Everybody at Aberdeen FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former manager, director, and club ambassador Craig Brown.

A dear friend to all at Pittodrie, he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who was fortunate enough to work alongside Craig and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Born on 1st July 1940, his promising playing career was curtailed due to injury, although he did still win the Scottish League title with Dundee in 1962. Brown entered into football management with Clyde in 1977 before working with the SFA at various age groups. In 1989 he led his side to the FIFA U-16 World Championship final at Hampden before being appointed Scotland manager in 1993. During his tenure in charge Scotland qualified for the European Championships in 1996 and the 1998 World Cup in France. After that Craig returned to club football and managed Preston North End and Motherwell.

The former Scotland boss, who is still the last man to lead Scotland to a World Cup, began his involvement with AFC when alongside Archie Knox, he was appointed Aberdeen manager in December 2010.

During his 113 games in charge over the next two seasons, he would win 37 matches but more importantly had a real steadying influence on the team and the club. During his rebuilding process players such as Niall McGinn, Jonny Hayes, Mark Reynolds were brought to Pittodrie and Russell Anderson returned. Late in season 2012-2013, Craig decided to retire from management and chose to go before the end of the season to allow his successor, Derek McInnes, time to start working with the players before the summer break.

The club recognised Craig’s vast and valuable experience in the game and he was immediately invited to join the board and he has continued to be part of the club for the past 13 years.

Dons’ chairman Dave Cormack has paid his own personal tribute to Craig.

He said: “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.”

Former chairman Stewart Milne, who hired Craig as manager of the Dons in 2010, shared his thoughts on his friend.

“Craig was a very special individual. He always had time for people and if there was any way in which he could help them inevitably he was there with an abundance of support and guidance,” said Stewart.

“I very much enjoyed working with him, first as a manager, then as a board member, and in recent years as an ambassador for the club. One thing is for certain, AFC could not have had a better ambassador than Craig.

“During our time working together Craig become a close friend. He always had a story or two to tell, and I often became the butt of some of these stories, but he always meant it in a friendly way, I think!

“Craig was a successful manager of Scotland, and a number of top clubs and he will be remembered in a very positive light by thousands. He will be sadly missed by many, and I feel grateful that he played such an important part in my life.”