Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has sadly passed away at the age of 60

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

Shakespeare, who was Claudio Ranieri's assistant during the Foxes' memorable Premier League win in 2016, was diagnosed with cancer last year and said he was receiving treatment.

A statement released on behalf of his family by the League Manager's 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.

"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."

Image credit: Getty

Last year, Leicester City announced that Shakespeare was undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.

A statement in 2023 read: “Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has revealed that he has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is currently receiving treatment.

"Craig is very grateful for the kind well-wishes he has been receiving and for the privacy that he and his family have been shown during this challenging time.”

Shakespeare, who started his playing career at Walsall, would go on to play for Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Grimsby Town before spells at Scunthorpe United, Telford and Hednesford Town.

He would become caretaker manager at former club West Brom, six years after hanging up his boots in 2000.

A successful 17-year career in coaching would follow at a number of clubs, including Leicester, Hull City, Watford, Aston Villa, Everton and Norwich City.

Our thoughts are with Shakespeare's family and friends.