Happy Birthday - Craig Brown

Last updated : 01 July 2010 By Firparkcorner

Our leader first saw the light of day on 1 July 1940 only a few miles from Fir Park, in Hamilton.  Although he confesses to having a soft spot for his home team it is the club on the other side of the Clyde that commands his attentions for the forthcoming season.

Motherwell gave him his first step in what was to become a very successful career in football management when he joined as assistant in1974 following the end of his playing career.  On the field he had spells at Rangers, Dundee (he was part of their championship winning squad in 1962) and Falkirk.  He was dogged by injury and he hung up his boots in 1971 after several operations on his knee.

His first chance as manager came when he joined Clyde in 1977 and for ten years he looked after the Shawfield team on a part time basis, the rest of his time was spent as a primary headteacher and then a lecturer.  Andy Roxburgh gave hime an opportunity for full time work and he started a long relationship with the SFA which culminated in his appointment as national team manager in 1993.

Brown was often criticised for his defensive style and a reliance on older players but there is no doubt he produced excellent results to reach the finals of both Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup.  His record speaks for itself, 32 wins and only 20 losses from 70 matches.

After a spell at Preston North End it seemed that this role in football would be as an analyst for radio and television.   However, the departure of Jim Gannon from his ill-fated six month spell at Motherwell resulted in a temporary appointment as manager.  He choose Archie Knox as his second in command and the results were dramatic.

We embarked on a long unbeaten run and an understanding that the pair would take charge on a longer term basis, without the need for a formal contract.

Craig watched the opening stages of the World Cup in the Middle East working for Al Jazeera but he was back home to take charge of the team this week as preparations for the Europa League forced an early return to the training ground.

Many congratulations Craig, here’s hoping for many more happy birthdays and a flying start to the season!