John Robertson, the former Nottingham Forest and Scotland winger, has died at the age of 72. The club confirmed his passing in a statement, describing him as a "true great" and a "double European Cup winner". His family said he died peacefully on Christmas morning with his wife and family beside him, after a long illness.
Robertson was a key figure in the great Forest side managed by Brian Clough, helping the club rise from the second tier to win the First Division title in 1978. He set up the decisive goal in the 1979 European Cup final against Malmö, and scored the winner against Hamburg in the following year's final. In total, he made more than 500 appearances for Forest, scoring 95 goals.
Born in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, Robertson joined Forest in 1970. His early career was hampered by a lack of professionalism, but a stern warning from Clough's assistant, Peter Taylor, in 1976 prompted a change in attitude. He went on to earn 28 Scotland caps, scoring the winning goal against England at Wembley in 1981, and appeared at two World Cups.
Peter Shilton, who played alongside Robertson in the European Cup finals, wrote on X: "I'm absolutely gutted to hear of the news of our NFFC miracle man Robbo, the reunions will never be the same." Derby County, whom Robertson joined in 1983, also expressed condolences.
After retiring as a player, Robertson enjoyed a successful coaching career, including five years as assistant to Martin O'Neill at Celtic, where he won three league titles and reached the Uefa Cup final. He also worked with O'Neill at Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester and Aston Villa. Former Leicester player Stan Collymore paid tribute to Robertson's kindness, saying he offered support and empathy during difficult times.
