'A true Scotland legend': Tributes paid following death of Craig Brown

Brown led the Scotland football team to consecutive tournaments in 1996 and 1998.

Football clubs pay tribute to former Scotland manager Craig Brown after his death at 82 SNS Group

Tributes are being paid from across Scotland and beyond to former manager Craig Brown following his death at the age of 82.

Brown, who was the last manager to take the national team to the World Cup in 1998, died in hospital on Monday morning.

The SFA have joined his former clubs Aberdeen and Motherwell in paying their respects to the man who led Scotland between 1993 and 2001.

Other Premiership sides including Rangers, where Brown started his playing career in 1957, and Celtic have also paid tribute on social media.

The Scotland National Team tweeted a picture of Brown with the caption: “A true Scotland legend” before adding: “Our thoughts are with Craig’s loved ones at this sad time.”

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.”

And Motherwell tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Craig Brown.

“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Motherwell FC are with Craig’s family and close friends at this very sad time.”

After leaving his role with Scotland in 2001, he spent two years with Preston North End.

The English Championship side also paid tribute on Monday, saying: “As a club, we’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former manager Craig Brown.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Rangers tweeted: “We are saddened to hear of the death of former player and Scotland manager, Craig Brown, at the age of 82.

“The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with his family at this difficult time.”

And Celtic wrote: “Everyone at Celtic FC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Scotland Manager, Craig Brown. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.

“RIP Craig.”

The Edinburgh clubs also tweeted their condolences with Hibs saying: “Everyone at Hibernian FC would like to send our condolences to Craig Brown’s family and friends following the sad news of his passing.

“RIP Craig.”

And Hearts said: “Everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Scotland manager Craig Brown.

“Our thoughts are with Craig’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

Current 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.”

Sir Alex Ferguson also paid tribute to his friend and colleague.

“It was with great sadness to hear of the passing of Craig Brown, a thoroughly wonderful man, and my thoughts are with his family,” the former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager said in a statement released by the League Managers Association.

“Craig and I had been friends since Scotland Schools Team in 1957/58, with Craig as captain.

“When I was given the honour of managing Scotland at the World Cup finals in Mexico there was one man I had to take, for all his attributes and knowledge, that was Craig.

“He had a great career as a manager of several clubs but his service for his country stands out.

“In an industry that questions a man’s capabilities, Craig never wavered in that situation, he always kept his head and his composure. Well done Broon!”

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