Craig Brown, the longest-serving Scotland manager in history, has died aged 82 after a short illness. Tributes have poured in for the legendary coach, who guided the nation to Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup, after his family confirmed his death with an emotional statement on Monday.
It 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.”
Brown started his coaching career with Clyde in 1977 after a knee injury cut his playing days short after stints at Rangers, Dundee FC and Falkirk.
A decade later, Sir Alex Ferguson, temporary Scotland manager at the time, added Brown to his coaching staff for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
He remained on board under new permanent boss Andy Roxburgh while also overseeing Scotland’s youth teams.
Brown replaced Roxburgh as senior manager in 1993 and etched his name into football folklore from there.
Scotland qualified for Euro 96 under the Glasgow-born manager’s watch, narrowly missing out on a quarter-final spot.
Two years later, Scotland were once again on the big stage at the World Cup but couldn’t navigate past Brazil, Norway and Morocco to progress past the group stage.
Brown left his post in 2001, having managed 70 games. No Scotland boss has matched that feat. He retired from the dugout in 2013, joining the Aberdeen board.
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