:Craig Brown (footballer, born 1940)
{{Short description|Scottish football manager (1940–2023)}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Craig Brown
{{post-nominals|country=GBR|CBE}}
| full_name = James Craig Brown
| image = Craig Brown.jpeg
| birth_date = {{birth date|1940|7|1|df=y}}
| birth_place = Glasgow, Scotland
| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|6|26|1940|7|1|df=y}}
| death_place = Ayr, Scotland
| height =
| position = Wing half
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Kilmarnock Amateurs
| years1 = 1957–1961
| clubs1 = Rangers
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 1957–1958
| clubs2 = → Coltness United (loan)
| caps2 =
| goals2 =
| years3 = 1960–1961
| clubs3 = → Dundee (loan)
| caps3 =
| goals3 =
| years4 = 1961–1965
| clubs4 = Dundee
| caps4 = 14
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 1965–1967
| clubs5 = Falkirk
| caps5 = 17
| goals5 = 0
| totalcaps = 31
| totalgoals = 0
| manageryears1 = 1977–1986
| managerclubs1 = Clyde
| manageryears2 = 1986–1993
| managerclubs2 = Scotland U21
| manageryears3 = 1993–2001
| managerclubs3 = Scotland
| manageryears4= 1994–1995
| managerclubs4= Scotland B
| manageryears5= 2002–2004
| managerclubs5= Preston North End
| manageryears6= 2009–2010
| managerclubs6= Motherwell
| manageryears7= 2010–2013
| managerclubs7 = Aberdeen
}}
James Craig Brown {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|CBE}} (1 July 1940 – 26 June 2023) was a Scottish professional football player and manager. After his playing career with Rangers, Dundee and Falkirk was curtailed by a series of knee injuries, Brown entered management with Clyde in 1977. He then coached various Scotland youth teams until he was appointed Scotland manager in 1993. He held this position until 2001, the longest tenure for a Scotland manager, and they qualified for the UEFA Euro 1996 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments. He later managed Preston North End, Motherwell and Aberdeen. He retired from management in 2013 and was appointed a non-executive director of Aberdeen.
Early life
Brown was born on 1 July 1940 in Corkerhill, Glasgow,{{cite news |title=Telegraph Obituaries : Craig Brown, footballer who became the most recent manager to lead Scotland to the World Cup finals |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2023/06/26/craig-brown-manager-scotland-world-cup-died-obituary/ |access-date=29 June 2023 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=26 June 2023}} but brought up with two younger brothers in Troon, Rutherglen and Hamilton, moving with his father's career as a physical education teacher, later a senior advisor on the subject.[https://books.google.com/books?id=jTutDwAAQBAJ&dq=Stonelaw&pg=PT7 The Game of My Life], Craig Brown, Kings Road Publishing, 2013, {{ISBN|9781782192695}} He was a keen golfer as well as watching Queen's Park and Hamilton Academical matches.
Playing career
=Early career=
Educated at the former Hamilton Academy, Brown played for the school in Scottish schools competitionsHamilton Advertiser, 21 May 2009'Every picture tells a story: Craig Brown, Part 1', Evening Times, 15 April 2004'The rise and rise of a well honoured manager', The Herald, 12 July 1999 and in youth international teams, before joining Rangers in 1957, being considered a top prospect.
=Rangers=
Brown was initially farmed out to Coltness United to gain experience, and was selected for the Scotland Junior squad. He failed to find a regular first team place at Rangers, with his progress halted by a knee injury and the arrival of Jim Baxter who played in the same position, and moved to Dundee on loan in October 1960.
=Dundee=
Brown was the first signing of Dundee manager Bob Shankly. Although knee surgery meant he barely played for the first team during his loan, the move was made permanent in the summer of 1961. Brown always travelled with the Dundee first team squad but this was before substitutes were commonly used. Thus he did not make a competitive appearance until November 1961, then waited until February 1962 for his league debut when captain Bobby Cox was injured. Brown played in nine consecutive league games before becoming injured himself on 31 March in a 3–2 win against bottom placed Stirling Albion.[https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/played-for-dundee-and-rangers-craig-brown/ Played for Dundee and Rangers – Craig Brown], Dundee FC, 25 February 2019 Dundee won the Scottish league title that season and Brown's nine appearances entitled him to a medal. Brown stayed at Dundee for four and a half injury-affected years, making 16 total appearances for the Dark Blues but playing no active part in the club's European Cup run, or the 1964 Scottish Cup Final which they lost to Rangers. During that time he also completed a course in physical education and primary teaching at Jordanhill College, and was also a member of the pop music group Hammy and the Hamsters formed by six Dundee players.{{Cite web |date=26 June 2023 |title=Craig Brown 1940–2023 |url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/craig-brown/ |access-date=26 June 2023 |website=Dundee Football Club |language=en-US}}
=Falkirk=
Brown signed for Falkirk in 1965 on a part-time basis and went on to make 42 total appearances at Brockville.{{Cite web |last=Kearney |first=Ben |date=26 June 2023 |title=Former Scotland and Falkirk player Craig Brown dies aged 82 |url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/former-scotland-and-falkirk-player-craig-brown-dies-aged-82-4197147 |website=Falkirk Herald}} He was released in 1967 and signed for Stranraer, but his injured knee almost immediately required him to call time on his playing career, and he returned the signing-on fee he had received from the club.
Managerial career
=Clyde=
Brown quickly showed a keen interest in being involved in the coaching side of football and he became assistant manager of Motherwell in 1974.{{Cite web |last=Galloway |first=Dave |date=26 June 2023 |title=Former Scotland manager Craig Brown dies |url=https://planetradio.co.uk/mfr/local/news/former-scotland-manager-craig-brown-has-died/ |website=Planetradio.co.uk}} He got his first managerial job as part-time manager of Clyde in 1977, where he spent ten seasons – winning the Second Division championship in his first season{{Cite web |title=Craig Brown: Former Scotland, Aberdeen, Motherwell, Clyde and Preston boss dies aged 82 |url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11095/12906037/craig-brown-former-scotland-aberdeen-motherwell-clyde-and-preston-boss-dies-aged-82 |access-date=26 June 2023 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}} – whilst also working as a primary school head teacher then a lecturer in primary education at Craigie College, Ayr.{{Cite web |date=26 June 2023 |title=Craig Brown: The teacher turned coach who took Scotland to the big stage |url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/craig-brown-teacher-turned-coach-125512974.html |access-date=26 June 2023 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-GB}}
=Scotland=
Brown was in charge of Scotland's youth teams. In 1989, he coached Scotland's Under-16s to the final of the 1989 FIFA U-16 World Championship and three years later coached the under-21s to the semi-finals of the 1992 UEFA Under-21 Championship.
In July 1986, he took up the post of assistant manager of Scotland, also with responsibility for the under-21 team.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ew5BAAAAIBAJ&pg=7004%2C5781170 |title=Brown takes Scotland No. 2 job |first=Chick |last=Young |author-link=Chick Young |work=The Evening Times |date=25 July 1986 |pages=48 |access-date=19 September 2024}} Brown was assistant manager to Alex Ferguson for the Scotland senior team's campaign at the 1986 FIFA World Cup (the appointment he said 'changed his life' as it enabled him to move from being a part-time manager and teacher to a full member of the national coaching setup), and served the same role under Andy Roxburgh at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1992. He succeeded Roxburgh initially on an interim basis, after the team failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup; his debut was a 3–1 loss away to Italy.
==Euro 1996==
Brown took Scotland to Euro 96, as the team only conceded three goals in 10 qualifying matches as they finished second in Group 8. An Ally McCoist goal against Greece, scored with his first touch as a substitute after a long period out of international football due to a broken leg, proved key to securing qualification.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/mccoist-the-saviour-for-scotland-1596633.html |first=Phil |last=Shaw |newspaper=The Independent |date=16 August 1995 |accessdate=27 June 2023 |title=McCoist the saviour for Scotland}}
Scotland were drawn in the finals with the Netherlands, England (the host nation) and Switzerland. The opening game against the Netherlands ended in a goalless draw, then the match against England hinged on two moments late in the second half. With the score standing at 1–0 to England, Gary McAllister had a penalty kick saved by David Seaman and almost straight away Paul Gascoigne scored a brilliant goal to secure a 2–0 England win.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36543080 |title=England 2-0 Scotland: 20 years of regret from Euro 96 loss |first=Richard |last=Wilson |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 June 2016 |accessdate=27 June 2023}} This left Scotland needing an unlikely combination of results from the final games to qualify, but for a while this was happening as another McCoist goal gave them a 1–0 lead against Switzerland while the Netherlands were losing 4–0 to England. The Scots were unable to add to their lead, however, and a goal by Patrick Kluivert narrowed the Dutch defeat to 4–1, which meant that they progressed on goals scored.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b33f41621-608e3973d612-1000--mccoist-magic-not-enough-for-scotland-in-euro-96-group-a/ |title=McCoist magic not enough for Scotland in EURO '96 Group A |website=UEFA |date=6 October 2003 |access-date=27 June 2023}}
==1998 World Cup==
Scotland also qualified for the 1998 World Cup under Brown, again only conceding three goals in their 10 qualifying matches as they finished second in UEFA Group 4. A notable incident during that qualifying phase was when Estonia refused to turn up for a match in Tallinn against Scotland.{{cite web |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/one-team-tallinn-when-scotland-kicked-against-nobody-and-still-didnt-win |title=One team in Tallinn: when Scotland kicked off against nobody – and still didn't win |first=John |last=Brewin |work=FourFourTwo |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=27 June 2023}} Brown had complained about the poor standard of floodlighting at the Kadriorg Stadium, which prompted FIFA to bring forward the kick-off time on the morning of the game. This decision upset the Estonians, who had their preparations disrupted and stood to lose some television revenue. Brown thought the Estonians would just protest the kick-off change and turn up at the last minute, but they did not and Scotland were left to kick-off without any opposition. The FIFA delegate at the match believed Scotland would be awarded a walkover win, but instead a committee ordered the game to be replayed at a neutral site.
Scotland were drawn in Group A at the finals with Brazil, Norway and Morocco.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53109887 |title=Scotland: Craig Brown relives his France 98 World Cup journey |first=Scott |last=Mullen |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 June 2023 |accessdate=27 June 2023}} As Brazil were the World Cup holders, this meant that Scotland played in the opening match of the tournament. Much of the preparation for that match focused on how to stop the star Brazilian striker Ronaldo, with his former club manager Bobby Robson advising Brown that the only way would be to stop him receiving the ball. The Scots were able to restrict Ronaldo, but lost 2–1 due to a Cesar Sampaio header from a corner and an unfortunate own goal by Tom Boyd. Brown cited a lack of on-field preparations immediately before the game, which were limited by opening match ceremonies, for them conceding the first goal from a set piece.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/soccer/longterm/worldcup98/results/articles/brazil_scotland.htm |title= Own Goal Gets Brazil Off Scot-Free|date=11 June 1998|newspaper=The Washington Post|accessdate=27 June 2023}}
A 1–1 draw with Norway left Scotland needing a positive result against Morocco in their third match to have a chance of progressing. Scotland lost that match 3–0 and were eliminated them from the tournament, although a Norwegian win against Brazil meant that Morocco did not progress either. The result against Morocco was heavily criticised as Scotland had rarely conceded more than two goals in a game under Brown, although he cited secondary statistics (shots at goal, possession and corners) which suggested the performance was better than the one-sided scoreline.
==Euro 2000 qualifying==
Scotland finished second in their UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying group, which meant they entered a playoff against England. Scotland lost the first leg 2–0 at Hampden Park, but then won 1–0 at the old Wembley in the second, losing 2–1 on aggregate.{{cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Ewan |title='We had personality': when Scotland won at Wembley in 1999 but still lost |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/17/when-scotland-won-at-wembley-in-1999-but-still-lost-don-hutchison-england |access-date=26 June 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=17 June 2021}} Paul Scholes scored both England goals in the tie. Brown cited an injury to Paul Lambert, who would have been assigned with the task of marking Scholes, as being key to the Scots losing the tie.{{cite web |url=https://theathletic.com/2186837/2020/11/10/scotland-serbia-major-tournaments/ |title='For 20 years we've found ways of not qualifying' – Scotland's glorious failure |website=The Athletic |date=11 November 2020 |accessdate=27 June 2023 |first=Jordan |last=Campbell}}
==2002 World Cup qualification==
After Scotland finished third in their 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification group and failed to qualify for the World Cup, Brown resigned as Scotland manager in October 2001.{{cite news |last1=McKie |first1=Robin |title=Brown resigns after World Cup failure |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/oct/07/scotland2 |access-date=26 June 2023 |work=The Observer |date=7 October 2001}} He was replaced by German Berti Vogts. Brown took charge of Scotland for 70 international matches, more than any other Scotland manager. He won 32 games, drew 18 and lost 20. Scotland did not qualify for another major tournament until Euro 2020, and 1998 is still their most recent appearance in a men's World Cup finals.
=Preston North End=
Brown then had a spell in club management when he was appointed manager of Preston North End in April 2002, but left by mutual consent on 29 August 2004 after a poor start to the league campaign.{{cite news
|date=29 August 2004
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/3609772.stm
|title=Brown leaves Preston post
|publisher=BBC Sport
|access-date=9 September 2007}} He later had a brief spell as football consultant at Derby County under former protégé Billy Davies, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2006–07. He was one of eight members of staff sacked alongside Davies in November after a poor start to the 2007–08 Premier League season.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Daniel |title=Ruthless Derby look to Ince as Davies pays for poor results |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/nov/27/newsstory.derbycounty |access-date=26 June 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=27 November 2007}}
In October 2008, the 68-year-old Brown was linked to the vacant managerial position with Scottish First Division side Dundee, but the job went to Jocky Scott.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/7687598.stm|title=Davies, Brown linked with Dundee|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=23 October 2008 | date=23 October 2008}}
=Motherwell=
On 28 December 2009, it was announced that Brown would be taking charge of Motherwell, with Archie Knox as his assistant.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8433200.stm Brown given stint at Motherwell], BBC Sport, 29 December 2009 Brown and Knox established Motherwell in the top six of the Scottish Premier League during their time in charge.
{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/9257495.stm
|publisher=BBC Sport
|title=Aberdeen name Craig Brown as new manager at Pittodrie
|date=10 December 2010
|access-date=10 December 2010}}
=Aberdeen=
Brown, who was working without a contract at Motherwell, rebuffed an initial approach by Aberdeen on 8 December 2010. He then had a change of heart after a second approach was made, and was appointed Aberdeen manager on 10 December.{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/9257495.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Aberdeen name Craig Brown as new manager at Pittodrie|date=10 December 2010|access-date=10 December 2010}}
On 14 March 2013, Brown announced he was retiring from football management at the end of the 2012–13 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21785178|date=14 March 2013|access-date=23 April 2013 |title=Aberdeen boss Craig Brown to retire in the summer|publisher=BBC Sport }} His retirement date was brought forward when Derek McInnes was appointed to the position on 5 April, with Brown accepting a position on the Aberdeen board.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22042177|date=5 April 2013|access-date=5 April 2013 |title=Aberdeen boss Craig Brown to retire in the summer |author=Richard Gordon |publisher=BBC Sport }}
Personal life
Brown was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1999 Birthday Honours for services to football.{{London Gazette |issue=55513 |date=12 June 1999 |pages=8 |supp=y }}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/06/99/queens_birthday_honours/366801.stm |title=Sports stars top the list |publisher=BBC News |date=12 June 1999 |access-date=23 January 2011}} Brown was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Arts by Abertay University in 2001.{{Cite web | url=https://www.abertay.ac.uk/life/alumni-and-supporters/honorary-graduates/craig-brown/ | title=Craig Brown – Honorary Graduate | date=14 September 2021 }}
Brown had two brothers: Jock was a football commentator, and Bob was the minister at Queen's Cross Parish Church in Aberdeen from 1984 until his retirement in 2008.Evening Times (Glasgow, UK) 12 May 2002 Brown's grandson and namesake, Craig, plays for Montrose.{{Cite web |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/46312262|title=Obviously we are not going to win it, but you never know|date=22 November 2018|access-date=16 January 2020|language=en-GB}}
Brown died on 26 June 2023, five days before his 83rd birthday.{{cite news |title=Craig Brown: Scotland's longest-serving manager dies aged 82 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65956495 |access-date=26 June 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 June 2023}}{{cite news |title=Craig Brown, Scotland's longest serving national team coach, dies at 82 |url=https://apnews.com/article/craig-brown-scotland-coach-dies-f60c6e8c97fd8324f0a742c510c95e2c |access-date=29 June 2023 |work=AP News |date=26 June 2023 |language=en}} His funeral was held at Masonhill Crematorium in Ayr, followed by a memorial service at Ayr Racecourse, on 25 July.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66304288 |title=Funeral held for former Scotland manager Craig Brown |website=BBC News |date=25 July 2023 |accessdate=26 July 2023}}
Managerial statistics
{{notelist}}
Honours
=Player=
Dundee
=Manager=
Clyde
Scotland U16
- FIFA under-16 World Cup: Runner-up 1989
Scotland U21
- UEFA under-21 Euros: Bronze 1992{{cite web | title = GLORY BOYS: The Scotland under-21 squad which has steered their country to the semi-finals of the European | url = https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000445/19920422/328/0016 | newspaper = Evening Express | date = 22 April 1992 | access-date = 25 May 2022 | url-access=subscription | via = British Newspaper Archive }}
- Toulon Tournament: Bronze 1991, 1993{{cite web | title = NO THANKS: Same old jinx | url = https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003741/19910603/034/0034 | newspaper = Daily Record|location=Glasgow | date = 3 June 1991 | access-date = 25 May 2022 | url-access=subscription | via = British Newspaper Archive }}
Individual
- Scottish Premier League manager of the month: January 2010,{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8497650.stm |title=Motherwell manager Craig Brown aims high |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 February 2010 |access-date=19 August 2018}} February 2010, January 2012{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16946717 |title=Aberdeen manager Craig Brown wins SPL January award |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 February 2012 |access-date=19 August 2018}} and October 2012{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20155176 |title=Aberdeen trio collect monthly SPL awards |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 November 2012 |access-date=19 August 2018}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.clydefc.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/craig-brown/ Clyde FC Hall of Fame profile]
- {{NeilBrownPlayers|player3/craigbrown}}
- {{soccerbase (manager)|id=1821|name=Craig Brown}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Scotland squads
| bg = #003876
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| list1 =
{{Scotland squad UEFA Euro 1996}}
{{Scotland squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list =
{{Scottish Football Hall of Fame}}
{{Clyde F.C. Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title= Managerial positions
|list1=
{{Clyde F.C. managers}}
{{Scotland national under-21 football team managers}}
{{Scotland national football team managers}}
{{Preston North End F.C. managers}}
{{Motherwell F.C. managers}}
{{Aberdeen F.C. managers}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Brown, Craig}}
Category:People educated at Hamilton Academy
Category:Scottish men's footballers
Category:Men's association football wing halves
Category:Scottish Football League players
Category:Scottish football managers
Category:Preston North End F.C. managers
Category:Derby County F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Motherwell F.C. managers
Category:Motherwell F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Scottish Premier League managers
Category:Aberdeen F.C. managers
Category:Scotland national football team managers
Category:UEFA Euro 1996 managers
Category:1998 FIFA World Cup managers
Category:Alumni of the Open University
Category:Scottish Football Hall of Fame inductees
Category:Scottish Football League managers
Category:Footballers from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
Category:Scotland national under-21 football team managers
Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire
Category:Directors of football clubs in Scotland
Category:Scottish schoolteachers
Category:Scotland men's junior international footballers
Category:Alumni of the University of Strathclyde