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 assisted the decisive goal in the first triumph in 1979 and scored the decisive 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, most notably scoring the winning goal in a Home Championship victory over England at Wembley in May 1981.
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.”
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 appear 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 he either changed his ways or he would be kicked out of the club immediately.
