Former Norwich City assistant head coach Craig Shakespeare dies

In October 2023, Shakespeare—who coworked with Dean Smith at Carrow Road in 2021 and 2022—was receiving

cancer treatment.

Shakespeare had a distinguished career in professional football, playing for West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford,

Aston Villa, and England. Shakespeare won the Premier League with Leicester.

Shakespeare “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family,” according to a statement issued on his

behalf by the League Managers’ Association.

“To us, his family, he will always be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, even though the

family is incredibly proud of his footballing accomplishments as both a player and a coach,” the statement continued.

We would like to request privacy at this extremely trying time as we attempt to process and grieve the loss of a very

special individual. The loss is terrible to all of us.

“The family would like to thank and acknowledge the many prayers and good wishes sent during the past few

difficult months, many of which we were unable to respond to but all meant a lot to Craig and the family.”

Shakespeare made friends with staff and had close relationships with players during his time at Carrow Road. He

was a well-liked and popular personality.

For Saturday’s friendly encounter against FC St Pauli, supporters will be urged to participate in a minute of applause

before to kickoff, and City players will be sporting black armbands.

“Players, coaches, and managers in the game often spoke about Craig’s impact on the people he worked with,” stated

former City manager Martin O’Neill OBE. In addition to his extensive coaching and football expertise, Craig’s

warmth and personable style gave people a sense of importance and genuine concern for their growth and success.

“Leicester City, who correctly regard Craig as a club mainstay who contributed significantly to that incredible

Premier League winning season and many other fantastic occasions over his three stays at the club, should celebrate

the role he played in the success of his teams.

“At this incredibly difficult time, my prayers and thoughts are with Craig’s family and loved ones.”

Nigel Pearson stated: “It’s hard to describe the feelings that I, along with everyone who has interacted with or

collaborated with Craig, will have upon receiving such heartbreaking news.

He is without a doubt one of the most extraordinarily gifted, sensitive, composed, and balanced individuals I have

ever had the honour of being friends with. Safe travels to your next location, my amazing friend. We all adore and

admire you, and we will always be reminded of you when we grin, smirk, laugh, or remember a special occasion. We

are incredibly fortunate to have known Shakey.