Gary Shaw dead: Aston Villa's European Cup hero dies aged 63 as condolences pour in | Football | Sport

Aston Villa's triumphant return to the Champions League was marred by the tragic death of Gary Shaw, one of the club's European Cup-winning heroes. As the team prepared for their first appearance in the competition in 41 years, it was confirmed that Villa's former golden boy had not emerged from an induced coma.

Shaw, 63, was rushed to hospital last week after falling outside his home and never regained consciousness. It is a heartbreaking end for a player who was once the darling of the Holte End at the peak of his career.

The news came less than 48 hours before Villa were due to return to a competition they had won, with Shaw playing a crucial role in their 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the final.

A statement from Aston Villa said: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Gary Shaw, one of our European Cup-winning heroes.”

“Gary was one of us, a talented striker who thrilled the fans with his goals and helped Villa to success in the 1980s. Individual accolades also followed for a player idolised by many in the stands.

“He passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family, who have asked Aston Villa to make 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.”

Shaw was a key figure in the team that not only won the cup under manager Tony Barton, but also secured the First Division title under Ron Saunders a year earlier.

With his blond hair and handsome face, he became a heartthrob both on and off the field until a knee injury not only ended his playing career but plagued him for the rest of his life. But it wasn't until he was a teenager that Shaw really blossomed under Saunders.

He was mentored by more experienced members of the Villa team after making his first-team debut at the tender age of 17.

On his 18th birthday, Shaw signed a professional contract with the club he supported as a boy and his rise to stardom was rapid.

He missed just two games in Villa's title win in 1981 and scored in the quarter-finals of the European Cup the following year against Dynamo Kyiv to help Villa win the trophy.

His name is immortalised on a large banner that adorns the north stand of the stadium and contains words from a commentary by Brian Moore.

Shaw found winger Tony Morley, who passed the ball to Peter Withe, who scored the winning goal in Rotterdam. The Solihull-born striker was named in the PFA team of the season and also won the European Young Player of the Year award.

But just over 16 months after this triumph, an injury during a game at Nottingham Forest signaled the beginning of the end.

Shaw suffered a knee injury which led to his early retirement.

In his later years he was a regular in the press boxes and reported on matches for the Press Association.