Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw, 63, in serious condition in hospital after suffering head injury in fall
LEGENDARY Aston Villa striker Gary Shaw is in serious condition in hospital after suffering a head injury in a fall.
The 63-year-old was a part of the Villa side that won the First Division, European Cup and European Super Cup between 1981 and 1982.
He was named PFA Young Player of the Year following their title-winning season in which he scored 20 times.
The blonde-haired baby-faced assassin was regarded as one of Villa’s greatest ever forwards, scoring 79 goals in 213 appearances for the club.
SunSport understands he suffered the incident on Friday and is being cared for at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
Reacting to the news of his health battle, former Villa striker Stan Collymore posted: “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.”
One fan wrote: “That’s terrible news. One of my heroes back in the day. Hope he makes a full recovery.”
While another added: “Every #AVFC fan who remembers how brilliant Gary was in those glory years, sending prayers and deepest wishes for him to make a full recovery.”
Ledge, you’re my hero, and I’m thinking of you.
Stan Collymore
A third replied: “Shocking news. I was lucky enough to meet him a few weeks ago at VP. Lovely bloke and a true legend. Got well soon Gary!”
And a fourth responded: “Still one of my all-time favourites, hope he makes a full recovery.”
Shaw spent 10 years playing for Villa’s first team after coming through their academy.
He racked up nearly 200 appearances for the club, leaving in 1988 to play his football in Denmark.
He ended up with a tally of 73 goals in 196 games for Villa.
Spells followed at Walsall, Kilmarnock and Shrewsbury, before he hung up his boots in 1992.
Shaw never earned a cap for England, but did play seven times for the U21s, scoring two goals.