Former Leicester City coach Craig Shakespeare has died at the age of 60, his family have announced.
Shakespeare was assistant to Claudio Ranieri when the Foxes pulled off one of the most unlikely title victories in Premier League history in 2016 before briefly becoming manager the following season.
He was diagnosed with cancer last year.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘SHAKEY’,” his family announced in a statement released by 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.”
Born in Birmingham in 1963, Shakespeare came through the youth ranks at Walsall before enjoying spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Grimsby Town and West Brom.
It was with the Baggies where Shakespeare first turned to coaching, with a post-playing career that reached its peak with helping Leicester into the Premier League alongside Nigel Adkins and then claiming the title at odds of 5,000-1 with Ranieri.
He went onto work as assistant manager at Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich City, as well as a brief spell with England under Sam Allardyce.
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.”
Additional reporting by Press Association
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/MgoKiA0
Post a Comment