Aston Villa icon Gary Shaw, 63, has passed away.
Villa shared the news on social media: “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.
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“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.”
(Image: Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock)
Shaw, 63, was admitted to hospital last week after reportedly suffering a fall outside his house and never regained consciousness.
The news comes on the eve of Aston Villa’s return to the competition that they last graced 41-years ago. Shaw was part of the Villa side that bested Bayern Munich 1-0 in 1982 in Rotterdam.
Villa had bested Valur, Dynamo Berlin, Dynamo Kyiv and Anderlecht en route to the final. Peter Withe netted the only goal of the game to hand Aston Villa their most famous hour at De Kuip.
(Image: Getty Images)
It was Shaw who found winger Tony Morley who crossed the ball for Withe to grab the winner – and his name has since been immortalised on a huge banner which adorns the North Stand of the ground, taking the words from Brian Moore’s famous commentary.
“Our league and European champion, Gary Shaw has passed away,” broadcaster Jonny Gould wrote in one of a number of social media tributes. “Immensely sad and tragic news for all #AVFC supporters and every fan who remembers this magical era for football. He could really play.”
“Rest in peace Gary Shaw. You will never be forgotten,” one fan shared. While a second said: “RIP to Gary Shaw, one of best ever players to wear the Villa shirt. Such a sad sad loss, thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
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