Former Premier League manager Craig Shakespeare, 59, reveals cancer diagnosis as he undergoes treatment

FORMER Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 59-year-old has also confirmed he is receiving treatment to combat the disease.

PA:Press AssociationCraig Shakespeare is undergoing treatment to fight cancer[/caption]

Leicester chief executive Susan Whelan released a statement which read: “Everyone at the Club sends their strength and support to Craig, his wife Karen and their children Elle and Jed.

“They will all be in our thoughts and prayers as Craig progresses with his treatment, surrounded by the love befitting his place in the hearts of the Leicester City family and the wider game.”

Shakespeare was a part of the Foxes backroom staff that sensationally won the Premier League title back in 2016.

The English coach then took over from manager Claudio Ranieri the following season after the Italian was sacked.

He spent eight months in the role, winning 11 of his 26 games at the helm.

His only other job as first-team coach came in a one-match stint as caretaker boss of West Brom in 2006.

Shakespeare has worked as an assistant coach for the majority of his career.

That includes stints at Hull, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich.

He was Dean Smith’s right-hand man at Carrow Road, before he joined him in a return to Leicester earlier this year.

Prior to his career as a coach, he enjoyed nearly two decades as a player.

Shakespeare spent eight years at Walsall after coming through their academy.

He went on to play for Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Telford and Hednesford.