Chris Woakes: Hero and Villain
In this episode of Reports from Arbroath, we sit down with England cricketer and World Cup winner Chris Woakes for a deeply personal and nostalgic conversation that blends professional sport with personal passion. Known for his calm demeanour on the pitch and pivotal performances for both England and Warwickshire, Chris gives us a rare glimpse into the emotional side of his journey, the part tethered not to cricket balls and trophies, but to Aston Villa Football Club and the city of Birmingham he still proudly calls home.
From his earliest memories of watching Villa’s 1994 and 1996 League Cup wins on worn-out VHS tapes to sitting wide-eyed at Villa Park for the first time, Chris reflects on how his love for the club was born, and how it’s endured through years of travel, late-night match streams across time zones, and the highs and lows of Villa’s fluctuating fortunes. He shares how football was almost his path, with a stint in the Walsall youth system, and how a tough but pivotal decision as a teenager led him to put all his energy into cricket.
Throughout the episode, Chris speaks candidly about the balancing act of being a professional athlete with a fan’s heart. He talks about how following Villa has remained a constant thread in his life, offering him a sense of grounding, comfort, and connection no matter where in the world cricket has taken him. Whether it’s sharing banter with teammates in the England dressing room, defending Birmingham’s often-misunderstood charm, or sneaking a match on at 3am in a hotel room in India, his devotion to Villa has never wavered.
We also dive into the club’s recent resurgence, from the dark days of mid-table Championship finishes to the excitement of European football nights and dreams of domestic silverware. Chris shares his pride in seeing Villa back in the spotlight, his admiration for local hero Dean Smith’s role in the club’s revival, and what it means to see your boyhood team mixing it with Europe’s elite.
But perhaps most compelling is the empathy Chris brings to his role as a fan. Having been on the receiving end of pressure and criticism himself, he reflects on how perspective shapes the way he watches football, trying to balance his emotional reactions with a deep appreciation for just how hard elite sport really is. Still, he admits that sometimes the fan in him takes over when a Villa defender fluffs a clearance.
This episode is as much about football as it is about identity, loyalty, and staying true to your roots. Whether you’re a cricket lover, a football fanatic, or someone who simply treasures the idea of home, Chris Woakes’ story is a reminder that no matter how far we travel or how high we rise, some passions never leave us, they only grow stronger.
Takeaways
Chris Woakes was introduced to Aston Villa through his father's influence.
His first game at Villa Park left a lasting impression on him.
Chris transitioned from football to cricket at a young age.
His love for Aston Villa connects him to his home city of Birmingham.
Chris Woakes follows Villa's progress closely, even while traveling for cricket.
He appreciates the emotional highs and lows of being a sports fan.
The recent success of Aston Villa has been a source of pride for him.
You can subscribe to Reports From Arbroath:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
RSS
