ASTON VILLA 'DEEPLY SHOCKED' AS CLUB LEGEND GARY SHAW DIES FROM FALL

Aston Villa say they are ‘deeply shocked and profoundly saddened’ at the death of club legend Gary Shaw.

The former striker died at the age of 63 from injuries sustained after a fall at his home.

Shaw starred for Villa in the early 1980s, helping the Midlands club win the First Division title in 1981 and the European Cup a year later.

Overall he scored 79 goals in 213 games for his boyhood club before playing for the likes of Blackpool, Walsall, Kilmarnock, Shrewsbury Town and England U21.

A statement read: ‘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. Rest in peace, Gary.’

Shaw won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 1981 and was named the best Young Player in Europe in 1982.

A serious knee injury sustained in 1983 hampered the rest of his career and he retired in 1992 after stints in Denmark, Austria and Hong Kong.

Shaw had worked as a statistical analyst since his retirement and was a club ambassador at Villa Park.

The Aston Villa hero was admitted to hospital last week after suffering a head injury from a fall at his home in Birmingham.

Following Villa’s tragic announcement, ex-Scotland striker David Speedie posted on X: ‘Really sad to hear Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw has passed away.

‘He was a fantastic footballer who was a worthy winner of club footballs greatest prize. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Gary at this difficult time.’

Sports broadcaster Tom Ross, meanwhile, said: ‘Gary was a genuine Aston Villa legend who was in the press box every home game.

‘A man who always had a smile on his face and will be missed, RIP.’

Former Sports Argus journalist Peter White added: ‘I’m devastated. When I worked on the Sports Argus, Gary always called in to do his weekly player column.

ASTON VILLA 'DEEPLY SHOCKED' AS CLUB LEGEND GARY SHAW DIES FROM FALL

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