Mourners gathered in Birmingham to say their final goodbyes to Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw, who passed away last month at the age of 63. A funeral procession for the former striker was held on Wednesday afternoon, with crowds assembling near the fan zone at Villa Park to pay their respects as the cortege made its way to Sutton Coldfield Crematorium, where the service occurred.
Supporters expressed their admiration for Shaw, highlighting his impact on the club as a defining figure in their history. Fans shared with BBC Midlands Today how much the 1982 European Cup winner meant to them, describing him as an instant hero when he scored for the club on his debut. Antoni Trzcinski, who delivered milk to Shaw’s family home, remarked, “He meant everything to me and he was one of my heroes.”
Lynne Wilson shared personal anecdotes, stating that Shaw used to give her lifts to the training ground and that he was always engaging with fans. "He’s always been a lad, chatting with everybody, and he was so looking forward to the Champions League. It’s just so sad that he won’t be able to see it,” she reflected.
Fans remember Shaw’s footballing magic, with Lynne Wilson acknowledging his talent in turning players inside out. Maria Gregory shared her emotional connection to Shaw, recalling that he was her first crush, saying, “I’ve met him a few times and he was the loveliest of men. I can’t believe we’re here today…he should be here today.” She added that Shaw could have been one of the club’s greatest ever players if not for injuries and noted, “Modern players can’t hold a candle to him, in my humble opinion.”
Shaw's legacy as a beloved figure in Aston Villa FC history will continue to resonate with fans, highlighting the deep connection between the player and the club.