Aston Villa legend's unique medal haul for sale as friend honours promise to much-loved star

Gary Shaw's European Cup and League Championship medals are to be auctioned off after a friend of the late Aston Villa star honoured his promise to the much-loved striker. The collection could fetch an estimated £50,000 to £70,000.

Shaw, who died at just 63 after suffering a head injury in September, offered a close friend the chance to buy the medals around six years ago as the family were big Villa fans. An agreement was made that the collection would not be sold while Shaw was alive but would be sold - ideally to the club or a fan - after his death.

They include his 1982 European Cup Winners medal, 1982 European Super Cup Winners medal, 1981 Football League Championship medal and 1982 Bravo Award medal, awarded to Europe's best young player. His 1981 PFA Young Player of the Year Trophy will also be sold at Mullock Jones Auctioneers in Shropshire on Thursday, December 5.

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A Mullocks spokesperson said: "Gary's wishes were ideally for the club to purchase and display for supporters or to go to a Villa fan who will appreciate and cherish them.

"Although the medals would no doubt achieve more being sold separately, the vendors have kept their promise to Gary in keeping the collection as one. The collection is offered to the public in a rare opportunity to own a true piece of football history."

Ben Jones, from Mullock Jones Auctioneers and Valuers, added: "Gary Shaw was an integral part of Aston Villa's history and a cherished figure in English football. The items being sold reflect a truly historic time for Aston Villa as a club.

"With a guide of £50,000 for this unique collection, we hope football fans and collectors will recognise the rarity and significance of these pieces, and hope they attract significant interest from around the globe.

“Gary’s legacy on the field speaks for itself. These pieces aren’t just memorabilia; they’re a tribute to a player who helped define a golden era for Aston Villa.

"We are honoured to offer this unique collection to the public." The European Cup medal is described by the auctioneers as being a "prestigious and highly sought-after piece of football history."

They said the European Super Cup Winners Medal was in itself "scarce" and desired by many collectors. The 1981 Football League Championship medal is "steeped in history" as it was the first time Villa had won the league in 71 years and still their most recent.

And the PFA trophy and Bravo Award medals were awarded to some of the most prestigious footballers in the world at the time. To bid on the lots visit: https://bid.mullocksauctions.co.uk/auctions/9108/srmu10197/lot-details/24e3fc98-de80-4cbb-8e5b-b22d00d9b544