Craig Shakespeare: A Tribute to a Legendary Figure in Football

Craig Shakespeare: A Tribute to a Legendary Figure in Football

Leicester City Assistant Manager Craig Shakespeare is seen prior to the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Leicester City at Craven Cottage on May 08, 2023 in London, England.(Image- Getty)

The football community is mourning the loss of Craig Shakespeare, a highly respected and beloved figure in the sport. Shakespeare, who passed away at the age of 60, left an indelible mark on the game through his remarkable playing and coaching career.

A Playing Career Spanning Nearly Two Decades

Shakespeare's playing career, which spanned 19 years, saw him make over 500 club appearances for seven different teams, including Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion, and Grimsby Town.

A Coaching Career Marked by Success and Dedication

Shakespeare's transition to coaching began at West Brom in 1999, where he held various roles, including football in the community officer, academy coach, reserve team coach, and caretaker manager. His coaching career was marked by success and dedication, with notable stints as assistant manager at Leicester City, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa, and Norwich City.

A Legacy at Leicester City

Shakespeare's time at Leicester City was particularly notable, where he played a crucial role in the club's rise from League One to the UEFA Champions League. He was assistant manager during the Foxes' historic 2015/16 Premier League title-winning season, alongside Claudio Ranieri.

Tributes Pour in from the Football Community

The news of Shakespeare's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the football community. Leicester City Football Club described him as "a man of immense talent, unwavering dedication, and heartfelt passion for the beautiful game." The Premier League has also offered its sincere condolences to Shakespeare's family and friends.

A Family Statement

Shakespeare's family released a statement, saying, "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."