In incredibly saddening news it has been confirmed that Gary Shaw has passed away. The former Villa striker, just 63 years of age, died as a result of injuries sustained following a fall.
Shaw was instrumental in Villa winning the 1981 league title and the European Cup in 1982. Ths striker was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year in 1981 and European Young Player of the Year in 1982. This of course tells you all you need to know about his qualities on the pitch.
Embed from Getty ImagesGARY SHAW
Gary Shaw, born on January 21, 1961, in Birmingham, England, will be remembered as one of Aston Villa’s most talented strikers. Shaw’s career at Aston Villa began in 1978, and he quickly established himself as an important player. His remarkable skills and goal-scoring ability were key components of Villa’s success during the early 1980s.
Shaw’s most notable achievements came in the 1980-81 season when he helped Villa secure a First Division title, our first in 71 years. His partnership with Peter Withe was pivotal, with Shaw contributing 18 goals to the campaign. The following year, Shaw played a crucial role in Villa’s historic European Cup victory in 1982, scoring vital goals en route to the final, where we infamously defeated Bayern Munich 1-0.
In recognition of his outstanding performances, Shaw was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year in 1981 and the Bravo Award in 1982, given to the best under-23 player in European competitions at the time. Despite his promising career, Shaw’s progress was hampered by a severe knee injury in 1983.
After leaving the club in 1988, Shaw had brief stints with clubs such as Blackpool, Kjøbenhavns Boldklub, SK Austria Klagenfurt, Walsall, Kilmarnock, and Shrewsbury Town. He also earned seven caps for the England U21s.
Gary Shaw’s legacy at Villa is cemented by his contributions to the club’s golden era. His skill, determination, and memorable goals will be recalled fondly. Shaw passed away on September 16, 2024, but his achievements and impact on Aston Villa will always be remembered.