A rare collection of medals belonging to the late Gary Shaw, an esteemed figure in Aston Villa's illustrious history, has emerged for auction just months after his passing in September at the age of 63. This remarkable assemblage includes his European Cup and League Cup medals, alongside other prestigious accolades, and is being offered by an anonymous seller with an opening price set at £50,000. This figure, while substantial, is significantly lower than the weekly wages of many current players at Aston Villa.
Shaw's tenure at Aston Villa spanned from 1978 to 1988, a period characterised by notable achievements. He played a pivotal role in clinching the European Cup in 1982, as well as securing the First Division title—now known as the Premier League—and the European Super Cup. His outstanding performances during this era earned him numerous individual accolades, including the Young Player of the Year award and the Bravo Award for Europe's most outstanding young player. Furthermore, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year, reflecting his immense talent and commitment to the game.
The auction, conducted by Mullock Jones, a Shropshire-based auction house, has sparked significant discussion within the football community. The collection not only features Shaw’s medals from the European Cup and League title but also includes the Super Cup and his Young Player of the Year trophy. Approximately six years prior to his passing, Shaw sold these cherished items to a private individual, who has now chosen to part with them following the late player's demise.
Ben Jones, the auctioneer overseeing the sale, shed light on the rationale behind the auction. Initially, the seller had agreed to retain the collection in its entirety out of respect for Shaw whilst he was alive. "There will always be opinions around whether or not an item or items should be sold. That is to be expected," Jones remarked. “However, we firmly believe that the fairest method of sale is through auction.”
The timing of this auction, occurring shortly after Shaw's passing, has prompted varied opinions among fans and enthusiasts. Yet, Jones underscored the importance of honouring Shaw’s legacy. “Opting to keep the collection whole rather than breaking it down into individual pieces preserves its significance in football history,” he asserted. Interest in the auction has already surged, with bids reaching £30,000 as of now, and the event is scheduled for December 4 and 5.
Jones acknowledged the complexities involved in appraising such unique memorabilia, stating, "It is very difficult to value anything like this. Everybody perceives it differently, but it is undoubtedly a rare and valuable collection." Shaw's legacy transcends mere statistics—79 goals in 213 appearances for Aston Villa—resonating profoundly with fans and the club alike.
In response to Shaw’s passing, Aston Villa released a heartfelt statement expressing their condolences: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply shocked and profoundly saddened to learn that Gary Shaw, one of our European Cup-winning heroes, has passed away. Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits that helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s.” This statement underscored Shaw's significant contributions and enduring status as an icon within the club’s rich history.
As the football community reflects on Shaw’s impactful career, it is apparent that his contributions to the sport will be remembered with great affection, especially as the upcoming auction serves to honour his remarkable legacy.