Villa Legend Gary Shaw Passes Away at 63 Following Fall

Gary Shaw, the former Aston Villa striker and one of the club’s European Cup-winning heroes, has died at the age of 63 due to injuries sustained in a fall.

Shaw, a product of Villa’s youth system, played a pivotal role in helping the club secure the league title in 1981 and the European Cup in 1982. Over his career at Villa, he scored an impressive 79 goals in 213 appearances.

Aston Villa released a statement expressing their deep shock and sadness at the loss: “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.” The club also conveyed their condolences to Shaw’s family and loved ones, adding that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Shaw received several individual honors during his career, being named the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year in 1981 and the European Young Player of the Year in 1982. Beyond his time at Villa, Shaw also played for Blackpool, Walsall, Kilmarnock, and Shrewsbury Town.

Following his retirement from football in 1992, Shaw worked as a statistical analyst and served as a club ambassador at Villa Park. His passing marks the end of an era for many Villa fans who fondly remember his contributions to the club’s golden period in the 1980s.