Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has died at the age of 60 after a short battle with cancer.

Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has died at the age of 60 after a short battle with cancer.

The Board of Trustees released a statement on Thursday:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig SHAKEY. Craig passed away peacefully at home this morning surrounded by his family, husband, father, son, brother and uncle. This loss is devastating to us all and we ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with and mourn the loss of a special person during this difficult time.

“The family would like to thank and appreciate the many prayers and well wishes sent over the past few months, many of which we have not been able to respond to, but which have meant so much to Craig and his family.” Craig was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023 and received treatment.

His most recent role was as assistant to Dean Smith, formerly of Leicester City,he joined under the management of Nigel Pearson in 2008 and helped the club gain promotion from the First Division.

He returned after three years at Hull City and remains a key player under Pearson and Championship manager Claudio Ranieri. He moved to Italy on a temporary basis in 2017 before taking the job permanently. Shakespeare was seen in April as his former club attempted to win promotion to the Premier League.

Shakespeare has held additional responsibilities at Watford, Aston Villa, Norwich City, Everton.

Leicester wrote:

“One of the inspirations in our history. Before becoming manager, Craig played a huge part in our rise from League One to the Premier League title and took us to the Champions League quarter-finals.