Craig Brown MBE friend and supporter of Sports Chaplaincy and the work of sport chaplains.
“We are extremely saddened to hear that Craig Brown, our great friend and Patron of Sports Chaplaincy Scotland has passed recently. Craig has been a wonderful advocate and supporter of Sports Chaplaincy and especially the work in Scotland for over a decade.
Mark Fleming, National Director in Scotland shared that, “Craig was always ready and happy to speak and share at any events or conferences we invited him to, including the most recent Sports Chaplaincy UK conference in Bolton. On a personal level, I considered Craig as one of my closest friends, I will really miss our open and honest talks about all things football, but more importantly our conversations about family, faith and life. I really thank God for his friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”
Warren Evans, CEO “Our deepest condolences go out to Craig’s family and loved ones at this most difficult time, they will be in our thoughts and prayers. We here at Sports Chaplaincy UK have had the privilege of hearing Craig recently share at our conference, he was warm, gracious and funny and always had time for people”.
Craig was Scotland’s national team’s longest-serving manager, he was in charge for 71 games from 1993 to 2001, qualifying for Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup. He was also on the staff for the 1986 and 1990 finals.
Craig managed Preston North End and Motherwell before ending his career at Aberdeen in 2013 and moving into a board position at Pittodrie.
Awarded a CBE in 1999 for services to football, the former Dundee and Falkirk player spent nine years as manager of Clyde, starting out in 1977 while working as a primary school headteacher.
Having impressed with Scotland as a youth-level coach, he was asked to join Alex Ferguson’s backroom team for the 1986 World Cup and would go on to serve as Andy Roxburgh’s assistant, reaching the 1990 World Cup and Euro 92 finals.
Sir Alex Ferguson (Former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager) described Craig as a “thoroughly wonderful man” in a statement released by the League Managers Association.
Craig and Alex Ferguson 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!”
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack shared that, “Craig was a friend to all of us at the club, and a mentor and confidante 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.”
