FOOTBALL is in mourning following the death of ex-Premier League manager Craig Shakespeare.
Shakespeare was the assistant manager of Leicester when they won the Premier League in 2016.
He went on to manage the side after Claudio Ranieri was sacked.
After spells with Watford, Villa and Norwich he returned to the King Power in 2023 as an assistant, staying for just eight games as Dean Smith’s right-hand man.
A statement on his passing 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.”
Not much is known about Shakespeare’s family life but he leaves behind a wife and two children.
His wife is called Karen and they had a son and a daughter, Jed and Elle, together.
Aston Villa put out a statement which read: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply saddened by the news that Craig Shakespeare has passed away after a brave battle with cancer.
“The heartfelt thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa Football Club are with Craig’s wife Karen and his children Elle and Jed, at this extremely difficult time.
“Rest in Peace, Craig.”
