Craig drops in at Chamber agm
Former Scotland manager Craig Brown returned to Ayrshire this week to talk to members of the Ayrshire Chamber about his career both on the pitch and his time teaching in the area.
Craig was invited to talk to the members as part of the Ayrshire Chamber AGM held at The Gailes Hotel on Thursday, September 27.
Craig spoke fondly of his time lecturing in education at Craigie College and teaching in the area to a captivated audience.
As a schoolboy and youth internationalist, Craig was initially signed by Rangers, before joining to Dundee where he won a League Championship medal in 1962.
His playing career finished at Falkirk when a succession of knee operations forced him into early retirement at age 28.
Thereafter he combined coaching with his teaching career, which provided experience as a Head Teacher and Lecturer in Education and at Craigie College from 1969 until 1986.
Craig then entered management with Clyde in 1977 then coached various Scotland youth teams until he was appointed Scotland manager in 1993.
He held the position until 2001, the longest tenure for a Scotland manager, and they qualified for Euro 1996 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments – the last time Scotland made a major finals.
He recounted tales of his time with memories shared including some of Sir Alex Ferguson of the Scotland sqauds and his passion for the sport remains a constant in his life.
“Ayrshire has always been an important part of my life, for me, it’s hard to beat Craigie College,” said Craig.
“I live in Aberdeen and there is a clear link with the two regions as they both have a great sense of pride in their communities and it is a privilege to be part of that.”
Craig also told tales of Ayrshire’s Johnnie Hubbard who passed away this year and shared stories of their time at Rangers when Craig was first signed.
“I remained friends with Johnnie throughout his life and I was honoured to be asked to speak at his funeral, what an amazing player.”
After the lunch, it was down to business as the Chamber members hosted their AGM.
Once Chief Executive Val Russell talked about the Chamber’s year to members it was time for President Graeme McKinstry to pass his title and chain to new President Lorna Gibson with Frank Gormanley stepping into the Vice President Role.
“I am honoured to be President,” beamed Lorna.
“Graeme has been a fantastic role model for me as I was his Vice President and I look forward to using the skills I have learned from him.”