Gary Shaw, a beloved Aston Villa legend, tragically passed away at the age of 63 last year after suffering a severe head injury.
Shaw, widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest players, left behind nearly £300,000 in his estate after dying without a will.
His passing has left his family grappling with the legal complications of managing his estate.
The Tragic Accident Leading to Shaw’s Death
The former Villa striker, who was instrumental in their 1982 European Cup victory, died following an unfortunate accident.
Shaw had been out for a night at the Jam House in Birmingham when he got into a taxi around 1:30 a.m. on September 6.
Unfortunately, after getting out of the cab, Shaw fell and hit his head on the kerb.
His neighbor found him collapsed in the street, and an ambulance was quickly called.
Shaw suffered an extensive head injury and was rushed to the hospital.
Despite efforts to stabilize him, the severity of his condition became clear.
On September 9, a CT scan showed worsening brain damage, and Shaw tragically passed away on September 16, after ten days in critical care.
The official cause of death was determined to be from the head injury, with hypertension also contributing to the tragic outcome.
No Will Left Behind, Probate Proceedings Follow
At the time of his passing, Shaw had never married and had no children.
This left his estate in limbo, as he had not prepared a will.
As a result, a Grant of Letters of Administration was issued to determine who would manage Shaw’s estate.
This document, also known as probate, allows a legally entitled person to take responsibility for a deceased person’s assets when no clear instructions have been left behind.
According to the probate documents released on Monday, Shaw’s gross estate was valued at £297,670, which, after expenses, left a net value of £287,027.
This estate will now be managed by a lawyer for the benefit of Michael Measey, who is believed to be a close friend or relative of Shaw’s.
Shaw’s Legacy in Aston Villa and Football History
Shaw’s legacy in football is undeniable.
During his peak years at Aston Villa from 1978 to 1988, he became a key player for the club.
He scored three goals on Villa’s way to the 1982 European Cup final and was part of their title-winning team in 1981, netting 18 goals during their march to the First Division title.
Over the course of his career, Shaw scored 79 goals in 213 appearances for Villa and played for the England under-21 team.
Shaw’s accomplishments weren’t confined to Villa alone.
He also played for Blackpool, Walsall, Kilmarnock, and Shrewsbury Town, leaving his mark on football wherever he went.
His talent was widely recognized, earning him the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year award in 1981, as well as the European Young Player of the Year award in 1982.
A Legacy Remembered Beyond Football
Although Shaw’s estate is modest in comparison to modern football stars—such as Villa’s latest signing Marcus Rashford, who reportedly earns £300,000 per week—it serves as a reminder of Shaw’s humble beginnings.
The average wage for top-flight players during Shaw’s career was £57,000 per year, a stark contrast to the enormous salaries in today’s game.
His passing, although sudden and tragic, has left a lasting impact on those who knew him and on the club he loved.
Fans and family alike will remember him not just for his football prowess, but for the joy and pride he brought to Aston Villa.
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