Ex-Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has passed away at the age of 60. In a released statement, the family of Shakespeare - who also served as assistant to Claudio Ranieri when the club famously landed the Premier League title in 2015/16 - confirmed he had died at his home this morning.
It had previously been announced in October 2023 that he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Via the League Managers' Association, Shakespeare's family's statement read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, SHAKEY.
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"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. 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."
A number of clubs have since reacted to the sad news, with Everton FC stating on social media: "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 City said: "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."
The Englishman began his coaching career at West Brom in 1999, having previously made more than 100 league appearances for the Baggies as a player. After nine years at the Hawthorns in various roles, including a short stint as caretaker manager, he left to join Leicester as Nigel Pearson's assistant.
And he would later play a key role in a golden three-year period for the Foxes, winning the Championship in 2013/14 before the club remarkably escaped Premier League reputation the following season. And when Pearson was sacked by the club, he served alongside Ranieri.
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What followed has gone down in English football folklore, as the club defied huge odds to be crowned Premier League champions. Following that campaign, Shakespeare combined club duties with working as assistant to England manager Sam Allardyce, but left when his reign ended after just one match.
But in March 2017, when Ranieri was sacked, he was promoted to first-team manager at the King Power Stadium. Despite his reign only lasting seven months, he oversaw victory over Sevilla to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, eventually losing against Atletico Madrid.
Shakespeare would later work at Watford, Everton, Aston Villa and Norwich, before returning to Leicester in April 2023. During his illness, fans held up banners of support during games.
