The football world has lost a gem as former Leicester City manager and assistant coach Craig Shakespeare has died aged 60 following a battle with cancer.
Shakespeare was assistant to Claudio Ranieri when The Foxes stunned the world to win the Premier League title in 2016, and was caretaker manager in the club’s run to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final the following season.
“Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by family,” the Leicester hero’s family released in a statement via the League Manager’s Association following his demise.
“It was with heavy hearts that Leicester City Football Club learned of the passing of a beloved member of our family, Craig Shakespeare, on Thursday 1 August, 2024, at the age of 60,” Leicester City wrote in a statement on its website.
The statement added, “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.”
Apart from spells at Leicester – he was also assistant to Dean Smith and Nigel Pearson – Shakespeare worked at West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa, Norwich City and the England national team.