Craig Brown CBE (1940–2023) was one of Scottish football’s most respected figures. He began his playing career at Rangers and represented Dundee, winning the Scottish League title with them in 1961–62. He also played for Celtic and later Clyde, where he first moved into management.
Craig went on to manage Clyde, Motherwell, the Scottish national team, Preston North End and Aberdeen. As Scotland manager, he led the nation to qualification for Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup in France. A close friend of Sir Alex Ferguson, the two took Scotland to the 1986 World Cup in Mexico together as manager and assistant, Craig was universally regarded as one of the game’s great ambassadors.
He served as Aberdeen FC manager from 2010–2013 and remained a Director and Ambassador of the club in retirement, maintaining a close association with everyone at Cormack Park. Craig was a great supporter of the Youth Academy and constantly praised the efforts of academy staff in developing young players.
The Craig Brown Tournament was established by Aberdeen FC to celebrate his memory, his commitment to youth development, and the vibrant spirit of the game he loved.
