Widely beloved Scottish football giant Craig Brown passed away on Monday and tributes have been pouring in for one of our game's most iconic figures.
Loved, respected and feared, Brown passed away at 82 after a battle with illness and is remembered as one of the great managers in Scottish football history. But he also goes remembered as a great man about whom no one within the game had a bad word to say.
At club level Brown famously managed Aberdeen as well as Motherwell, Clyde and Preston North End, but is most widely known for his time with the Scotland national team, where he led them out in front of 80,000 people against Brazil in the opening game of France 98. Paying tribute to him, Aberdeen said in a statement: "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."
Scotland boss Steve Clarke said: “Craig led the way in bringing sustained qualification to the men’s national team, first as assistant to Andy Roxburgh and then in his own right. He was a student of the game and I am proud to say that I followed in his footsteps by taking a Scotland team back to a major tournament. The thoughts of the players and my backroom staff go to Craig’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Colin Hendry, captain of the team at France '98, said: "Was a few weeks since I last spoke to you 'Faither'...was an absolute honour to have been part of your teams Craig. Undoubtedly the biggest influence on my career. May you rest in peace. An outstanding man and human being x."
Gateshead-born Don Hutchison, whose dad was from Nairn, scored famous winners against Germany and England under Brown. And he took to Twitter to say: "I owe him a massive debt of gratitude. Broonie made my dad's dreams come true, giving me the opportunity to play for Scotland. When my dad passed away Craig loved the fact that for every game at Hampden I left my dad a ticket.
Dons 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 confidant 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.”
Pittodrie CEO Alan Burrows came from Brown's former club Motherwell and posted a lengthy tribute on social media which you can read on his Twitter. He said: "I am so gutted and upset about today’s news concerning the loss of the legendary Craig Brown, news I have been in some ways bracing myself for, but the sting is no less painful when you receive it."
Former chairman Stewart Milne, who hired Brown as manager of the Dons in 2010, 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.
“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.”
Brown is a legendary Scotland manager and the team at Hampden say he will be dearly missed. A brief statement reads: "The thoughts of everyone at Hampden Park are with the family and friends of Craig Brown, after he passed away at the age of 82. Craig was the longest-serving men’s team manager, who took charge of 70 games. A Scotland legend."
Dundee, who he played for in the 1960s, said: "Everyone at the club are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player Craig Brown, aged 82. The thoughts of everyone at the Kilmac Stadium are with Craig’s family and friends at this very sad time."
And a Motherwell statement reads: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Craig Brown. In the winter of 2009, Craig Brown was named as manager of Motherwell, with Archie Knox as his right hand man.
"An icon and influential figure of Scottish football, Brown will forever be remembered for his astonishing achievements within the game and likeable character on and off the pitch. He will be missed by everyone. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Motherwell Football Club are with Craig’s family and close friends at this very sad time."
Further tributes poured in on social media as former keeper Jamie Langfield said: "Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of my former boss Craig Brown. One of, if not the nicest man in the Scottish game, he done so much for me and my family in our hour of need back in 2011. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Thanks for everything gaffer."
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also paid her respects to "an outstanding manager and a truly lovely man," recalling their last meeting in March where he was "full of laughs and anecdotes from his life in football." That's a theme running throughout those have paid tribute; everyone who met Brown was left smiling by his cheeky grin and signature sense of humour.
