Former Scotland boss Craig Brown has passed away aged 82.
The football community have paid tribute to the former Clyde, Preston, Motherwell and Aberdeen gaffer after the sad news broke early this afternoon.
A legendary figure in the Scottish game, Brown managed the national team between 1993 and 2001. Before that he was the Under-21 gaffer after staring his career with the Bully Wee. His last position in the dugout was at Pittodrie between 2010 and 2013.
A statement from Brown's family reads: “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.”
Jamie Langfield wrote on Twitter: "Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of my former boss Craig Brown, one, if not the nicest man in the Scottish game , he done so much for me and my family in our hour of need back in 2011. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Thanks for everything gaffer."
Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "So sorry to hear that Craig Brown has died. I last saw him in March at my uncle’s retirement from @ayrracecourse. He was in fine form - full of laughs and anecdotes from his life in football. He was an outstanding manager of @ScotlandNT and a truly lovely man. RIP"
Football fans also took to social media to pay their respects.
One Twitter user wrote: "RIP Craig Brown, legend of the Scottish game."
Another posted: "What a gent. RIP Craig Brown."
A further person added: "Rest in Peace Craig Brown. Scottish football legend."
His former clubs also paid their respects in short statements.
Aberdeen said: "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."
Motherwell wrote: "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."
Clyde posted: "Everyone at Clyde is incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of our former manager Craig Brown Craig took charge of 409 games from 1977 to 1986 and won Second Division championship twice with the Bully Wee Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this sad time."
