John Robertson, the Nottingham Forest legend and Scottish football icon, has sadly passed away at the age of 72. Born in Lanarkshire, Robertson joined Forest from Drumchapel Amateurs as a young lad and played a pivotal role during the club’s golden era under Brian Clough in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He was instrumental in Forest’s 1978 league title triumph and their back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980, even netting the decisive goal in the latter final against Hamburg. In addition to these, Robertson’s trophy haul includes two League Cups, a European Super Cup, and an FA Charity Shield. After a two-year spell at Derby County, he returned to Forest in 1985. In 2015, he was voted the club’s all-time favourite player by the fans.
Internationally, Robertson earned 28 caps for Scotland between 1978 and 1983, scoring eight goals. His notable strikes include the solitary goal in a 1-0 victory over England at Wembley in 1981 and a goal against New Zealand in the 1982 World Cup.
Upon retiring in 1986, Robertson transitioned into coaching, serving as assistant to former teammate Martin O’Neill at several clubs including Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich City, Leicester City, Celtic, and Aston Villa.
Despite supporting Rangers as a youngster, Robertson later confessed that his years working with O’Neill at Celtic Park were among the most rewarding of his career.
Robertson experienced a health scare in 2013 when he suffered a heart attack while playing tennis with ex-Forest colleague Liam O’Kane.
He had battled Parkinson’s disease for numerous years, and whilst the condition impacted his ability to speak, he maintained regular communication with his former teammates.
Nottingham Forest released an emotional tribute to their “greatest ever” player. The club declared: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Nottingham Forest legend and dear friend, John Robertson.
“A true great of our Club and a double European Cup winner, John’s unrivalled talent, humility and unwavering devotion to Nottingham Forest will never ever be forgotten. Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Robbo… Our greatest.”
Former Celtic player Alan Thompson, who worked under Robertson’s guidance at Parkhead, said: “Just heard the devastating news that my ex assistant manager at Celtic John Robertson passed earlier today. Thoughts are with his lovely family and thoughts and prayers are with them all.”