Former Scotland manager Craig Brown dies
The ex-national team boss was 82
Last updated 26th Jun 2023
Former Scotland manager Craig Brown has died at the age of 82.
Following a playing career cut short by injury, Brown first ventured into management in 1974 as Motherwell assistant before taking charge at Clyde three years later.
He was the Bully Wee boss on a part-time basis whilst also working as a primary school head teacher then a College lecturer in Ayr.
A statement from Brown's family read: “Craig died peacefully today after a short illness in University Hospital, Ayr, surrounded by close family members.
“The family wish to express their deep appreciation of the outstanding care and attention provided by hospital staff and the countless messages of support and sympathy from friends and colleagues.
"At this particularly sad time the family now requests that their privacy is respected during the grieving process.”
A statement from Aberdeen read: “Everyone at Aberdeen FC is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former manager, director and club ambassador, Craig Brown.
"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.”
Becoming Scotland manager
His country came calling in 1986 and he took on the role of assistant manager, before replacing Andy Roxburgh as boss in 1993 following a period in interim charge.
Whilst at the helm, he led Scotland to Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup, where they took on champions Brazil in the opening game.
Another notable highlight saw a 1-0 win over England in the last ever Euro Championship qualifier at Wembley in 1999. That same year Brown was awarded the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
He was Scotland boss for 70 games before resigning in 2001.
Return to club management
In 2002 Brown was appointed manager at Preston North End remaining in the hotseat for 106 matches.
He returned to where it all started, Motherwell, in 2009, where he and number two Archie Knox helped keep them in the top six.
Aberdeen came calling and got him at the 2nd attempt in 2010. Brown and Knox "steadied the ship" as the Dons escaped relegation and secured a 9th placed finish.
At the end of the season in 2023, Brown retired and became a club ambassador at Pittodrie.