Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw dies aged 63

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Gary Shaw won the European Cup with Aston Villa in 1982 and First Division title in 1981. Credit: PA

Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw has died aged 63, the club has confirmed.

It comes after it was reported he was in a serious condition in hospital after falling and sustaining a head injury.

In a statement, the football club said it is "deeply shocked and profoundly saddened" to learn of his death.

He is best known for winning the European Cup with Aston Villa in 1982, and the First Division the year before.

Gary Shaw (left) lifts the European Cup alongside Tony Morley (centre) and Peter Withe (right). Credit: PA

Aston Villa said: "Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits which helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s.

"Individual accolades would also follow for a player who was idolised by many on the terraces.

"He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time."

Tributes are starting to pour in after Shaw's passing was confirmed by Villa.

Follow Villa icon Brian Little wrote on X: "Gave Shawsy my number 8 shirt when I retired.. he took it to another level….R.I.P. xx"

Ex player David Speedie said: "Really sad to hear Villa legend Gary Shaw has passed away.

"He was a fantastic footballer who was a worthy winner of club footballs greatest prize. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Gary at this difficult time."

A Villa fan posted: "RIP to a true club legend and one of our own, the great Gary Shaw. It won’t be the same against Bayern Munich without you. RIP HEITS."

Another added: "RIP Gary Shaw. A true Villa legend and one of my childhood heroes." A third posted: "Immensely sad news for all Villa supporters and every football fan who remembers the magical era he played in. He was some player."

Who is Gary Shaw?

His name is well-known to Villa fans, as it hangs on a banner at Villa Park immortalising the goal that won Aston Villa the Champions League.

Born in the Kingshurst area of Birmingham, Shaw registered 165 games for Aston Villa, scoring 59 goals between 1978 and 1988.

He was voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 1981 after netting 18 goals en route to Villa's League Championship triumph.

Another accolade followed a year later as he was awarded the Bravo Award - given to the best under-23 player in European Competitions.

His Villa career was hindered after a knee injury but he would go on to play for Walsall and Shrewsbury Town.

He also had seven appearances for England Under 21s, but never registered a senior cap for the three lions.

Shaw left Aston Villa on a free transfer in 1988 after 213 games and 79 goals.

He would later play in Denmark, Austria and Hong Kong before working for Villa as a youth team coach.

After retiring from the sport in 1992, Shaw worked as a statistical analyst.

He became a regular visitor to Villa Park in recent years, doing Q&A sessions with guests at the stadium.


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