Former Aston Villa Striker Gary Shaw Passes Away at 63

Former Aston Villa striker Gary Shaw, aged 63, has tragically passed away following injuries from a fall. Shaw was a pivotal figure in Aston Villa’s success during the early 1980s, helping the club secure the league title in 1981 and the European Cup in 1982. He scored 79 goals in 213 appearances for his boyhood club.

Shaw, who progressed through the Villa youth system, was remembered by the club as one of their European Cup-winning heroes. Aston Villa expressed their shock and sadness at his passing, extending condolences to his family. “Gary was one of our own,” Villa said, praising his contribution to the club’s triumphs in the 1980s.

Shaw’s football career saw him awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year in 1981 and European Young Player of the Year in 1982. Despite earning only seven England Under-21 caps, he was seen as more than capable of competing at the senior level. His rise at Villa coincided with the sale of Andy Gray in 1979, as Shaw stepped up to lead the club’s attack, alongside Peter Withe. Their partnership brought Aston Villa their first league title in 71 years.

Shaw’s career highlight came in 1982 when Villa triumphed over Bayern Munich to win the European Cup. Unfortunately, a knee injury in 1983 curtailed his playing career. He went on to play in Denmark, Austria, and for clubs like Walsall and Kilmarnock before retiring in 1992.

After retirement, Shaw worked as a statistical analyst and served as a club ambassador for Aston Villa. He remained a beloved figure among Villa fans, teammates, and the football community.