Austin MacPhee holding a ball in Scotland training looking towards an Aston Villa badge in a circle inset
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Tue 11 November 2025 16:10, UK
Matty Cash has shared a gushing review of Austin MacPhee alongside insight into his work at Aston Villa.
Cash has signed a new deal with Villa after being rewarded for his excellent form since the season began at Villa Park.
The Poland international has been a surprise highlight in B6 after Cash was linked to Nottingham Forest in the summer, among other teams.
The right-back remained in the Midlands, and Cash has since scored the winner against Manchester City, while being a standout under Unai Emery this campaign.
Cash has now provided some insight into the work that goes on at Bodymoor Heath, particularly from highly rated set-piece coach MacPhee.
Matty Cash looking concentrated playing for Aston Villa
Credit: Imago
Austin MacPhee insight revealed at Aston Villa
MacPhee can help Villa unlock opposition outfits with set-pieces playing a key role in the Premier League this campaign.
The Villans have been a constant threat from dead balls over the years, with the Scot providing excellent service under Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and now Emery.
MORE VILLA STORIES
The 46-year-old is well known for prowling the touchline in B6 as he waits to see if the players can execute his plans.
That has been effective in recent weeks, with Emi Buendia, Ross Barkley and Donyell Malen scoring from set-piece routines against Bournemouth alone.
In an interview with The Football Reporters podcast on 11 November, Cash has spoken out to share a look behind the curtain into Bodymoor Heath.
The 28-year-old has revealed that Villa spend hours practising dead balls to help improve them and create more scoring opportunities on matchday.
He said: “We spend a lot of time doing set-pieces, we spend almost hours on it. On a Thursday and Friday, building up to when we play on a Saturday, we would spend at least 45 minutes each day doing routines and trying to change the routine.
“*I think that’s where our set-piece coach, Austin [MacPhee] is really good. He does so many different ideas against different teams and finds where space is going to be, so it’s really good. It can be long as well, but if you’re scoring and creating from them, then there’s no worries doing it.*“
Stats prove how effective MacPhee is for Aston Villa
It has to be said that Arsenal have set a new precedent for scoring set-pieces that is near impossible to compare to.
The Gunners have netted 10 goals from dead balls in just 11 games this season, but Villa have netted five of their own.
Villa have managed to get 43 shots away from these scenarios and have racked up a goal percentage of 38.46, which is certainly a positive.
Aston Villa Premier League set-piece stats 2025 2026
Credit: Imago
Cash took advantage of a set-piece when he scored the winner against Man City, capping off a performance consisting of a 100 per cent shot conversion rate and seven defensive actions.
The Villans already represent a keen threat from free-kick, corner and throw-in situations, but it still feels as if they could do more.
It will be interesting to see if MacPhee’s dedication can translate into even better output across the rest of the campaign in B6.
Sign up for the Villa News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Aston Villa news sent straight to your phone.