Former Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare dies after battle with most cancers

Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has tragically passed away following a battle with cancer.

Shakespeare, who was 60 years old, was a hugely respected coach in English football, which came after an impressive playing career.

A midfielder by trade, Shakespeare represented the likes of Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Grimsby between 1981 and 2000.

After moving into coaching, he spent time in a variety of roles at the Baggies, Leicester City, Hull City, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich City, with Shakespeare famously Claudio Ranieri‘s assistant when the Foxes improbably won the Premier League title in 2016.

He later succeeded Ranieri in the dugout at the King Power Stadium in what was his only permanent managerial role.  

A statement announcing his passing released by the League Managers Association on behalf of the Shakespeare family said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, “SHAKEY”.

‘Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family.

‘Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.

‘The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.’ 

Several of Shakespeare’s former clubs similarly paid tribute to him after his passing.

Everton said: ‘Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former coach Craig Shakespeare.

‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.’

Norwich expressed their condolences as they said: ‘All at Norwich City are saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare. 

‘Craig is fondly remembered at Carrow Road and his loss will be felt by the entire footballing community. Our heartfelt wishes go to Craig’s friends and family at this sad time.’

West Brom shared: ‘We’re heartbroken to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.

‘The thoughts of all of us at West Bromwich Albion, where Craig served as a player and in various other roles, are with his friends, family and loved ones.

‘Rest in peace, Shakey.’

Walsall also paid their respects as they added: ‘We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player Craig Shakespeare.

‘Craig made over 350 appearances for the Saddlers and will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.

‘Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this difficult time.’

Meanwhile, Grimsby Town shared a tribute that read: ‘We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Mariner Craig Shakespeare.

‘The classy midfielder played 121 times for Town, scoring 10 goals, between 1993 and 1997.

‘Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this sad time. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.’

Shakespeare was most closely associated with Nigel Pearson, who he worked with at West Brom, Leicester, Hull and Watford. 

Meanwhile, he also joined forces with Dean Smith at Aston Villa and Norwich, while Shakespeare was part of Sam Allardyce’s backroom team during his one-game stint as England manager. 

Shakespeare played a huge role in Leicester’s Premier League triumph during the 2015-16 campaign and remained hugely popular among the Foxes faithful. 

He only spent eight months in the managerial hot seat at the club, winning 11 of his 26 games in charge, before he was sacked and replaced by Claude Puel.

Shakespeare also enjoyed a one-game stint as caretaker boss of West Brom in 2006, overseeing a 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace.  

It was announced last October that Shakespeare was diagnosed with cancer, with his last role in football being as Smith’s assistant boss during his short spell at Leicester in 2023.

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