Craig Shakespeare. A tribute.
Craig Shakespeare cared. He cared about giving everything for his job, firstly as a hard-working, goalscoring midfielder for seven clubs, firstly and most notably Walsall. Saddlers fans of a certain vintage will never forget that memorable run made by the third-tier side to the 1984 League Cup semi-finals that included a famous fourth-round victory over an Arsenal side starring Charlie Nicholas, David O’Leary and Alan Sunderland.
“Shakey”, as he was universally known in football, scored 60 times in more than 350 games for Walsall, including a fine strike against Chelsea and helping get them promoted, as he did with West Brom during a lauded contribution later in his career.
He also cared deeply for the community. His first job after playing was in the community department at West Brom, helping coach kids in an area not blessed with many advantages. Shakespeare gave them hope as well as the wisdom of his footballing expertise. He gave them laughter because Craig Shakespeare was born to bring smiles to people’s faces.
He cared for the youngsters at West Brom. He worked in the academy, coaching them and encouraging them. He was the most caring of caretakers, stepping up to help out clubs like Albion and Leicester amidst times of managerial upheaval. He even took the Leicester manager’s job; it didn’t work out as Shakespeare’s strengths were as a No 2, a friend to players, a support to managers.