We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Craig Brown.
In the winter of 2009, Craig Brown was named as manager of Motherwell, with Archie Knox as his right hand man.
Manager of the Scotland national team, Clyde and Preston North End prior to his arrival, Brown arrived following the departure of Jim Gannon and was tasked with guiding the side for the rest of the campaign, with the Steelmen clinging on to sixth place in the table.
Appointed on 28 December 2009, Brown would immediately sign John Ruddy on loan, alongside last-minute hero, Lukas Jutkiewicz in the winter window.
Brown would go on to win back-to-back manager of the month awards in January and February, his first two full months in charge.
In his time at Motherwell, Brown orchestrated an inspirational comeback against Hibernian in May, when Motherwell found themselves 4-1 and 6-2 down during the 90 minutes.
The game would re-write the record books and finished 6-6 thanks to some last minute heroics from Jutkiewicz.
Brown and Motherwell would travel to Ibrox in their last game of the 2009/10 season, where once again, his side showed immense levels of character to produce another comeback at Ibrox against Rangers. Finding themselves 3-1 down, Motherwell fought back to 3-3 to end Brown’s first campaign in charge of the club on a positive note, although they would miss out on European football, finishing in fifth place in the table.
As a result, Craig Brown guided Motherwell back to the European stage.
Brown and Knox would take Motherwell on a true European adventure that summer, beating Breiðablik of Iceland, Aalesund of Norway and would face Odense of Denmark in the playoff round.
Many moments were created for ‘Well fans, including Tom Hateley last minute free-kick in Denmark, that will live long in the memory of every supporter.
Having guided Motherwell to Hampden and the semi-finals of the League Cup, Brown departed the club in December 2010, bolstering an impressive 46.86% win record in his time at Fir Park.
An icon and influential figure of Scottish football, Brown will forever be remembered for his astonishing achievements within the game and likeable character on and off the pitch. He will be missed by everyone.
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Motherwell Football Club are with Craig’s family and close friends at this very sad time.
