Gary Lineker slams ‘inept’ Leicester owners for sacking Craig Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s shock sacking yesterday came just four months after being given the job on a permanent basis
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IT was the cruellest cut of all for Craig Shakespeare — and the Leicester boss never saw it coming.
Shakespeare’s shock sacking yesterday came just four months after being given the job on a permanent basis.
And he was genuinely stunned at the club’s decision.
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker branded Foxes chiefs ‘inept’ on Twitter — with the ex-champions looking for a third boss in eight months.
The former Leicester strike hero wrote: “Bring back Claudio. Was always a miracle, but it’s even more remarkable that Leicester won the title given the ineptitude of those that run the club.
“The owners appoint those that run the club, though, so must take some blame. They have invested clearly, but not cleverly.”
Leicester’s Thai owners said Shakespeare was axed because he failed to live up to his promise and was not meeting “long-term expectations”.
Shakespeare was still in his job at 1pm yesterday afternoon after watching a behind-closed-doors Under-23s practice game against Nottingham Forest.
It was set up to give Portugal midfielder Adrien Silva match action after he was sidelined by a Fifa ban until January.
Shakespeare was then called to a meeting and told the news by director of football Jon Rudkin.
Ranieri’s former No 2 had managed just one win in 11 games, which stretched back to last season.
Leicester are in the bottom three, having gone six league matches without a win — the same run title-winner Ranieri suffered before his axe.
Now popular Shakespeare, 54 next week, has followed him out of the door, with Foxes chiefs again showing they have little patience when survival is at risk.
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Rookie Shakespeare only signed a three-year deal in June and is likely to get about a £1million pay-off.
Central defender Harry Maguire tweeted his support for Shakespeare, who took him to Leicester in the summer.
He wrote: “Disappointed to see the gaffer leave. Great man, a great coach. I wish him all the best.”
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Carlo Ancelotti, Sam Allardyce and Wales boss Chris Coleman have been linked with the job.
