Nottingham Forest legend John Robertson has died at the age of 72. The double European Cup winner scored the winning goal in the 1980 final and was voted the club’s favourite ever player.
John Robertson, the Nottingham Forest legend and Scottish football icon, has died at the age of 72.
Born in Lanarkshire, Robertson joined Nottingham Forest from Drumchapel Amateurs as a young lad. He played a pivotal role in Brian Clough’s team during Forest’s golden era in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Robertson was instrumental in Forest’s league title win in 1978 and their back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980, even netting the decisive goal in the latter final against Hamburg.
His trophy cabinet also boasts 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, reports the Daily Record.
On the international stage, Robertson earned 28 caps for Scotland between 1978 and 1983, scoring eight goals. His memorable strikes include the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over England at Wembley in 1981 and a goal against New Zealand in the 1982 World Cup.
After 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 child, Robertson later confessed that his years working with O’Neill at Celtic Park were among the best of his career.
In 2013, Robertson had a health scare when he suffered a heart attack while playing tennis with ex-Forest teammate Liam O’Kane.
Despite battling Parkinson’s disease for several years, which affected his speech, he maintained close ties with his former colleagues.
Nottingham Forest expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of their “greatest ever” in a heartfelt statement. They said: “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 star Alan Thompson, who was mentored by Robertson at Parkhead, shared his grief: “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.”