Former Scotland manager Craig Brown dies aged 82
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Ex-Scotland coach Craig Brown, seen here in a 2002 World Cup qualifying match, died on Monday at 82.
PHOTO: AFP
LONDON – Manchester United great Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Craig Brown following news that his compatriot and former Scotland manager had died at the age of 82.
One of Brown’s former clubs, Aberdeen, where Ferguson was a former manager, confirmed his death on Monday.
Brown was his nation’s longest-serving manager, taking charge of 71 games from 1993 to 2001, during which time he secured qualification for the 1996 European Championship and 1998 World Cup.
He was also part of the Scotland coaching staff for the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.
Brown went on to manage Preston North End and Motherwell before ending his career at Aberdeen in 2013 and becoming a director at Pittodrie.
“Everyone at Aberdeen FC is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former manager, director and club ambassador, Craig Brown,” Aberdeen said in a statement.
“A dear friend to us all, Craig will be sorely missed and our love and condolences are with his family at this terribly sad time.”
Brown began his football career as a player with Rangers, Dundee and Falkirk before moving into management at Clyde.
His international coaching career began with Scotland’s youth teams.
He guided the Under-16s to a World Cup final in 1989 and Under-21s to a European Championship semi-final three years later.
Notably, he was friends with Ferguson, 81, since they played together in school in 1957-58.
“Craig and I had been friends since the Scotland Schools team in 1957-58, with Craig as captain,” said the former United boss.
“When I was given the honour of managing Scotland (temporarily) at the World Cup Finals in Mexico, there was one man I had to take, for all his attributes and knowledge. That was Craig.
“He had a great career as a manager of several clubs but his service for his country stands out.
“In an industry that questions a man’s capabilities, Craig never wavered in that situation, he always kept his head and his composure. Well done Broon!”
Other tributes also poured in for the well-liked Brown.
The Scotland national team tweeted a picture of Brown with the caption: “A true Scotland legend” and added: “Our thoughts are with Craig’s loved ones at this sad time.”
Scotland’s two biggest clubs, Rangers and Celtic, also expressed their sorrow.
“We are saddened to hear of the death of former player and Scotland manager, Craig Brown, at the age of 82,” Rangers tweeted.
“The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Celtic wrote that everyone at the club is “deeply saddened” by the news.
Current Scotland boss Steve Clarke said: “Craig led the way in bringing sustained qualification to the men’s national team.
“He was a student of the game and I am proud to say that I followed in his footsteps.” AFP
