Less than 12 months ago Craig was diagnosed with cancer, sadly his death was announced on Thursday 1st August. That illness affects many families.
Shakey as he was affectionately known started his career at our local rivals Walsall FC where he made over 280 appearances, this was a period when the Saddlers won promotion. He joined Sheffield Wednesday , after a season he signed for the Albion, joining us in 1990 and went onto make 112 appearances , Craig was part of the Ardiles squad that won the play off final against Port Vale in 1993. Alan Buckley was his manager at Walsall and at the end of 93 season he left the Hawthorns to sign for Buckley, who was then manager at Grimsby Town.
In 1999 he returned to the Hawthorns as Football in the Community Officer, then became an Academy coach, finally taking up the position of Reserve Team Coach in 2006.His first managerial position came in 2006 when Bryan Robson left, Shakey took over the reins for 1 game, he had a 100% success rate as he won that game 2 nil against Crystal Palace. In 2008 he left B71 to join Nigel Pearson at Leicester City, they then went onto Hull before returning to Leicester in 2011. Nigel left in July 2015 but Craig stayed on as assistant to Claudio Ranieri and history tells us that partnership led Leicester to the Premiership title. When Ranieri left Shakey took over the reins until September 2017. He joined Everton as a coach, then Watford, a stint at Villa Park with former Walsall teammate Dean Smith who as a pair departed Aston Villa for Norwich then a return to Leicester for the final 2 months of season 2022-23.
A career that took in over 500 games, Craig went on to be recognised as one of the finest coaches in the game. Football knowledge is one thing, but it was Shakey’s personality that stood out, he was respected and loved by everyone who he played with and coached. He wanted to help and improve players of all standards and he always did it with a smile.
Our sincere condolences go to his wife Karen, children Jed and Elle. You will be sorely missed Shakey by all your friends, they will never forget your enthusiasm, humour and kindness.
RIP Craig