Robert Lawrence recalls a home fan’s astonishment at John Robertson’s skill during a mid-80s visit to Highbury for an Arsenal versus Nottingham Forest clash. Robertson was in possession outside the Arsenal penalty area and faced by a stationary defender. He paused, then, rather than trying to round his opponent, outrageously nutmegged him. A home fan, standing close by, voiced astonishment with “How can that little fat c**t do that? I can’t do that!”
David Whitehead notes that Brian Clough gave a typically sharp retort to a journalist who, after Nottingham Forest had won the European Cup in 1980, implied that the club had had to pay £1m for Trevor Francis to score the winning goal. Clough agreed, but pointed out that he’d paid nothing for the player who crossed the ball for Francis to score: John Robertson. Clough’s faith in, and admiration for, the “little fat guy” was rewarded in that beautiful cross to the far post, which Whitehead was lucky enough to be standing behind.
