Legendary Nottingham Forest and Scotland player John Robertson has died aged 72 on Christmas Day.
Robertson was part of the iconic Forest side which won the First Division and two European Cups among other trophies under Brian Clough in the 1970s and ’80s.
He set up Trevor Francis to score the winner against Malmo in the 1979 European Cup final before becoming the goalscoring hero himself a year later against Hamburg.
The winger also picked up 28 caps for Scotland and spent a couple of years at Derby County in a career which spanned 627 games.
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.
Nottingham Forest icon John Robertson – a two-time European Cup winner – has died aged 72
‘Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Robbo… our greatest.’
Robertson made his debut for the Midlands outfit in October 1970 and made 502 appearances in a 13-year stint at the club. He then dropped down into the Second and Third Division with Derby County for a couple of years before returning to end his career at Forest in the top flight in 1985-86.
With Scotland, he is remembered for scoring the winning penalty as they beat England 1-0 at Wembley in 1981 to win the British Home Championship.
He also scored against New Zealand in the 1982 World Cup.
Clough once described him as a ‘Picasso of our game,’ adding: ‘Give him a yard of grass and he was an artist.’
After retiring, he was Martin O’Neill’s assistant manager at Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester, Celtic, and Aston Villa.
In 2015, a poll by the Nottingham Post revealed him to be the fans’ all-time favourite player.
The Scottish national team posted: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of John Robertson, following his passing today.’
Robertson, pictured at Forest in 1971, also turned out for Scotland and Derby County
Celtic added: ‘Celtic Football Club is sad to learn of the passing of our former assistant manager, John Robertson. Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family today at such a difficult time for them all.’
Journalist Henry Winter wrote: ‘John Robertson made the ball dance. He filled Forest fans with joy and filled opposing full-backs with fear and he did it his way. He entertained and delivered. Two-time European champion. Great player, great character. Thoughts with John’s family, friends and team-mates. RIP.’
One fan called on the club to honour Robertson by renaming the Bridgford Stand after him.
Former Forest star Stan Collymore wrote a lengthy and emotional tribute which read: ‘An incredibly heavy heart having been told of the passing of John Robertson, Forest’s greatest ever player, my coach at Leicester and one of the loveliest, kindest hearted humans I’ve met.
‘As a kid he was a hero on Star Soccer with his beguiling wing play, trademark shoulder drop, go past the fullback and cross. When I finally got to Forest I wore white tape under my shinpads in homage to him.
‘At Leicester with Martin O’Neill he knew of my issues and problems and instead like many, who mocked them, he put a literal arm around me, had words of empathy and kindness and genuinely gave me support. The fact that the lads at Leicester loved him so much was a joy to see, a living legend getting a lot of love from a hard nosed, experienced dressing room.
‘When I retired and started doing radio, I’d often be at Villa Park, the radio point being near the tunnel. More than once I’d see a plume of ciggy smoke coming from the tunnel an hour after the end of a game, Robbo would poke his head around the corner and say “I’m listening! I can f***** hear you from here!”.
‘Last time I saw him was at the World Famous City Ground where we sat together in a box watching the Trickies. He regaled everyone with great stories, humour and that something extra that he, and another great man dearly missed, Trevor Francis, had. A warmth that years of the gnarly industry that is pro football never dimmed nor affected. He was just “Robbo”, a giant of my childhood, a giant of a club we both were lucky enough to represent, but a good man, just a b****y good man.
‘Sending all my love to Robbo’s family and friends, to everyone at Forest and those who were lucky enough to spend time with him. Last year it was Gary Shaw, this year Robbo, the footballing Gods haven’t been so kind in recent years. Robbo, you’ll be sorely missed, thank you for your inspiration as a player, your support as a coach and lasting legacy as a lovely human being. Rest in peace, Robbo.’
