Jamie Vardy leads tributes after death of former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare at 60… with the Foxes and Aston Villa among clubs to pay their respects
The football world is in mourning following the devastating news of the passing of former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare. The 60-year-old lost his courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that will be etched in the hearts of English football fans forever. As the news of his passing spread like wildfire, tributes began pouring in from all corners of the football community, with clubs and individuals sharing their heartfelt condolences and fond memories of the man affectionately known as “Shakey.” Shakespeare’s remarkable journey in football began as a midfielder, representing several clubs including Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, and Grimsby between 1981 and 2000. His playing career was marked by dedication, passion, and a deep love for the beautiful game.
As he transitioned into coaching, Shakespeare’s impact on the sport only grew. He spent time as an assistant coach at several clubs, including West Brom, Leicester City, Hull City, Watford, Aston Villa, and Norwich City. One of the most notable moments of his coaching career came when he served as Claudio Ranieri’s assistant at Leicester City, where they achieved the unthinkable – winning the Premier League title in 2016. This historic feat will forever be remembered as one of the greatest sporting upsets of all time, and Shakespeare’s role in it cannot be overstated. Later, he took the reins as manager of Leicester City, leading the team to a memorable victory over Sevilla in the Champions League quarter-final. His tenure, though short, left an indelible mark on the club and its fans.
The outpouring of tributes following Shakespeare’s passing is a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him. Jamie Vardy, the Leicester City striker who had the privilege of playing under Shakespeare’s guidance, expressed his grief on social media, posting a picture of the two together and captioning it, “I don’t have the words right now. Just gutted. RIP Shakey.” This heartfelt message encapsulates the sense of loss and admiration that many in the football community feel towards Shakespeare. Leicester City, in their official statement, described him as “an inspirational figure in our history,” highlighting his instrumental role in their rise from League 1 to Premier League champions and his leadership in their Champions League campaign.
Other clubs where Shakespeare spent time coaching or playing also paid their respects. Aston Villa, where he was an assistant under Dean Smith, expressed deep sadness at the news, extending their heartfelt thoughts to his family. Everton, with whom he worked under Sam Allardyce in 2017, helping the club avoid relegation, was among the first to offer condolences. Grimsby Town, a club where Shakespeare is regarded as an icon for his 121 appearances as a midfielder, remembered him fondly, stating, “Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.” Norwich City, another club where Shakespeare had a stint as an assistant coach, shared their sadness, noting that his loss will be felt by the entire footballing community.
The sentiments from West Brom, where Shakespeare’s coaching journey began, were particularly emotional. Having first joined as a development manager and later becoming Tony Mowbray’s assistant, Shakespeare had a deep connection with the Baggies. The club’s message captured the essence of the man and his contribution to football, saying, “We’re heartbroken to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare. The thoughts of all of us at West Bromwich Albion, where Craig served as a player and in various other roles, are with his friends, family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Shakey.” This emotional farewell from a club that was such a significant part of his career encapsulates the sadness and respect felt across the football world.
The legacy of Craig Shakespeare will continue to inspire and influence the world of football. His dedication, his passion, and his unwavering commitment to the sport have left an indelible mark. As the football community comes to terms with his passing, it is clear that Shakespeare’s memory will live on, not just through his achievements on the pitch, but through the countless lives he touched and the lessons he imparted. In the words of those who knew him and worked alongside him, Shakespeare was more than just a coach or a player; he was a true gentleman of the game, whose love for football was only matched by his love and respect for the people involved in it. Rest in peace, Craig Shakespeare – your legacy will never be forgotten.
