Ex Leicester City manager, Craig Shakespeare has died at the age of 60.
Shakespeare had been confirmed in October 2023 to be undergoing treatment for cancer, but his family have confirmed via a statement through League Managers Association (LMA) that the ex Leicester boss “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family”.
The statement continued: “While 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.
“The family would like to thank and acknowledge the many prayers and good wishes sent during the past few difficult months, many of which we were unable to respond to but all meant a lot to Craig and the family.”
Shakespeare had been assistant manager to Claudio Ranieri in 2015-16 season when Leicester pulled off a shock maiden Premier League title, just one season after they escaped relegation with a late-season up-turn in results.
He went on to replace Ranieri after the Italian’s sacking in February 2017 and became the first English manager to win his first four Premier League fixtures, whilst he also took the Foxes to Quarter-Finals of 2016-17 Champions League.
Following his sacking in October 2017, Shakespeare went on to coach at Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich, before he returned to Leicester in April 2023 as Assistant Head Coach in an unsuccessful fight to avoid relegation.
As a player, Shakespeare is best known for his eight-year spell with Walsall between 1981-89, during which the Saddlers won promotion via Third Division Play-Offs in 1988.
Spells at Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Telford and Hednesford Town followed, before he began his coaching career with the Baggies followed by a stint at Hull either side of first two periods at Leicester.
Fellow manager, Nigel Pearson who worked with Shakespeare at Leicester then Watford paid the following tribute to his former assistant.
“It’s difficult to put into words how I and indeed everyone who came across or worked with Craig will feel on hearing such devastating news.
“He is without hesitation one of the most wonderfully talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced and outrageously funny people I’ve had the privilege of calling my friend.
“Safe journey to the next destination my wonderful friend. You are loved and admired by us all, and every time we think of you, a smile, smirk, chuckle or memorable occasion will come to us. We truly are the lucky ones for having known Shakey.”
LMA Chairman, Martin O’Neill paid tribute to Shakespeare for his impact upon players and fellow coaches, whilst acknowledging his role in various successes of clubs that he had played or coached at.
“Craig’s impact on the people he worked with was often spoken about by players, coaches and managers in the game.
“Not only because his knowledge of football and coaching was so strong, but also because his personality and warmth made people feel important and that Craig truly cared about their development and success.
“The role he played in the success of his teams should be celebrated, especially at Leicester City, who rightfully see Craig as a club stalwart who played a significant part of that unbelievable Premier League winning season and many other wonderful times throughout his three spells at the club.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Craig’s family and loved ones at this awfully sad time.”
Leicester issued their own tribute in which Shakespeare was described as “a cherished part” of the club’s history, with a warm personality which will leave a huge hole for everyone at the club and in wider football.
“Craig was not merely a staff member but a cherished part of the Leicester City family. His warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in people endeared him to all.
“His loss will be felt deeply by the many friends he still has at Leicester City and beyond. Supporters, colleagues, and friends won’t ever forget the immeasurable impact Craig had on the Football Club and its staff.
“To Craig’s wife Karen and children Elle and Jed, everyone at Leicester City Football Club extends their deepest condolences at this difficult time. Their pain is shared by all who knew, respected and loved Craig.
“He leaves a legacy at Leicester City like few others and though we mourn his loss, we are grateful to have shared such a special connection with a man whose passion and spirit will long resonate with all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Leicester forward, Jamie Vardy led the social media tributes to Shakespeare as he spoke of his shock.
? I don’t have the words right now. Just gutted. RIP Shakey. pic.twitter.com/VqQc5ANycU
— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) August 1, 2024
Devastated to hear the passing of Shakey. Not only a brilliant coach but more importantly an amazing person. There through it all on the LCFC journey, none of which would’ve happened without him. RIP Shakes, thanks for everything ? pic.twitter.com/9TcDgUskXc
— Andy King (@AndyKingy) August 1, 2024
The man who signed me for Leicester, the man who gave me so much belief, the man I learnt so much from. I will be forever grateful. Football will miss you, life will miss you. An incredible man. My thoughts are with all his family at this difficult time.
RIP Shakey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NKWR7dPyfO
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) August 1, 2024
Gutted ?
Words can’t even describe what this man did for me and my career at Leicester. I am so thankful to have had him in my life on and off the pitch. He was an unbelievable coach but an even better human being
RIP Shakey ? pic.twitter.com/JqRtVIqzC8
— DANNY SIMPSON (@dannysimpson) August 1, 2024
RIP Shakey!
Top top coach but more importantly a great person! Was a pleasure to get to work with you and my thoughts are with your family and loved ones!
— Jordan Hugill (@JordanHugill) August 1, 2024
Incredibly sad to hear the news of the passing of Craig Shakespeare, aged only 60.
As an apprentice at Walsall he was always one of the seniors who had a positive word or two.
Great lad, cracking coach and a real shock he’s gone.
Sending sincerest condolences to his family and… pic.twitter.com/m4XyYcCmBR
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) August 1, 2024
Very sad to hear that Craig Shakespeare has passed away.
I remember him as a player back in the 90s – playing vs Grimsby.
And later as a great coach for different clubs.
RIP Craig ?❤️— Jan Aage Fjørtoft ?? (@JanAageFjortoft) August 1, 2024
RIP SHAKEY??❤️
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) August 1, 2024
EFL meanwhile spoke of feeling ‘deeply saddened’ by the news of Shakespeare’s death.
The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this very difficult time. ❤️ https://t.co/7DVxZva8tB
— EFL (@EFL) August 1, 2024
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