Leicester City have paid tribute to “inspirational figure” Craig Shakespeare after his death, aged 60.
Shakespeare, who managed Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion, held numerous roles throughout his career, most notably as assistant to Claudio Ranieri in the Foxes’ shock Premier League title in 2016.
He got the main job after Ranieri was sacked in 2017 but lasted only a season as Leicester manager.
He also served as assistant manager at Hull, Watford, Aston Villa, Norwich and Everton, and was assistant to Sam Allardyce during his one-game stint as England manager.
Shakespeare was diagnosed with cancer last year, with the news of his death coming as a shock to those across the football world.
In a statement released by the League Managers’ Association, his family announced he had “passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family.”
They said: “Whilst he 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.”
On X, Leicester City said:
“Craig was instrumental in our rise from League 1 to Premier League champions, before taking charge as Manager and leading us into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.Rest in peace, Shakey.”
As a player, Shakespeare turned out for Walsall for whom he made more than 350 appearances, Sheffield Wednesday, Grimsby, West Bromwich Albion and Telford United.
In a statement, The Baggies paid tribute to him, writing: “West Bromwich Albion are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
“A midfielder in his playing days, he made more than 120 appearances across three years at The Hawthorns between 1990 and 1993.
“Craig then dedicated close to a decade of service to the Baggies in various off-field roles, including a stint as Caretaker Manager in 2006.”