Villa Podcast: The Official Aston Villa Podcast

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/ Up The Villa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Gregory’s Aston Villa reign came close to greatness, but one regret still lingers. Former Aston Villa manager John Gregory joins the Villa Podcast to reflect on his time at the club, the moments that shaped his legacy, and why Villa still feels like one big family. John opens up about the frustration of never lifting a trophy, the pain of the 2000 FA Cup Final defeat, and the lessons that stayed with him long after leaving the dugout. He discusses his relationship with Ron Saunders, his admiration for Brian Little, and shares legendary stories about managing David Ginola and building his side around Dwight Yorke. He also looks at the current Villa squad, whether he’d like to manage them, and explains why the “Villa family” is a bond that never truly leaves you. 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/ Up The Villa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special Best of 2025 episode, Alan McInally looks back on some of his favourite moments from the year. From an exclusive FA Cup semi-final interview with Tyrone Mings, to rare sit-downs with Villa legends David Platt and Andy Townsend, a standout chat with man-of-the-moment Morgan Rogers, and a brilliant change of pace with Cricketer and Villa fan, Chris Woakes. All the featured episodes are available now and thanks for listening throughout 2025. Don’t forget to follow, subscribe and join us again in the new year on the Villa Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He turned down Birmingham, took the bus with fans to his own game, and became one of Villa’s fittest ever players Tony Daley’s story has it all. In this episode, Alan McInally and Kate Tracey sit down with Villa legend Tony Daley to relive the journey of a player who went from the Holte End to the pitch and lived every dream he had as a kid. Dales opens up about being the youngest of seven, getting kicked around in street games, and the moment he refused to join Birmingham because Villa was his “be all and end all.” He talks pre-season obsession, why he always wanted to be the fittest in the squad, the surprising reason his mum pulled him out of football, and the driving force behind his return to the club as an ex-pro. From his debut against Southampton to taking the bus with Villa fans for his second game, runners-up medals, Inter Milan memories, failed transfers, Graham Taylor’s influence and the camaraderie that defined Villa’s success. There’s the master’s degree in Sports Science, the unique insight it gave him inside elite dressing rooms, cup finals, favourite goals, and the pride of representing England. 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/ Up The Villa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boubacar Kamara joined the VillaTV panel after his strike secured the points at Villa Park against Wolves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Woakes joins Villa Podcast ahead of a huge Ashes series in Australia. With the Ashes in Australia just weeks away, former England all-rounder and lifelong Aston Villa fan Chris Woakes joins Kate Tracey and Alan McInally for a brilliant chat that blends cricketing insight with claret-and-blue passion. Chris opens up about what Villa means to him, growing up in Birmingham with a family steeped in the club, and the biggest highs (and toughest lows) from his England career, including that shoulder injury. He also breaks down how he sees this Ashes series playing out… and even gives Alan and Kate a few cricket lessons along the way. Plus, his honest thoughts on the current Villa side under Unai Emery. 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/ Up The Villa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What were Gabby Agbonlahor’s most influential moments and his biggest regrets? In this revealing episode, the Aston Villa legend sits down with Kate Tracey and Alan McInally to reflect on the highs, lows, and defining memories from his unforgettable career in claret and blue. Gabby opens up about his rise through the Villa Academy, the tough loan spells that built his character, and the “father-son” relationship he shared with manager Martin O’Neill. He relives his favourite moments at Villa Park including his incredible record against bitter rivals Birmingham, and explains how he used the hatred from opposition fans as motivation to perform. It’s a raw and unfiltered look at the pride, passion, and lessons learned from one of Aston Villa’s most iconic modern players. 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/ Up The Villa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices