Former Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare has died aged 60, his family has announced.
A statement from the Shakespeare family said: “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 is immensely proud of his footballing achievements, both as a player and manager, to us, his family, he will always be fundamentally a loving husband and beloved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
“This loss is devastating to us and we ask that privacy be respected at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with and grieve the loss of a very special person.”
Shakespeare was undergoing cancer treatment as of October 2023 and has worked for clubs including West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich.
He also worked as an assistant coach for England in 2016.
Shakespeare had worked as Claudio Ranieri's No. 2 at Leicester during their famous 2015/16 Premier League-winning campaign.
He replaced the Italian in February 2017, leading them to Champions League victories over Sevilla before being sacked in October.
The Birmingham-born manager's most recent spell saw him return to the King Power Stadium as assistant in April 2023 under Dean Smith.
However, he was unable to prevent them from being relegated to the Championship the following month.
Jamie Vardy, who worked with Shakespeare in Leicester, wrote emotionally on social media: “I'm at a loss for words right now. I'm devastated. Rest in peace Shakey.”
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Norwich posted the following tribute: “Everyone at Norwich City is saddened to hear of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
“Craig is fondly remembered at Carrow Road and his loss will be felt throughout the football community.
“Our sincere wishes go out to Craig's friends and family at this very sad time.”
LMA chairman and former Leicester boss Martin O'Neill paid tribute to Shakespeare's achievements.
“Players, coaches and officials in the sport often spoke of the impact Craig had on the people he worked with,” he said.
“Not only because his knowledge of football and coaching was so solid, but also because his personality and warmth made people feel important and that Craig genuinely cared about their development and success.
“The role he played in his teams' success should be celebrated, especially at Leicester City, who rightly view Craig as a stalwart of the club who played a major part in that incredible Premier League-winning season and many other wonderful moments during his three spells at the club.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Craig's family and loved ones at this very sad time.”
And Grimsby Town, where he played during his playing career, said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Mariner Craig Shakespeare.
“The elegant 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.”
