26 June 2023 , 12:17
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Iconic Scottish football manager Craig Brown has sadly passed away at the age of 82 following a long battle with illness.
The former Scotland manager was confirmed to have died in hospital on Monday with tributes flooding in following the sad news. Brown got his career as a head coach underway at Clyde before moving to the Scottish set-up as under-21 boss.
He then succeeded Andy Roxburgh as manager of the senior side and made history as he led them to Euro '96 before securing a place at the World Cup in France two years later. His side failed to get out of a group that included Brazil, Norway and Morocco - albeit that being Scotland's last appearance at the tournament.
After his stint in charge of the nation came to an end in 1999, Brown ventured back into club management as he had stints with Preston North End and Motherwell. He helped establish the latter in the top-six of the Scottish top-flight.
Brown then moved to Aberdeen before retiring from management midway through the 2013/14 season. He eventually accepted a position on the board at Pittodrie as a non-executive director.
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Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack paid his own tribute to Brown on Aberdeen's official website. He said: “Since 2010 Craig performed the roles of manager, director, and ambassador at Aberdeen FC.
“Craig was a friend to all of us at the club, and a mentor and confidante to many. He was one of those rare individuals who was not only effective at what he did but universally loved by all who got to know him.
Craig Brown rounded off his career in the dugout with Aberdeen (Getty Images)"A gentleman who loved his family, friends, and football. Personally, I’ll always be grateful for the support and encouragement he gave me as chairman, and I’ll miss his legendary stories that made all of us laugh. Sincere condolences to his family and friends from everyone at Aberdeen FC.”
Former Dons chairman Stewart Milne, who hired Brown at Pittodrie, also said: “Craig was a very special individual. He always had time for people and if there was any way in which he could help them inevitably he was there with an abundance of support and guidance.
“I very much enjoyed working with him, first as a manager, then as a board member, and in recent years as an ambassador for the club. One thing is for certain, AFC could not have had a better ambassador than Craig.
“During our time working together Craig become a close friend. He always had a story or two to tell, and I often became the butt of some of these stories, but he always meant it in a friendly way, I think!
“Craig was a successful manager of Scotland, and a number of top clubs and he will be remembered in a very positive light by thousands. He will be sadly missed by many, and I feel grateful that he played such an important part in my life.”
Meanwhile, Scottish side Hearts also penned a short message on Twitter. It read: "Everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Scotland manager Craig Brown. Our thoughts are with Craig's family, friends and colleagues at this sad time."