Tributes have poured in for former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare following the announcement of his death on Thursday.
The 60-year-old tragically lost his battle with cancer and leaves behind a huge imprint on English football as clubs and individuals issued their sentiments following his death.
A midfielder by trade during his playing career, Shakespeare represented the likes of Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Grimsby between 1981 and 2000.
After moving into coaching, he spent time as assistant coach at the Baggies, Leicester City, Hull City, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich City, with Shakespeare famously Claudio Ranieri‘s assistant when the Foxes improbably won the Premier League title in 2016.
He later succeeded the Italian in the dugout at the Foxes in what was his only managerial role and coached the Foxes to a famous victory over Sevilla to reach the Champions League quarter-final.
Tributes have poured in for former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare following the announcement of his death
Jamie Vardy was amongst those to share his condolences on social media following Shakespeare’s passing
Shakespeare previously worked as an assistant coach at Leicester before moving into a head coach role
Leicester striker Jamie Vardy who won the Premier League while Shakespeare was assistant and later played under him as head coach posted a picture of the pair together alongside the caption: ‘I don’t have the words right now. Just gutted. RIP Shakey.’
The Foxes in their own statement wrote: ‘An inspirational figure in our history. 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.’
Aston Villa, where Shakespeare was assistant under Dean Smith, wrote: ‘Aston Villa Football Club is deeply saddened by the news that Craig Shakespeare has passed away after a brave battle with cancer. The heartfelt thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with Craig’s wife Karen and his children Elle and Jed, at this extremely difficult time.’
Shakespeare also spent time coaching at Everton where he joined Sam Allardyce at the club in 2017 and aiding in the club’s 26-game run that saw them avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Toffees were amongst the first club’s to pay their respects following Shakespeare’s passing, posting on X: ‘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.’
League Two side Grimsby have also added their sentiments with Shakespeare regarded as an icon at the club where he made 121 appearances as a midfielder.
‘We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Mariner Craig Shakespeare,’ the club started their message on social media.
‘The classy midfielder played 121 times for Town, scoring 10 goals, between 1993 and 1997. Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this sad time. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner,’ added Grimsby.
Shakespeare was also an established figure at Norwich, assisting Dean Smith during a short-lived sell in charge during the 2021/22 season, with the Canaries also sharing their condolences online.
‘All at Norwich City are saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare. 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,’ said the Championship club.
Norwich were amongst the clubs to pay their respects online following Shakespeare’s death
Shakespeare previously spent time working as an assistant coach at Goodison Park
West Brom is where Shakespeare first cut his teeth as a coach following his retirement from playing, first joining as a development manager before moving up the academy ranks and eventually becoming Tony Mowbray’s assistant.
He had previously spent three years as a player at the club between 1900 and 1993, making over 120 appearances.
The Baggies posted an emotional message following the news of Shakespeare’s passing, stating: ‘We’re heartbroken to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
‘The thoughts of all of us at West Bromwich Albion, where Craig served as a player and in various other roles, are with his friends, family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Shakey.’
