Craig Shakespeare sacked by Leicester City
Craig Shakespeare has been sacked by Leicester City after just four months in charge.
As per the reports, the Foxes boss was informed about the decision after a behind-closed-doors friendly against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, meaning that he had been parted company with even before the clash against West Bromwich Albion later in the night.
An official statement from Leicester City Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha read:
"“Craig has been a great servant to Leicester City – during his spells as an Assistant Manager and since taking over as Manager in challenging circumstances in February. His dedication to the Club and to his work has been absolute and the contribution he made to the most successful period in Leicester City history is considerable.“However, our early promise under Craig’s management has not been consistently evident in the months since and the Board feels that, regrettably, a change is necessary to keep the Club moving forward – consistent with the long-term expectations of our supporters, Board and owners.“Craig is and will remain a very popular, respected figure at Leicester City and will be welcome back at King Power Stadium in future, both professionally and as a friend of the Club.”"
The 53-year old had taken over from title-winner Claudio Ranieri in February 2017 as a caretaker manager, leading the Foxes to the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League as well as becoming the first British manager to win his first five games at a club.
However, things didn’t go to plan for Craig Shakespeare after being appointed on a permanent basis this season. Despite spending £60 million during the summer, notably on Kelechi Iheanacho and Vicente Iborra, the Englishman hasn’t been able to get Leicester City going all season, winning just one league game in eight attempts.
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Although the East Midlands outfit had a tough fixture list to deal with, having to face Arsenal (A), Manchester United (A), Chelsea and Liverpool, Shakespeare’s side failed to beat Huddersfield Town, AFC Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion either, raising further questions over the manager’s capability to lead the club.
Craig Shakespeare now gone, Michael Appleton been handed over the reins as Leicester City try to find someone else. The Foxes are due to face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday before they host Everton a week later.