FORMER Aston Villa striker Gary Shaw has died at the age of 63.
The 63-year-old died in hospital on Monday (September 16) surrounded by his family where he had been following a head injury.
Kingshurst-born Shaw was part of the Villa side that won the First Division title in 1981 and the European Cup the following year.
He was the golden boy of Villa’s golden era and supporters easily identified with the blond-haired local lad who hit the target on a regular basis.
He began his apprenticeship with Villa in 1977 and by the end of the following year he had been given his first taste of senior football, making his debut as a substitute against Bristol City at Ashton Gate in August 1978 before having a couple of starting appearances.
After signing professional on his 18th birthday and establishing himself as a first-team regular in 1979-80, he missed only two league games during Villa’s march to the title the following season.
In 1981, having contributed 18 goals to Villa’s League Championship triumph, he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year.
A year later his talents were acknowledged on the continent as he received the accolade of European Young Footballer of the Year.
Shaw made 213 appearances at the club and scored 79 goals before he was given a free transfer in 1988, later playing in Denmark, Austria and Hong Kong.
He subsequently worked for Villa as a youth team coach and for the Press Association.
Prince William posted a tribute on X ahead of the team’s game on Tuesday (September 17), he said: “The last time @AVFCOfficial won in the top European competition, it was the month before I was born. Let’s hope tonight is the first step towards another European adventure!
“My thoughts this evening are also with Villa legend Gary Shaw’s friends and family following his passing.”
Aston Villa FC said: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply shocked and profoundly saddened to learn that Gary Shaw, one of our European Cup-winning heroes, has passed away.
“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.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
Stan Collymore wrote: “Dear Gaz, I wanted to play football because of you.
“I love Villa because of you. You were a real life superhero.
“At junior school our school team wore black and white stripes, no numbers on the back, just a little printed red number on the sleeve. The first time I got ‘called up’ there was only one number I wanted. 8. Because of you.
“It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am to have latched onto the magic you gave. That kit, those goals, that partnership, that team, those two magical seasons.
“You made a little boy dream big, fall in love with you, our club and the beautiful game. You were my hero on the pitch but most importantly my hero off it. The loveliest of men.”
Paul Merson wrote: “Just got out the dance studio to hear the devastating news about Gary Shaw… what a player and a better person! One of my all time favourite Villa players RIP.”
Adil Ray wrote: “I feel sad and numb after the passing of Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw who was also a friend. When we met we mostly just laughed, a lot. Gary smiled through life. He had a huge heart & was so humble despite all his achievements.
“He enjoyed life & we enjoyed him. Love you Gary x”
Solihull Moors FC wrote: “The thoughts of everyone at Solihull Moors are with Gary’s family, friends and loved ones at this devastating time.”
