Mark Draper: “We Just Knew We Were Going to Win”

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.

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Up The Villa!
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