Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson pays touching tribute to Scotland great Craig Brown

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has paid a moving tribute to long-time friend Craig Brown, the last man to lead Scotland to a World Cup, following his passing on Monday.

The 82-year-old led his country to the France 1998 finals having also guided them to Euro 96. Sir Alex invited Brown to join his coaching staff when in temporary charge of Scotland for the Mexico 1986 World Cup after the shock passing of former boss Jock Stein.

Following the finals in Mexico, Brown - who had known Sir Alex since their Scotland School Team days in 1957, stayed on as assistant to new manager Andy Roxburgh before succeeding him himself in December 1993.

After the tournaments in 1996 and 1998, Brown resigned in 2001. He remains Scotland men’s national team’s longest-serving manager having taken charge of 70 games. Upon his passing on Monday, United icon Sir Alex released a statement via the League Managers Association.

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He said: “It was with great sadness to hear of the passing of Craig Brown, a thoroughly wonderful man, and my thoughts are with his family. Craig and I 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!”