Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw in hospital after fall
Aston Villa legend and European Cup champion Gary Shaw is poorly in hospital after suffering a head injury as the result of a fall.
The 63-year-old Villa legend is widely regarded as one of the best forwards the club has had in their 150-year history after he made 213 appearances and scored 79 goals. Born in Kingshurst, Shaw spent a decade at his boyhood club after starting his apprenticeship with Villa in 1977.
In 1981, having contributed 18 goals to Villa's League Championship triumph, he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year. Shaw also played a key role in the club's European conquest a year later.
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Shaw played in seven of the club's eight matches before the final with Bayern, where he started in attack alongside match-winner Peter Withe.
After missing the 5-0 home win over Valur, Shaw bagged a brace in the return leg in Reykjavik. Villa saw off Dynamo Berlin in the second round, before Shaw handed Villa the all-important breakthrough in the quarter-final second leg against Dynamo Kiev at Villa Park.
Villa drew 0-0 away from home, before winning 2-0 on home soil as Ken McNaught scored before half-time to double the lead after Shaw's opening goal in the fourth minute.
He remained a regular during the 1982-83 season, during which he won a European Super Cup medal. Shaw then suffered a series of injury problems which limited his availability in the final five years of his Villa career. He left the club on a free transfer in 1988, later playing in Denmark, Austria and Hong Kong.
Lots of messages are appearing on social media after the news started to break.
Stan Collymore posted on X: "Villans, Gary Shaw is very poorly in hospital after a fall. I'm sure the Villa family will rally round and give one of our greatest our love and support at this incredibly difficult time. Ledge, you're my hero, and I'm thinking of you."
Project B6 added: "Thoughts on an 8th minute round of applause in Support of our original Star Boy Gary Shaw v Everton on Saturday? A Villan, A League and European Cup winner, A True Legend of Aston Villa Football Club."
Another Villa fan said: "Best wishes and a speedy recovery to Gary Shaw. Boyhood hero and Villa Legend. Send him positive vibes Villa fans."