Craig Brown, Scotland’s longest-serving manager, has died at the age of 82.
Brown was in charge for 71 games between 1993 and 2001, famously leading Scotland to the 1998 World Cup two years after taking on England at Euro ’96.
His club managerial career involved spells in charge of Preston North End, Motherwell and Aberdeen, with his contributions to football recognised with a CBE in 1999.
“Craig died peacefully today after a short illness in University Hospital, Ayr, surrounded by close family members,” a statement from Brown’s family said.
“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’s career in management got underway after his playing days, which saw him turn out for Rangers, Dundee and Falkirk, were cut short by a knee injury. He joined Sir Alex Ferguson’s coaching staff at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, when the then-Aberdeen manager had been asked to take charge of the national team on a temporary basis.
He then served as Andy Roxburgh’s assistant manager as Scotland reached the 1990 World Cup and Euro 92 finals, before taking charge in 1993.
Brown’s reign yielded 32 wins, 18 draws and 21 defeats, with one of Scotland’s most famous games under his tenure a narrow 2-1 defeat to tournament favourites Brazil in the opening match of the 1998 World Cup in France.
