton applauds the quality of the training ground, saying it's spectacular with great pitches.

He recognises Villa as a massive club and that playing in the Barclays Premier League is a dream move.

He says you can sense a real buzz around the place in B6 Lowton says he learnt a lot from playing in the League One play-off final for Sheffield United and from moving away from home to Hungary with Ferencvaros.