Gary Shaw, hero of Aston Villa’s 1982 European Cup triumph, dies aged 63
Former striker sustained head injury this month Shaw was European Young Player of the Year in 1982 Ben Fisher The Guardian - Mon 16 Sep 2024 14.39 CEST Gary Shaw, one of Aston Villa’s 1982 European Cup heroes, has died aged 63. The former striker fell seriously ill this month after being hospitalised with a head injury. Shaw was part of a revered Villa side that enjoyed extraordinary and unparalleled success in the early 80s, winning the First Division in 1981 under Ron Saunders and in 1982 the European Cup and European Super Cup. His performances earned him the accolade of Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year in 1981 and European Young Player of the Year in 1982. He was included in England’s 40-man preliminary squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain but missed out on a final spot in the 22-man squad. Shaw made seven appearances (and two goals) for England’s Under-21s. He is regarded one of Villa’s greatest forwards having scored 79 goals in 213 appearances for...