LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Craig Brown, who led Scotland to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 1996, has passed away quietly at the age of 82.
The news was confirmed by the former Scotland manager’s family on Monday.
“Craig died peacefully today after a short illness in University Hospital, Ayr, surrounded by close family members,” read a statement.
“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 former club Aberdeen also paid tribute to Brown in an emotional statement.
“Everyone at Aberdeen FC is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former manager, director and club ambassador, Craig Brown,” read a club statement.
“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 hired Brown as manager in 1993, and under his leadership, the team won both the World Cup and Euro 96 in France.
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Brown has been in command of the Tartan Army for eight years, making him the manager with the longest tenure in Scotland.
A knee injury ended Brown’s playing career, which included stops at Rangers, Dundee, and Falkirk, and propelled him into management.
Brown began his career with Clyde before switching to Scotland to serve as Andy Roxburgh’s assistant before joining Alex Ferguson’s backroom staff.
In 1993, Brown took Roxburgh’s place, and he held the position until 2001, when he resigned in the wake of England’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Prior to his 2013 management retirement, Brown managed Preston, Motherwell, and Aberdeen. For his contributions to football, he received a CBE in 1999.
