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Tributes paid as family of Craig Shakespeare confirms that he has passed away age 60

Tributes have been paid this evening as the family of Craig Shakespeare confirms that he has passed away at the age of 60.

The former assistant manager of Leicester City during their historic Premier League title win in 2016 and later manager, has died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

Tributes from various clubs and individuals across the football world highlight his significant contributions and the respect he garnered throughout his career.

His passing has been met with widespread condolences and messages of report extended to his family and friends during this tough time.

Statement released on behalf of the Shakespeare family:

‍”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.”

Craig Shakespeare: October 1963 – August 2024

The LMA say they have been left deeply saddened by the passing of LMA Member Craig Shakespeare, who has died at the age of 60.

Their statement: “Craig was a hugely talented coach, who worked his way up the English football pyramid to coach and manage at the highest level of the game.

“His coaching career began at West Brom, a club he had played for previously. After nine years at West Brom in various roles in the academy and reserves, working closely with Assistant Manager Nigel Pearson, Craig left to join Nigel at Leicester City where they would become a formidable coaching team in the EFL and Premier League.

“As part of the famous Leicester City coaching team, Craig played an important role in the club’s ascent from League One to the Champions League, over his first two spells at the club. Notably, Craig was Leicester City’s Assistant Manager for two promotions, a remarkable escape from relegation and the famous Premier League title-winning season, alongside Claudio Ranieri. He was also England’s First-Team Coach with Sam Allardyce during this period.

“Following Ranieri’s departure, Shakespeare led the club as Caretaker Manager on an excellent run of results, including victory over Sevilla to reach the Champions League Quarter Final against Atletico Madrid. He was rewarded later that summer with his first permanent Managerial appointment for the 2017/18 season.

“Following his departure from Leicester City, Craig continued to operate at the highest level as Assistant Manager at Everton, with Sam Allardyce, and Watford. In the latter stages of his career, he reunited with former Walsall teammate and close friend Dean Smith at Aston Villa, Norwich City and his third and final appointment at Leicester City.”

Paying tribute LMA Chairman Martin O’Neill OBE said: “Craig’s impact on the people he worked with was often spoken about by players, coaches and managers in the game. Not only because his knowledge of football and coaching was so strong, but also because his personality and warmth made people feel important and that Craig truly cared about their development and success.

“The role he played in the success of his teams should be celebrated, especially at Leicester City, who rightfully see Craig as a club stalwart who played a significant part of that unbelievable Premier League winning season and many other wonderful times throughout his three spells at the club.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Craig’s family and loved ones at this awfully sad time.”

LMA Member Nigel Pearson said: “It’s difficult to put into words how I and indeed everyone who came across or worked with Craig will feel on hearing such devastating news.

“He is without hesitation one of the most wonderfully talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced and outrageously funny people I’ve had the privilege of calling my friend. Safe journey to the next destination my wonderful friend. You are loved and admired by us all, and every time we think of you, a smile, smirk, chuckle or memorable occasion will come to us. We truly are the lucky ones for having known Shakey.”

LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan OBE added: “Craig was loved by so many of his peers and colleagues in the LMA. Behind the talented and passionate coach, was a thoughtful and generous man. He was always happy to be supportive and share his experiences to benefit others.

“Throughout his time as an LMA member his presence was always felt and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Karen and his children Jed and Elle at this incredibly difficult time.”

Tributes continue to be paid as the family of Craig Shakespeare confirms that he has passed away…

@islandfox1884: RIP Craig Shakespeare cancer really is a bastard. Big part of the 2016 Champions #LCFC

@iwanwroberts: Absolutely heartbreaking news about the passing of Craig Shakespeare today never met Craig but an absolute @LCFC legend 🙏🙏🙏 🦊🦊🦊

@GRODSTER: I wasn’t emotionally prepared for the news about Craig Shakespeare. I knew he was ill sometime ago, but this still feels like a bolt out of the blue. What a guy, and what a HUGE part he has played in our club’s history. 60 is no age at all 😢 #RIPShakey #LCFC

@danhall86: One Craig Shakespeare, there’s only one Craig Shakespeare! @LCFC #lcfc 🦊

@sidboggle70: RIP Craig Shakespeare you were part of the trilogy, great escape, PL title and Champions League quarter finals.. thank you your contribution to our club will never be forgotten. #leicestercity

@DarrellAllen94: Very sad news indeed. Had the privilege of attending the dinner held at Carrow Road in March 2022 where the guest speakers were Dean Smith and Craig Shakespeare. Was a wonderful evening and a privilege to listen to Shakey’s words on Football and life. A wonderful man. RIP

@H00fB4LL: Craig Shakespeare will always be remembered for that smile, friendliness and incredible attitude. A real gentleman and a huge loss. He masterminded one of the greatest nights of my life as Leicester beat Sevilla in the Champions League. Let slip the dogs of war. RIP Shakey.

@IrfanKawri: Such sad news about the passing of Craig Shakespeare. A real nice man who always had a smile and time to talk. Will go down in @LCFC history

@HowellGlyn: RIP Craig Shakespeare. I’m sure for most local lads it felt that little bit more connected when there were two local lads in charge. Did a great job to steady the ship under Smith. Such a massive shame. #avfc @AVFCOfficial #HEITS

@JackRaff: Just the worst news to read. Craig Shakespeare really was one of the most loved Leicester City figures in recent years, giving us some incredible memories both as manager and assistant, doing it all with a smile on his face. A true gent of the game. RIP Shakey 💙🦊

@tingers_123: Gutted to hear the news about Craig Shakespeare, a funny, empathetic, hard working great man that pushed me and my team to raise standards every day, Ball under each arm. RIP Shakey 🥹

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