Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
From failing a football proficiency test at school to lifting the European Cup with Aston Villa F.C., 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.
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For more Villa content head to the website 👉 video.avfc.co.uk
From failing a football proficiency test at school to lifting the European Cup with Aston Villa F.C., 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.
__
Stay ahead of the game and be the first to know when we release new videos by hitting the *subscribe* button
For more Villa content head to the website 👉 video.avfc.co.uk
