Former Middlesbrough captain Nigel Pearson pays emotional tribute ...

Nigel Pearson has led the tributes to his great friend and fellow former Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare, who has passed away at the age of 60. Former Middlesbrough captain Pearson worked with Shakespeare at five different clubs, including for eight years across two spells with the Foxes.

Shakespeare held numerous roles during his coaching career, most notably as assistant to Claudio Ranieri when the Foxes remarkably won the Premier League in 2016. He got the main job himself after the Italian was sacked a year later but lasted less than a season before he too was axed.

His other coaching roles also included Hull City, Watford, Aston Villa, Norwich City and Everton. The former Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion and Grimsby Town player was also assistant to Sam Allardyce during his one-game tenure as England boss.

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Posting on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Pearson said: "It's difficult to put into words how I, and indeed everyone who came across or worked with Craig, will feel on hearing such devastating news

"He was without hesitation one of the most wonderfully talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced and outrageously funny people I've had the privilege of calling my friend.

"Safe journey to the next destination my wonderful friend. You are loved and admired by us all, and every time we think of you, a smile, smirk, chuckle or memorable occasion will come to us. We truly are the lucky ones for having known Shakey."

Shakespeare was diagnosed with cancer last year. His death was announced in a statement from his family, released by the League Managers’ Association, which said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘Shakey’.

“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.

“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.”

LMA chairman Martin O’Neill paid tribute to Shakespeare’s achievements, saying: “Craig’s impact on the people he worked with was often spoken about by players, coaches and managers in the game. Not only because his knowledge of football and coaching was so strong, but also because his personality and warmth made people feel important and that Craig truly cared about their development and success.

“The role he played in the success of his teams should be celebrated, especially at Leicester City, who rightfully see Craig as a club stalwart who played a significant part of that unbelievable Premier League winning season and many other wonderful times throughout his three spells at the club.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Craig’s family and loved ones at this awfully sad time.”