Shakespeare runs out of time as Leicester City wield axe

After just four months in charge, Craig Shakespeare has been sacked as manager of Leicester City who currently sit in the bottom three of the Premier League table.

Shakespeare succeeded the axed Claudio Ranieri on a caretaker basis when the then-champions looked set for a relegation battle last season, and he guided them to a respectable 12th place finish.

This was enough for the 53-year-old to be given the job on a permanent basis in the summer, but the Foxes are in the bottom three after a home draw with West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

Less than 24 hours later, vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said in a statement: “Our early promise under Craig’s management has not been consistently evident in the months since.

The board feels that, regrettably, a change is necessary to keep the club moving forward – consistent with the long-term expectations of our supporters, board and owners.”

Shakespeare spent around £60million on his squad during the summer window, and was able to fend off competition to retain the services of key duo Jamie Vardy and, in particular, Riyad Mahrez.

But his side have won just once in the league this season, against newly-promoted Brighton & Hove Albion in August, although they have progressed to the Round of 16 in the League Cup.

Sam Allardyce, out of work since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season, is the early frontrunner to succeed Shakespeare, with Wales boss Chris Coleman also considered a valid candidate.

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