12 October 2023 , 10:49
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Former Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare has revealed that he's been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
Shakespeare, 59, is currently receiving treatment in his fight against the disease. A statement on his behalf from the League Manager's Association issued on Thursday morning read: "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."
Having been part of Claudio Ranieri's backroom staff in 2016 when Leicester famously won the Premier League title, Shakespeare returned to the King Power Stadium earlier this year in their unsuccessful bid to help new manager Dean Smith keep the Foxes in the top flight.
Leicester chief executive Susan Whelan said: "Everyone at the Club sends their strength and support to Craig, his wife Karen and their children Elle and Jed. They will all be in our thoughts and prayers as Craig progresses with his treatment, surrounded by the love befitting his place in the hearts of the Leicester City family and the wider game."
Shakespeare enjoyed a 19-year playing career which began with local side Walsall in 1981 after coming through their academy. The Birmingham-born midfielder then moved on to Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Telford and Hednesford Town, retiring in 2000.
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Having moved into coaching, Shakespeare became caretaker manager of Leicester after they defending champions sacked Ranieri in early 2017. Within his first few weeks, he memorably led the Foxes past Sevilla in the Champions League last 16 before they were edged out by fellow Spanish side Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.
After earning the job on a full-time basis and being handed a three-year contract that summer, Shakespeare was sacked by Leicester in the October. Following his departure from the King Power Stadium, the 59-year-old spent time with Sam Allardyce at Everton before also assisting Nigel Pearson at Watford, and Smith at Aston Villa and Norwich City respectively.
Craig Shakespeare's one and only senior managerial post was with Leicester in 2017 (Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)Villa released a statement following the news of his cancer diagnosis which read: "Everyone at Aston Villa is thinking of our former Assistant Head Coach Craig Shakespeare at this time. You have the full support of everyone at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath, Craig."
Nowich also posted: "We're all with you, Craig. Former Norwich City coach Craig Shakespeare has revealed he has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is currently receiving treatment."