Yesterday, the family of Craig Shakespeare announced that he passed away peacefully, asleep, at the age of 60. He was diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing treatment since October 2023.
He was an English football coach and player. Shakey, as he was fondly called, started his football career as a player for Walsall, in which he made over 350 appearances.
Shakespeare was Claudio Ranieri’s assistant when Leicester made history with a Premier League win in 2016. He had a spell as the English assistant boss back in 2016. He also worked for Aston Villa, Hull, and West Brom, alongside other clubs.
In 2017, he became a manager in place of his former boss, Ranieri, and got a 3-year permanent contract for the role in June, but was later sacked in October of that same year.
Shakespeare featured in West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday, Grimsby, Walsall, and other clubs as a midfield player. His most recent role was also as a spell but for Foxes Assistant and he worked under Dean Smith in April 2023. However, he left shortly after the team’s relegation from the Premier League the next month.
Jack Grealish, in a tribute post on Instagram, said, “Shakey is one of the greatest people I’ve ever met, not only in football but in life. Last month, he texted me when I didn’t make the Euro squad while he was ill, showing the type of man he was! An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you, Shakey. Devastated, sending all my love to his family.”
Also, Nigel Pearson paid a very heartfelt tribute to the deceased that read, “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.”
Here is a statement released on behalf of his family announcing his passing: “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 as both a player and a coach to us, 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.”
Although Shakey’s death came as a rude shock to all and sundry, his legacy lives on!
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