Former Aston Villa striker Gary Shaw, a key figure in the club’s historic European Cup victory, has died at the age of 63, the club announced on Monday.
Shaw was part of the Aston Villa team that won the First Division title in 1981 and lifted the European Cup the following year. He had been in hospital after suffering a head injury from a recent fall.
In a statement, Aston Villa expressed their deep shock and sadness:
“Aston Villa Football Club is profoundly saddened to learn that Gary Shaw, one of our European Cup-winning heroes, has passed away.
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.”
Shaw, born in Solihull, was a prolific striker for Villa, scoring 79 goals in 213 appearances.
He netted 20 times during their title-winning campaign, after which he was named PFA Young Player of the Year.
He played a crucial role in Villa’s 1982 European Cup triumph, scoring three goals during the competition, including a vital strike in the quarter-final against Dynamo Kyiv.
Shaw left Aston Villa in 1988, later playing for clubs in Denmark, Austria, and Hong Kong before retiring in 1992.
Following his playing career, he worked as a statistical analyst and served as a matchday ambassador for Villa.
Villa’s tribute described Shaw as “one of our own,” remembering him for his goalscoring talents that brought joy to many fans during the 1980s.
His family shared that Shaw passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
The club has extended their condolences to his family and supporters as they mourn the loss of a Villa legend.
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