Fans' emotional goodbye to football legend

Mourners gathered in Birmingham to say their final goodbyes to Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw.

A funeral procession for the former striker, who died last month at the age of 63, took place in the city on Wednesday afternoon.

Crowds assembled near the fan zone at Villa Park to pay respects as the cortege went past en route to Sutton Coldfield Crematorium, where the funeral service was held.

Supporters told 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 used to deliver milk to Shaw’s family home, said he meant “everything” to him and described him as one of his heroes.

“I saw him make his full debut when he came on against Bristol City and scored a goal for the Villa – instant hero,” he said.

Fans gathered at Villa Park to pay their respects to Gary Shaw

Lynne Wilson said Shaw used to give her lifts to the training ground and they would often go for a drink.

“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 said.

As a player, she said he was “magic” and would often “turn players inside out”.

Lynne Wilson said Shaw used to give her lifts to the Villa training ground

Maria Gregory said Shaw “meant the world” to her, revealing that he was her first crush and she followed his career for as long as he played.

“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.

Maria Gregory said Gary Shaw was her first crush

Ms Gregory said he would have been one of the club’s greatest every players if his career hadn’t been hit by injuries.

“Modern players can’t hold a candle to him, in my humble opinion,” she said.

“He would have probably said differently but, in my opinion, they haven’t got his charisma and that’s something he had in spades. He will be very sadly missed.”

Former Villa striker Gary Shaw died in September at the age of 63