Villa Podcast: The Official Aston Villa Podcast

From a Nottingham lad spotted at nine years old to a Wembley cup winner with Aston Villa, this is the story of Mark Draper’s journey through the game shaped by promotions, big personalities and one unforgettable season.

In this episode, Kate Tracey and Lee Hendrie sit down with the former Villa midfielder to reflect on his rise through Notts County, learning under Neil Warnock, and becoming Leicester City’s first £1 million signing before reuniting with Brian Little at Villa Park.

Draper opens up about walking into a dressing room full of stars, why the 1995/96 squad “just clicked”, and the belief that powered Villa to League Cup glory - including why there was “never any talk of losing” heading into Wembley.

He also shares stories from a golden dressing room, his near-miss with an England cap, life in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, and the famous free-kick routine that stunned fans.

Warm, honest and full of humour, Draper reflects on what made that Villa team special and why coming back to Villa Park still feels like home.

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/

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From failing a football proficiency test at school to lifting the European Cup with Aston Villa, this is the remarkable story of club legend Kenny Swain.

In this episode, Kate Tracey and Lee Hendrie sit down with the former Villa defender to reflect on a career that took him from Birkenhead to the pinnacle of European football.

Kenny discusses the huge influence of legendary manager Ron Saunders, becoming both an Everton supporter and a proud “Villatonian”, and why missing out on an apprenticeship at 15 shaped his passion for supporting young players and their mental wellbeing.

The conversation also covers his unusual route into football through education, choosing a move to Chelsea over teaching, the iconic 1980/81 title-winning season, and the unforgettable night in Rotterdam as Villa defeated FC Bayern Munich to become champions of Europe in 1982.

Warm, funny and reflective, Kenny shares stories from a golden era of Villa history, and explains how the club transformed him from a footballer into a true professional.

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/

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Live pitchside reaction as Unai Emery and Matty Cash join the VillaTV panel after Villa were crowned UEFA Europa League Winners.
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Match reaction as Villa secure their place in next season's UEFA Champions League as they beat Liverpool 4-2 in the final match at Villa Park this season.
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Reaction to the scenes as Villa booked their place in the UEFA Europa League Final in Istanbul after a 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the semi-final second-leg.
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