Former Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare passes away

Craig Shakespeare, former Leicester City manager and the club’s assistant manager for their historic 2015/16 Premier League title win, has died at the age of 60.

His family said in a statement to the League Managers Association:

‍"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, “SHAKEY”.

"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 Leicester statement said: 

"It was with heavy hearts that Leicester City Football Club learned of the passing of a beloved member of our family, Craig Shakespeare.

"A man of immense talent, unwavering dedication, and heartfelt passion for the beautiful game, Craig’s passing will be mourned heavily by all who knew him, as well as the football community at large.

"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. Supporters, colleagues, and friends won’t ever forget the immeasurable impact Craig had on the Football Club and its staff.

"To Craig’s wife Karen and children Elle and Jed, everyone at Leicester City Football Club extends their deepest condolences at this difficult time. Their pain is shared by all who knew, respected and loved Craig.

"He leaves a legacy at Leicester City like few others and though we mourn his loss, we are grateful to have shared such a special connection with a man whose passion and spirit will long resonate with all who had the pleasure of knowing him."

Shakespeare's 19-year playing career took in seven clubs, including Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion and Grimsby Town, making over 500 club appearances.

He returned to one of his former clubs, West Brom, to begin his coaching career in 1999, starting out as a football in the community officer before spending time as an academy coach, reserve team coach and caretaker manager.

Shakespeare left to become assistant manager at Leicester in 2008, and played an important role in the club's rise from League One to the UEFA Champions League, over his first two spells at the club.

He was assistant manager for two promotions, a remarkable escape from relegation back to the Championship in 2014/15 and the famous Premier League title-winning season, alongside Claudio Ranieri. He was also England's first-team coach for one match with Sam Allardyce during this period.

He went on to take up positions as an assistant manager at Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich City before returning to Leicester in the same role in 2023.

The Premier League offers our sincere condolences to Craig's family and friends at this sad time.