### Auction of Gary Shaw's Memorabilia Set to Celebrate Aston Villa Legend’s Legacy
In a heartfelt tribute to Aston Villa icon Gary Shaw, a remarkable collection of his memorabilia, including treasured medals and trophies, is scheduled for auction just under three months following his unfortunate passing on September 16, 2023, at the age of 63. The auction, hosted by Mullock Jones in Shropshire, promises to evoke nostalgia among supporters who recall Shaw’s pivotal contributions to the club during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s.
A product of Aston Villa’s esteemed youth academy, Shaw made a lasting impact at the club, netting 79 goals in 213 first-team appearances. His efforts were crucial in securing the English First Division title in 1981, alongside both the European Cup and European Super Cup the subsequent year. Among the items set to be auctioned is Shaw’s revered European Cup medal, awarded after Villa's historic 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich in the final held in Rotterdam.
The collection features numerous photographs showcasing Shaw's illustrious career, including a cherished image from 1982 capturing him with the European Super Cup after Villa’s victory against Barcelona. Additionally, the memorabilia includes Shaw's PFA Young Player of the Year trophy from 1981, with bidding for this unique collection expected to commence at an enticing £50,000.
It is noteworthy that six years prior, Shaw sold his football memorabilia to a private collector with an agreement that the items would remain intact and not be auctioned off individually. This stipulation has been respected by the current seller, who is now presenting the collection for auction. Auctioneer Ben Jones commented, "While there will always be discussion around the sale of items like this, we believe that auctioning is the fairest way to determine value." He further emphasised that selling the entire collection together aligns with Shaw's wish for the memorabilia to be appreciated as a cohesive part of football heritage.
Former Villa striker Stan Collymore has expressed strong support for the club to acquire Shaw’s memorabilia, suggesting it should be showcased at Villa Park. He articulated his views on Twitter: "No better starting point to create a club museum worthy of our history than to buy a club legend's medals back, for future Villans to know the name of Gary Shaw, and the team he played with. Those medals deserve to be at Villa Park, B6."
As the auction date draws near, a current bid of £30,000 has already been placed, although the online auction is not officially set to begin until December 4. This presents a unique opportunity for fans and collectors alike to honour the legacy of Gary Shaw and his extraordinary career with Aston Villa, celebrating a figure whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the club's history.