Former Premier League manager Craig Shakespeare dies aged 60

Former Premier League manager Craig Shakespeare sadly passed away, aged 60, his family announced.

The coach was best known for his time managing Leicester City in 2017.

In his time as a coach, he also worked for West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich, while also having a spell as England assistant manager in 2016.

Shakespeare had been undergoing treatment for cancer in October 2023.

The former manager was involved in football coaching for 17 years. (Visionhaus/Getty Images)

A statement released by his family via the League Managers' Association read: “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,

“While 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."

Shakespeare is also known for being Claudio Ranieri's assistant in 2015/16, when Leicester did the impossible and won the Premier League against 5000/1 odds, in one of sports' greatest ever stories.

When Ranieri was sacked in February 2017 the following season, after 6 years as assistant coach, he took over as caretaker manager, guiding the team to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in his first game.

He also managed to overturn a 2-1 deficit in a Champions League knockout game against Sevilla, winning 2-0 in the second leg to secure a spot in the quarter finals.

Shakespeare had a long career in football and is admired by his peers. (Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

Shakespeare was appointed permanently in June on a three-year contract, but was sacked in October.

After spells at Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich, he returned to Leicester as as assistant manager once again in April 2023, though left the following month after they were relegated from the top flight.

Former Watford manager Nigel Pearson, who worked with 'Shakey' at five different clubs, 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."