Football manager. Born in Glasgow, the son of a physical education teacher, Brown was raised in Troon, Rutherglen and Hamilton as the family moved with his father's job and educated at Hamilton Academy. He gained a qualification in primary school teaching from Jordanhill College, rising to become a headteacher in Uddingston and lecturer at Craigie College in Ayr. He played football for Rangers, Dundee and Falkirk but his playing career came to an end with injury in 1967. He went on to a successful third career in football management with Clyde (1977-86), Preston North End (2002-04), Motherwell (2009-10) and Aberdeen (2010-13). However it was as a successful assistant manager and youth team manager of the Scottish National Team (1986-93) and then manager 1993 - 2001) that Brown is best known. He was the longest-serving Scotland manager and much respected. He ended his career as a Director of Aberdeen Football Club.
Brown was awarded a CBE (1999) and an honorary doctorate by Abertay University (2001). He died at University Hospital in Ayr.
