Tributes paid as Aston Villa release statement on behalf of family of Gary Shaw who has died age 63

Tributes have been paid as Aston Villa release statement on behalf of family of Gary Shaw, who has died at the age of 63 on Monday (16th September).

On the 9th of September 2024, Shaw suffered a head injury after he fell at his home in Birmingham and was taken to hospital in a “serious condition”.

On the 15th of September, Shaw’s family issued a statement, saying he was still in hospital, with his condition being described as “grave and serious”.

Sadly, the following day, he died, peacefully earlier that day, surrounded by his family.

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… pic.twitter.com/nVjLb4Blfe

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 16, 2024

ASTON VILLA 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.

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.

He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf.

The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

Born in Kingshurst in January 1961, Shaw was the golden boy of Villa’s golden era. Supporters easily identified with the blond-haired local lad who hit the target on a regular basis.

Shaw’s partnership with Peter Withe struck fear into the heart of opposition defences during the title-winning campaign of 1980-81 and the European Cup trail the following season. While Withe provided the power, Shaw’s pace and anticipation completed a lethal duo, earning him recognition far beyond Villa Park.

In 1981, having contributed 18 goals to Villa’s League Championship triumph, he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year. Twelve months later his talents were acknowledged on the continent as he received the accolade of European Young Footballer of the Year.

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.

His Euro award was the result of some outstanding performances along the road to Rotterdam, including the crucial breakthrough goal from a tight angle in the quarter-final against Dynamo Kiev. He remained a regular during the 1982-83 season, during which he won a European Super Cup medal but then, sadly, became the victim of a series of injury problems which seriously curtailed his involvement.

After 213 appearances and 79 goals, 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.

In recent years, he had been a regular visitor to Villa Park on matchdays, engaging in Q&A sessions with guests in corporate areas around the stadium as well as working as a football statistician.

Rest in Peace, Gary.

Gary Shaw

Another former club of his, Walsall, wrote: “We are extremely saddened to hear the news that Gary Shaw has passed away.

“Gary made nine appearances for the Saddlers in 1990 and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

“The thoughts of everyone at Walsall Football Club are with Gary’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

HIS CAREER:

Youth career
1977–1978 – Aston Villa

Senior career
1978–1988 – Aston Villa – 165 games (59 goals)
1987 → Blackpool (loan) – 6 games (0 goals)
1988 – Kjøbenhavns Boldklub – 14 games (4 goals)
1988–1990 – SK Austria Klagenfurt – 1 game (1 goal)
1990 – Walsall – 9 games (3 goals)
1990 – Kilmarnock – 2 games (0 goals)
1990–1991 – Shrewsbury Town – 22 games (5 goals)
1991–1992 – Ernest Borel
Total – 218 games (71 goals)

International career
1981–1982 – England U21 – 7 games (2 goals)

Honours

Club
Aston Villa
First Division: 1980–81
European Cup: 1981–82
European Super Cup: 1982

Individual
Bravo Award (Awarded to the Most Outstanding Young Footballer in Europe): 1982
PFA Young Player of the Year: 1981
PFA Team of the Year: 1980–81

Facebook users also paid tributes as Aston Villa release a statement on behalf of the family of Gary Shaw who has died age 63…

Richard Ennis: The word ‘legend’ gets attached to players who are not and never will be one. But Gary Shaw was a legend of Aston Villa. One of the immortal 14 who won us the League and a vital part of the greatest night in world history in May 1982. Thank you for giving us more than we could ever have thought possible in our wildest dreams, Gary. HEITS.

Trevor Oakley: RIP Gary Shaw, another footballer taken far too soon. As a blue nose I grew up watching his phenomenal talent and putting rivalries aside he was a great man too. God Bless 🙏

Mike Ansett: Thank you Gary for such great memories you will never be forgotten. RIP a true Villa legend.

Aiden Nicoll: RIP.. Gary.it was a privilege to follow your career.some fantastic times

Grant Adams: No words absolutely 💔for all of us but more for his family . A friend to most , lived life to the full and lived a dream we all had growing up . Legend ♥️💙🙏

Max Rizzo: I feel really sad… Gary has been one of my 2 favourite all time players (with Michel Platini), my idol when I knew him and the Villa in 1981. I want to express my condolences to family, relatives and friends, who had the joy to know him in person.

Janet Madge: Garry great player loved to watch him play. A true legend sincere condolences to his family and friends 🧡 RIP Garry

Mandi Burgin-spencer: Rest in peace Gary, I had the privilege to meet you a couple of times after you had retired from playing… lovely bloke & a true gentleman, my deepest sympathies to all your family 😢💔

Martin Clinton: RIP Gary. THANK YOU for the great service and work you’ve put in. May you rest in eternal peace 💜

Venita Timmins: Rest in Peace Gary, thank you for the wonderful memories. Deepest condolences to his family and friends x

Graham Bailey: RIP Gary, forever a Villa legend

David Hartle: He was a hero, a hero I watched from the Holte End for many a year. Being honest, there’s a tear in my eye……..

Ricky Neale: As Villa are going to reveal a new statue this season then who better than someone who helped us win the biggest prize in club football. RIP Gary a true Villa legend in every sense.