Former Norwich City head coach Dean Smith admitted he was left ‘heartbroken’ by the death of long time friend and coaching ally Craig Shakespeare.

The 60-year-old passed away earlier this month, after it was made public in October 2023 he had cancer.

The highly-respected Shakespeare was alongside Smith during his 13-months in charge of the Canaries, and also worked with England and Leicester, where he helped the Foxes win the Premier League.

Leicester paid tribute to Shakespeare ahead of Monday’s top flight home return against Tottenham, with Jamie Vardy and ex-Norwich and Leicester midfielder James Maddison laying flowers on the pitch prior to kick-off.

Norwich players, staff and fans paid their respects prior to the pre-season home finale against St Pauli.

"Craig was a very close friend of mine,” current FC Charlotte coach Smith told BBC Sport. “As are (his wife) Karen, (and kids) Elle and Jed. It's been a really tough time over the last nine or ten months. He was taken too soon from us.

“I can't speak highly enough of him. I was actually his boot boy at Walsall and we played together there. He then became a coach with me at Aston Villa, Norwich and Leicester. I am just heartbroken that he's been taken too soon from us.

“As a coach, the way he was with players and people, he got the best out of them. He knew and understood the game really well. He was instrumental in Leicester winning the Premier League. He was instrumental with players like Harry Maguire, who he signed at Leicester.

“There are so many players who have sent so many messages to the family, Jack Grealish included. I spoke to John Terry the other day and he was heartbroken, as we all are.

“He will be remembered by me for his humbleness but also his humour. He was the best-timed comedian ever and at times even through his illness he would make fun of cancer, and that was the sort of guy he was.”

Players from Leicester and Tottenham both wore black armbands on Monday, with a minute’s applause before kick-off.

The Foxes’ former Premier League title-winning manager, Claudio Ranieri, spoke of his affection for his ex-assistant in the matchday programme.

"I was very upset when I heard the news that Craig had passed away this month," said the Italian. "I still can't believe it, I don't realise, I'm saddened, for him and for his family. He was my precious collaborator as we lived a magnificent adventure together.

"Craig as a man was always positive. He always supported me totally in our job. He would always arrive at the training ground with a smile and a laugh. He, also, was so talented and so strong in his job.

"As a manager, you cannot ask for more from an assistant. He gave me everything I needed, and he was so, so respected by everyone at the club - the players, the staff, the supporters, everybody.

“I am lucky to have known Craig and shared that magical time together.”