John Robertson, the legendary Nottingham Forest and Scotland winger, whose sublime skill and crucial goals propelled the club to unprecedented European glory, has died at the age of 72. Forest confirmed the passing of a player widely celebrated as one of their greatest, sparking an outpouring of tributes from across the football world. Robertson became an indispensable figure under the iconic management of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, playing a pivotal role in securing back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, a feat that cemented his place in football history. His unique abilities and quiet determination were central to one of the sport’s most remarkable underdog narratives, transforming a provincial club into European champions.

Robertson’s contributions to Nottingham Forest’s golden era were nothing short of extraordinary. He famously provided the precise cross for Trevor Francis to head home the only goal against Malmö in the 1979 European Cup final in Munich, securing Forest’s first continental title. The following season, he etched his name further into legend by scoring the decisive winner himself, slotting home against Hamburg in the 1980 final held in Madrid. Beyond Europe, Robertson was instrumental in Forest’s First Division league title victory in 1978 and also lifted the League Cup twice, showcasing a remarkable haul of trophies during his tenure at the City Ground. He also represented Scotland at the 1978 and 1982 World Cups, a testament to his international standing.

His transformation into a European champion was profoundly influenced by the managerial genius of Brian Clough and his astute assistant, Peter Taylor. When Taylor rejoined Clough at Forest in 1976, he immediately targeted Robertson, confronting him about his lifestyle and attitude during a pre-season training camp. This blunt intervention, coupled with Clough’s famously direct, if sometimes jocular, criticisms – including branding Robertson a “tramp” due to his unkempt appearance – sparked a dramatic and lasting change in the winger. Robertson later recalled how any gesture of approval from Clough filled him with immense pride, highlighting the powerful bond and respect that grew between them, driving his exceptional performances.

Born John Neilson Robertson on January 20, 1953, in Uddingston, a town just outside Glasgow in Lanarkshire, he hailed from a working-class background. His father was a former miner, and his mother worked at a local biscuit factory. Robertson’s talent was evident early, representing Scotland Schoolboys before signing for Nottingham Forest at just 15 years old. He made his senior debut for the club at 17, but his early career was not without its challenges. Before Clough and Taylor’s arrival, Robertson experienced periods out of favour, with a previous manager even attempting an unsuccessful swap deal, underscoring the journey he undertook before becoming a footballing icon.

Robertson’s commitment and newfound professionalism under Clough and Taylor quickly bore fruit. He played a crucial role in Forest’s promotion to the First Division in the 1976-77 season, showcasing the consistency that would become his hallmark. The following campaign, he featured in all 42 league games as Forest remarkably stormed to the First Division title, defying all expectations. This period marked the beginning of his sustained peak, where his ability to beat defenders, deliver pinpoint crosses, and score vital goals made him one of the most feared wingers in English football, earning him the respect and admiration of teammates and rivals alike.

A significant, albeit difficult, chapter in Robertson’s career involved his departure from Forest in 1983 to join Derby County, where Peter Taylor had taken charge. This move dramatically fractured the legendary partnership between Clough and Taylor, a relationship already under strain. Robertson’s time at Derby proved to be a personal and professional disaster. His focus was understandably divided following the birth of his first child, Jessica, who was born severely disabled during pre-season. Derby struggled immensely, suffering relegation from the Second Division, and Robertson quickly recognised the move had been a grave error, leading to an initial estrangement from his former mentor.

Despite the bitterness surrounding his Derby transfer, Clough eventually forgave Robertson, re-signing him for Nottingham Forest in 1985. He played 12 times in his final season before being released at the age of 33. Life after professional football presented new challenges; Robertson initially struggled to find offers from other league clubs and experienced an unhappy period running a pub. These early post-playing years were further complicated by a lengthy legal battle with the NHS alongside his first wife, Sally, concerning the treatment of their daughter at birth, marking a difficult transition from the spotlight of professional sport.

Robertson faced profound personal adversity throughout his life. Days before Forest’s 1979 European Cup semi-final, his brother Hughie died in a road accident, an incident that reportedly contributed to his heavy smoking. His daughter, Jessica, born with cerebral palsy, required lifelong care and tragically passed away at the age of 13. Robertson admitted that caring for Jessica, who could not communicate, had a transformative effect on him, making him a more caring and considerate individual. These deeply personal struggles underscored his quiet strength and resilience, showcasing a man who navigated immense pressure both on and off the pitch.

Following his initial difficulties, a crucial friendship with former Forest teammate Martin O’Neill provided a new direction. Robertson joined O’Neill at non-league Grantham, initially selling insurance for him, before embarking on a successful coaching partnership. He served as O’Neill’s scout at Wycombe, Norwich, and Leicester, eventually becoming his trusted right-hand man as assistant manager. This formidable duo achieved significant success, notably during their tenure at Celtic, where they secured multiple Scottish titles, and later at Aston Villa from 2006 to 2010. O’Neill publicly acknowledged Robertson as a “special coaching partner,” praising his ability to connect with players.

In August 2013, Robertson suffered a suspected heart attack while playing tennis, requiring a stent insertion, a reminder of the health challenges he faced later in life. He is survived by his daughter Elisabeth from his first marriage, and his second wife Sharyl, along with their children Andrew and Mark. John Robertson’s enduring legacy is not just defined by the glittering trophies he helped Nottingham Forest win, but also by his remarkable journey from a raw talent to a European legend, and his unwavering spirit in the face of personal hardship. He remains an iconic figure, forever etched in the annals of football history.

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Keywords: John Robertson, Nottingham Forest, European Cup winner, Brian Clough, Peter Taylor, Scotland football, Nottingham Forest legend, Football winger