Craig Brown tributes pour in as Scottish football remembers an icon whose stories made a nation laugh

Widely beloved Scottish football giant Craig Brown passed away on Monday and tributes have been pouring in for one of our game's most iconic figures.

Loved, respected and feared, Brown passed away at 82 after a battle with illness and is remembered as one of the great managers in Scottish football history. But he also goes remembered as a great man about whom no one within the game had a bad word to say.

At club level Brown famously managed Aberdeen as well as Motherwell, Clyde and Preston North End, but is most widely known for his time with the Scotland national team, where he led them out in front of 80,000 people against Brazil in the opening game of France 98. Paying tribute to him, Aberdeen said in a statement: "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."

Dons chairman Dave Cormack added: “Since 2010 Craig performed the roles of manager, director, and ambassador at Aberdeen FC. 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. Personally, I’ll always be grateful for the support and encouragement he gave me as chairman, and I’ll miss his legendary stories that made all of us laugh. Sincere condolences to his family and friends from everyone at Aberdeen FC.”

Pittodrie CEO Alan Burrows came from Brown's former club Motherwell and posted a lengthy tribute on social media which you can read on his