Former Nottingham Forest and Scotland winger John Robertson dies at age of 72

Former Nottingham Forest and Scotland winger John Robertson has died at the age of 72, the Premier League club have announced.

Robertson, who started and ended his career at the City Ground either side of a spell at local rivals Derby, became a cult hero at Forest after playing an integral part in the club’s European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980.

Robertson provided the cross for Trevor Francis to head home the only goal against Swedish outfit Malmo in Munich as Brian Clough’s side lifted the European Cup for the first time.

Twelve months later, Robertson was on the scoresheet in another 1-0 victory as Forest successfully defended their European crown against Hamburg at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

A statement from Forest read: “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.”

He won 28 caps for Scotland during his five-year international career, which included being selected for the 1978 and 1982 World Cups.

A statement from the official football team account read: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of John Robertson, following his passing today.”

After his playing career, he served as Martin O’Neill’s assistant at Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa.

Stan Collymore, who played at Forest and worked under Robertson at Leicester, paid tribute with a lengthy post on X.

He wrote: “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.

“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.

“Last year it was Gary Shaw, this year Robbo, the footballing Gods haven’t been so kind in recent years.”

Former Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson also offered his condolences. He wrote on X: “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.”

Celtic added on social media: “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.”

An Aston Villa statement read: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of John Robertson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with John’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

And Wycombe said: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of John Robertson – Martin O’Neill’s right-hand man during our league and cup successes in the early 90s – who has sadly passed away aged 72.”