Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare, has passed away at the age of 60, his family has announced. Shakespeare had been undergoing treatment for cancer since October 2023.
Shakespeare's managerial career included stints at Leicester City, West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa, and Norwich. He also served as England's assistant manager in 2016.
A statement from his family, shared through the League Managers' Association, mentioned that Shakespeare "passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family."
The family expressed their pride in Shakespeare's footballing achievements both as a player and a coach. However, they emphasized that, to them, he was foremost a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. "The loss is devastating to us all," the statement continued, asking for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as they mourn the loss of a very special person.
They also thanked everyone for their prayers and good wishes during the challenging months, noting that while they couldn't respond to all, the support meant a lot to Craig and the family.
Shakespeare was an integral part of one of football's greatest stories as Claudio Ranieri's assistant during Leicester's 2015-16 Premier League title-winning season. He took over as manager in February 2017, and though he was given a three-year contract in June, he was dismissed in October.
Most recently, Shakespeare returned to Leicester as an assistant under Dean Smith in April 2023. However, he left the role after the club was relegated from the Premier League the following month.
As a midfielder during his playing career, Shakespeare played for Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Telford, and Hednesford.
