The sad news that former Scotland, Aberdeen and Motherwell manager Craig Brown had passed away has left Scottish football is in mourning as tributes pour in for one of the games most popular figures.
Born in Glasgow in 1940, Brown managed the national team a total of 71 times, a feat no other manager has achieved, and was the last man to lead Scotland to a World Cup finals in 1998. Brown also managed Aberdeen, Motherwell, Preston North End and Clyde in a management career that lasted from 1977 all the way to 2013.
As a player he turned out for the likes of Rangers, Dundee and Falkirk and enjoyed a career in football that lasted over 50 years. During that time, Brown become of the most recognised and loved faces in the game and was never short of a quote or a story that could raise a smile and showcased his fantastic career in the sport.
Here are 10 of Craig Brown’s best quotes.
5. On leaving Aberdeen and retirement in 2011
“I’m very fortunate. I’ve lived the dream of every football fan." | Getty Images
6. On not making it into the Rangers first team ahead of Jim Baxter
“It was heartbreaking, particularly for the fans. To think some of them lost their jobs to go over and follow us. You are quite sad you’ve not given them more to enjoy, but we gave it a right good go.” | Getty Images
7. On Scotland’s clash with England at Euro 2020 which they drew 0-0.
“I wouldn’t fear England in any way, and I’m sure Scotland won’t. England will be more worried about playing us, because they will see that we’ve gone nine games unbeaten. They’ll see our vibrant midfield, a solid goalkeeper and defence, and they will know when they look at our team that they will have a real job on. “I hope we can get the crowd in. It will be a fantastic occasion with or without the crowd, but with them it will be remarkable.” | Getty Images/Credit: Stu Forster /Allsport
8. On getting a phone call from Rod Stewart prior to World Cup 98
"I remember getting a call from Sean Connery. The girls at the office would think it was a wind-up. My secretary would say, 'That's Ally McCoist on saying he's Sean Connery'." | AFP via Getty Images