Tributes have poured in for former Scotland manager Craig Brown, who has died at the age of 82.
Aberdeen FC said everyone was “heartbroken” over the former club boss’s death, while the country’s national team described him as a “true Scotland legend”.
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon also paid tribute, saying he was a “truly lovely man”.
Brown, who was born in Glasgow on 1 July 1940, started his senior playing career at Rangers but had his time at Ibrox cut short after he picked up a serious knee injury.
He also played for Dundee and Falkirk before moving into management.
Following a spell as Motherwell assistant manager, Brown took charge of Clyde in 1977 and went on to win two Second Division titles.
He also went on to manage Preston North End, Motherwell and Aberdeen, but his time in charge of the Scottish national sides is what catapulted him into a household name.
Brown, who was brought up in Troon, Rutherglen and Hamilton, led the U16s to a World Cup final in 1989.
That stint set Brown on the way to a 15-year association with the Scotland national team.
He guided the country to Euro 1996 and the World Cup two years later – with that appearance in 1998 the last time the men’s team has qualified for the World Cup.
Brown once said: “To manage your country is the ultimate job in management. If you manage your country successfully and qualify for tournaments, that’s even better.”
As for how he would be remembered and what his legacy would be, Brown said: “I hope to be a guy they say was fair and honest and upright and did his very best.
“Craig Brown the manager? Well, he was fortunate enough to manage good teams. I’m the luckiest guy in Scottish football, I mean it sincerely.”
Aberdeen FC tweeted: “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.”
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack added: “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. 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.”
The Scotland national team described Brown as a “true Scotland legend”.
Clyde FC added: “Everyone at Clyde is incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of our former manager Craig Brown.
“Craig took charge of 409 games from 1977 to 1986 and won Second Division championship twice with the Bully Wee.
“Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Stenhousemuir FC also paid tribute, tweeting: “Every so often someone comes along and, although they’re not connected with a club, they have a huge influence on them.
“Craig Brown was exactly that and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with Craig’s friends and family.”
Former first minister Ms Sturgeon also paid her respects, tweeting: “So sorry to hear that Craig Brown has died. I last saw him in March at my uncle’s retirement from Ayr Racecourse.
“He was in fine form – full of laughs and anecdotes from his life in football. He was an outstanding manager of [the] Scotland National Team and a truly lovely man.”
Gillian Mackay MSP, sports spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said: “Craig Brown’s career was forged in Falkirk, fantastic in France, and he will be remembered fondly across the footballing world as a player, manager and mentor.
“He dared us to dream the impossible, and his legacy lives on even today. Our thoughts go to all his family and friends at this sad time, and we hope they can draw some solace from the memories he helped make.”
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Brown was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Mike Mulraney, Scottish FA president, said: “Words cannot do justice to the impact Craig Brown has had on Scottish football and on behalf of the Scottish FA, and his friends and former colleagues at Hampden Park, I send our deepest condolences to his family.”
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He added: “The greatest tribute that can be paid to his professional capabilities is the respect in which he was held by his peers, who also happened to be our all-time great coaches: among them Jock Stein, Sir Alex Ferguson, Walter Smith, Jim McLean and Andy Roxburgh.
“Craig deserves his place in the pantheon of great coaches. He will be missed – but never forgotten – by those who had the pleasure of his company, or by the fans and players who shared in his successes as Scotland manager.”
