Aston Villa is mourning the loss of one of its greatest football heroes, Gary Shaw, who passed away at the age of 63 after sustaining injuries from a fall. Shaw was an important figure in Villa’s history, known for his role in helping the club secure both the First Division title in 1981 and the prestigious European Cup in 1982. He will always be remembered for his contributions on the pitch and the love he had for his boyhood club.

Shaw’s Rise to Fame at Villa

Gary Shaw joined Aston Villa as a young player, working his way through the club’s youth system before making his first-team debut in 1978. Born and raised as a Villa fan, Shaw lived the dream of representing the club he supported. By the end of his Villa career, he had scored 79 goals in 213 games, becoming a beloved figure for fans who watched him play.

After Andy Gray was sold to Wolves in 1979, Shaw took his chance and soon became Villa’s top scorer for the 1979-80 season. His speed, skill, and ability to find the back of the net made him a crucial player, and when Peter Withe was signed to partner him in the attack, the pair formed a formidable duo.

A Key Role in Aston Villa’s Historic Success

The 1980-81 season was a special one for Aston Villa, as the club won its first league title in 71 years. Shaw played a huge part in this achievement, scoring 18 goals alongside Withe, who scored 20. The partnership between the two strikers was central to Villa’s success that season, and it set them up for their triumph in the European Cup a year later.

In 1982, Villa made history by winning the European Cup, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the final in Rotterdam. Shaw and Withe had both contributed goals on the journey to the final, with Shaw scoring three times along the way. This victory remains one of the proudest moments in the club’s history, and Shaw’s involvement cemented his status as a Villa legend.

Injuries and the End of His Playing Career

Sadly, Gary Shaw’s career was cut short by injury. In September 1983, he suffered a knee injury that would ultimately prevent him from reaching his full potential. Despite returning to football after the injury, Shaw never quite regained the form that had made him such a star.

He continued playing for clubs like Blackpool, Walsall, Kilmarnock, and Shrewsbury Town, as well as teams in Denmark, Austria, and Hong Kong. However, by 1992, he decided to retire from professional football.

Life After Football

Even after his retirement, Shaw remained heavily involved in football. He became a statistical analyst, providing in-match data for home games at Villa and Kidderminster Harriers. Shaw was known for his sharp football mind and stayed connected to the game he loved.

In his later years, he returned to Aston Villa as a club ambassador, a role that allowed him to represent the team at various events and continue his close relationship with the club. Fans and former teammates always spoke fondly of Shaw, often referring to him as “Shawsy,” the blonde striker with a golden touch in front of goal.

Honouring Gary Shaw’s Legacy

Aston Villa Football Club expressed its deep sadness over Shaw’s passing, with a statement released on behalf of his family. The club’s statement highlighted Shaw’s importance as one of their European Cup-winning heroes and a player who was adored by fans. “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,” the club said.

Current Villa manager Unai Emery also paid tribute to Shaw, dedicating Villa’s upcoming Champions League match to his memory. “We have a memory always, in our training ground, of the 1982 European Cup,” Emery said. “He was a protagonist of that. My condolences to his family and all the supporters at Villa.”

Shaw’s impact went beyond his time on the pitch. He remains a symbol of Aston Villa’s golden era and an inspiration to fans. His achievements, including being named PFA Young Player of the Year in 1981 and European Young Player of the Year in 1982, stand as a testament to his talent and contribution to the game.

Remembering a Villa Icon

Gary Shaw will forever be remembered as a vital part of Aston Villa’s success in the early 1980s. His goals, his partnership with Peter Withe, and his role in winning the European Cup will always be cherished by the Villa faithful. Though injuries prevented him from achieving even greater heights, his legacy as a true Villa icon is secure.

As the football world mourns his passing, Aston Villa fans and the broader football community will continue to celebrate the life and career of a player who gave so much to his club. Rest in peace, Gary Shaw.