Craig Shakespeare death: Former Leicester manager dies aged 60

Briefly the England assistant manager, Shakespeare underwent treatment for cancer in 2023

Craig Shakespeare managed Leicester in 2017 (Getty)

Craig Shakespeare, the former Leicester City manager, has died at the age of 60.

Shakespeare was assistant manager to Claudio Ranieri during the Leicester’s title-winning season in 2016 and took over as first-team coach the following year. He worked at Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich, and was also assistant to Sam Allardyce in his short-lived tenure as England manager.

He underwent treatment for cancer in late 2023.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘SHAKEY’,” his family said in a statement via the League Managers’ Association. “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.”

Shakespeare assisted Dean Smith at Aston Villa (Adam Davy/PA)

Leicester chief executive Susan Whelan said: “Everyone at the club sends their strength and support to Craig, his wife Karen and their children Elle and Jed.”

LMA chairman Martin O’Neill paid tribute to Shakespeare’s achievements.

“Craig’s impact on the people he worked with was often spoken about by players, coaches and managers in the game,” he said. “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.”