John Robertson, the Nottingham Forest and Scotland legend, has died at the age of 72. Robertson was a hugely important part of the great Forest team that under Brian Clough rose from the second tier of English football to win multiple major honours, most famously back-to-back European Cups.
Robertson set up the decisive goal in the first European Cup triumph in 1979 and scored the winning goal in the second, contributions that mark him out as one of the most remarkable players in British football history. He earned 28 Scotland caps, notably scoring the winning goal in a Home Championship victory over England at Wembley in May 1981. Clough described him as “the Picasso of our game”.
Forest said in a statement: “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.”
A statement from Robertson’s family said: “John passed away peacefully on Christmas morning with his wife and family by his side, after a long illness. Our only comfort in our grief is that his struggles are now over, and he is reunited with daughter, Jessica. “Robbo” was treasured by many as a footballing hero but to us he was just John and dad, the family man … kind, loving, witty, fun and loyal. Although our hearts are breaking, we will always be grateful for the years we were privileged to share with him and the amazing memories.”
Born in Uddingston, Lanarkshire in January 1953, Robertson played for Drumchapel Amateur FC before joining Forest in May 1970. A winger, he initially struggled to make an impact at the City Ground, mainly owing to a lack of professionalism characterised by a love of drinking, smoking and eating fried food. His career appeared to be going nowhere until a showdown meeting with Clough’s assistant, Peter Taylor, in the summer of 1976. Taylor told Robertson in the starkest terms that unless he changed his ways he would be kicked out of the club immediately.
Robertson knuckled down and although he did not entirely clean up his off-pitch habits, he did so enough to allow his talent to shine. Two-footed, skilful, imaginative and hard-working, he became a fundamental part of the Forest team that went on an incredibly journey under an incredible manager.
