Ex-Scotland boss Craig Brown dead at 82

The former Scotland, Motherwell and Clyde boss Craig Brown has passed away, aged 82, following a short illness.

Brown, from Hamilton, steered the national side to Euro 1996 and World Cup 98, but resigned after failing to quality for Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.

He was subsequently Motherwell boss from 2009 to 2010, steering the Steelmen to a top-six Scottish Premiership finish, alongside Archie Knox.

A career that spanned an incredible 36 years began at Rangers as a player, and he also played for Coltness United, Dundee and Falkirk.

Brown then branched into management at Clyde from 1977 to 1986, where he won the Second Division title, which launched him into the Scotland set-up with the under-21s.

He took the national team to Euro 96 in England and then to France with the World Cup two years later, which is still the last time we've qualified on that stage.

Brown ended his managerial career at Aberdeen in 2013, after three years at Pittodrie.

A statement from Craig Brown's family issued today read: "Craig died peacefully today after a short illness in University Hospital Ayr, surrounded by close family members.

"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."

A statement issued by Motherwell FC read: "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.

"An icon and influential figure of Scottish football,