CRAIG Shakespeare has today left Albion to join League One outfit Leicester City as assistant manager to Nigel Pearson.

The 44-year-old coach joined the Baggies nine years ago as a recruitment officer before moving on to become youth team coach under then-manager Gary Megson and subsequently reserve team boss.

He played a major role as part of Tony Mowbray's management team in helping the club win the Coca-Cola Championship title and promotion back to the Barclays Premier League last term.

But after being released from his Baggies contract he will now link up again with former Albion assistant boss Pearson, whom he worked with for almost two years at The Hawthorns.

Mowbray said: "We're sorry to see Craig leave.

"He contributed greatly to our success last season but we didn't want to stand in his way.

"I think he was genuinely torn over what to do because of the Premier League challenge we have here.

"He feels it is an opportunity to progress his career from being a coach to an assistant manager.

"I'm sure he and Nigel have got an ambition to get Leicester promoted and it's a good opportunity for him.

"While we're disappointed he's going, we understand the reasons and we wish him all the best in his new venture."

Following the departure of Bryan Robson as manager in September 2006 and then Pearson, Shakespeare took charge of the Baggies' 2-0 win at CrystalPalace the following month before the official appointment of Mowbray.

The former midfielder also made more than 128 appearances in over three years as a player for Albion after signing in February 1990.

And he is fondly remembered for helping the Baggies secure promotion to the First Division in 1993.

On leaving The Hawthorns Shakespeare said: "It's all happened fairly quickly but it's been a hard decision.

"It's been hard because of my respect and my high-regard for Tony as a manager and as a person.

"The same goes for the person I'm joining at Leicester in Nigel Pearson.

"These are two guys that I hold in high esteem.

"I've made this decision for the sake of my own career and hopefully it will turn out to be a good one.

"I've got very, very fond memories of West Brom and I've had nothing but good wishes from people.

"I'm very appreciative of that and I've enjoyed my time at Albion immensely - not only on the coaching side but with the people behind the scenes and the supporters.

"My 11-year-old son Jed supports West Brom and I've told him to carry on supporting them.

"I now face a new challenge, which I'm really looking forward to."

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