Stan Collymore posts heartfelt tribute to Aston Villa 'superhero' Gary Shaw

'You dedicated your life to the club' - Former Villa striker pays glowing respects to claret and blue kitman who passed away aged 73

Ex-Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has paid tribute to kitman Gary Shaw, who passed away aged 73. Shaw was a popular figure at Villa Park, having served the club for over 50 years

Collymore played for Villa between 1994 and 1997, and he remembers Shaw as a dedicated and passionate member of the staff.

"Gary was a superhero at Aston Villa," Collymore wrote on Twitter. "He dedicated his life to the club, and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him."

Shaw began working for Villa as a 16-year-old in 1965, and he quickly became a popular figure among the players and staff. He was known for his dry wit and his love of the club.

In a statement on the club's website, Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris said: "Gary was a true Aston Villa legend. He was a kind and compassionate man, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him."

Shaw's death comes just a few weeks after the passing of another Villa legend, Ron Saunders. Saunders was the manager who led Villa to their first European Cup triumph in 1982.

It is a sad time for the Aston Villa family, but Shaw's legacy will live on at Villa Park. He was a true gentleman, and he will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.