As Scotland coach at France 98, he was disappointed by his team's early exit after losses to Brazil and Morocco.
But that should not detract from Brown's achievement in securing qualification in the first place.
He was in charge for 70 games in total, of which Scotland won 32, drew 18 and lost 20.
The Scots failed to reach Korea and Japan - and Berti Vogts is their new coach - so Brown is free to give the benefit of his considerable wisdom to BBC Five Live listeners during the 2002 event.
Come the start of the season he will be back in the dug-out as manager of Preston North End.