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Aston Villa Legend Gary Shaw Passes Away at 63
Aston Villa is mourning the loss of one of its greatest footballing heroes, Gary Shaw, who tragically passed away at the age of 63 following injuries sustained in a fall. Shaw, a pivotal figure during Villa’s golden era, played a key role in securing the 1981 league title and famously helping the team to victory in the 1982 European Cup.
Shaw’s legacy with Aston Villa began when he emerged from the youth ranks at his boyhood club. Known for his scoring ability and flair, Shaw netted 79 goals in 213 games, delighting fans with his sharp finishing and iconic presence on the pitch. The club expressed their grief in a statement: “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… He was one of our own.”
In recognition of his contributions, Shaw was awarded the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year in 1981 and later, the European Young Player of the Year in 1982. His partnership with fellow striker Peter Withe remains legendary, their teamwork instrumental in Aston Villa’s success during the early 1980s.
Despite being overshadowed by other prolific strikers of his era, Shaw’s undeniable talent saw him narrowly miss out on an England call-up for the 1982 World Cup. Nonetheless, he etched his name in Villa’s history books, cementing his status as a club legend. Fans still fondly remember his chant, “When he gets the ball, he scores a goal, Ga-ry, Ga-ry Shaw.”
After leaving Villa, Shaw’s career continued in England and abroad, playing for clubs like Walsall, Kilmarnock, and Shrewsbury Town. Even in retirement, Shaw remained close to the sport, working as a statistical analyst and later serving as a club ambassador for Aston Villa.
Gary Shaw’s passing marks the end of an era for Villa fans who cherished his contributions both on and off the pitch. His legacy, however, will live on through the memories of his incredible impact during one of the club’s most successful periods.
