Former Everton assistant manager Craig Shakespeare has died aged 60.
Shakespeare spent the second half of the 2017/18 season at Goodison Park as second in command to Sam Allardyce during his brief spell in charge.
Prior to joining the Blues, the Birmingham native was part of Leicester City’s backroom staff that memorably claimed the Premier League title in 2016.
He also took charge of the Foxes for a six-month spell between February and October 2017 following Claudio Ranieri’s departure at the start of the year.
The ex-midfielder’s family announced that he passed away peacefully on Thursday, having been diagnosed with cancer in October last year.
“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,” read a statement.
“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.
“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.”