Former Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare has died at the age of 60, his family have announced.
A statement from the Shakespeare family read: “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘Shakey’.
“Craig passed away peacefully this morning at his home surrounded by his family.
“Whilst the family are immensely proud of his football achievements both as a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving husband and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
“The loss is devastating to us and we would ask that privacy is given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.”
Shakespeare was undergoing treatment for cancer in October 2023 and has worked at clubs including West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich.
He also had a spell as assistant manager for England in 2016.
Shakespeare had worked as Claudio Ranieri’s No. 2 at Leicester during their famous Premier League-winning campaign of 2015/16.
He went on to replace the Italian in February 2017, leading them to victories in the Champions League over Sevilla before being sacked in October.
The Birmingham-born coach’s most recent spell saw him return to the King Power Stadium as assistant in April 2023 under Dean Smith.
However, he could not stop them from relegation to the Championship the following month.
Jamie Vardy, who worked with Shakespeare at Leicester, emotionally wrote on social media: “I don’t have the words right now. Just gutted. RIP Shakey.”
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Norwich posted the following tribute: “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.”
LMA chairman and former Leicester boss Martin O’Neill paid tribute to Shakespeare’s achievements.
“Craig’s impact on the people he worked with was often spoken about by players, coaches and managers in the game,” he said.
“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.”
And Grimsby Town, who he appeared for as during his playing career, said: “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.”
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