Craig played more than 100 games for the Mariners in the 1990s until his untimely death at the age of 60.
Following the confirmation on Wednesday that Craig Shakespeare, a 60-year-old former midfielder for Grimsby Town, had gone away, condolences from the football community flooded in.
In a statement sent on Shakespeare’s behalf, the League Managers Association confirmed the news and said, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘SHAKEY’.”
“This morning, in the company of his loved ones, Craig departed quietly from his home. Even while his football accomplishments as a player and coach bring the family great pride, to us, his family, he will always be first and foremost a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle.
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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.”
“Craig left his house softly this morning, surrounded by his loved ones. We, his family, are very proud of his football accomplishments as a player and coach, but above all, he will always be a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle.
At other clubs, he had coaching positions of prominence where he assisted Nigel Pearson and Dean Smith in their management duties. He first became involved with the Mariners as a player, appearing in 121 games for the team between 1993 and 1997. He was coached by the renowned Alan Buckley and later by Brian Laws.
