Nottingham Forest legend John Robertson has died at the age of 72. The former winger was instrumental in the club's back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, earning him cult hero status at the City Ground.
Robertson scored the decisive goal in the 1980 European Cup final against Hamburg in Madrid. A year earlier, his cross set up Trevor Francis for the winning goal against Malmo in Munich.
The Scottish international made 502 appearances for Forest, scoring 95 goals across two spells with the club.
Nottingham Forest confirmed his passing 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."
Scotland career and coaching legacy
Robertson earned 28 caps for Scotland between 1978 and 1983, scoring eight goals. He played in the 1978 and 1982 World Cups. Among his memorable international goals was the winning goal against England at Wembley in 1981.
After retiring in 1986, Robertson became assistant manager to Martin O'Neill at several clubs including Leicester City, Celtic, and Aston Villa. Martin O'Neill recalled in 2024: "He was a special (coaching) partner, no question about that. People, for want of a better phrase, bought into John, they really did. There was something about him."
Tributes and health battles
Former Celtic star Alan Thompson wrote: "Just heard the devastating news that my ex assistant manager at Celtic John Robertson passed earlier today. Thoughts are with his lovely family and thoughts and prayers are with them all."
Stan Collymore called him "Forest's greatest ever player" and "one of the loveliest, kindest hearted humans I've met."
Forest fans voted Robertson the club's all-time favourite player in 2015.
Robertson battled Parkinson's disease for several years and suffered a heart attack in 2013 while playing tennis.
He leaves behind his daughter Elisabeth, his second wife Sharyl, and their children Andrew and Mark.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
