John Robertson: Picasso of football dies aged 72
Former winger John Robertson, who was a crucial member of the Nottingham Forest team that won the First Division in 1978 and followed that up with consecutive European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980, died aged 72 on Thursday.
New Delhi: Former Nottingham Forest and Scotland player John Robertson passed away at the age of 72 on Thursday, December 25. The former winger is widely considered one of the finest players to ever wear the red shirt and will forever be remembered for his crucial role in Brian Clough's dominant side of the late 1970s.
He earned 28 caps for Scotland and was part of the squads that participated in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and the 1982 tournament in Spain. He was instrumental in Forest's rise to First Division triumph in 1978 before helping the club to secure consecutive European Cup glory in 1979 and 1980.
'A true great of our club': Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest released a statement on the passing of John Robertson, stating that he was a true great of the club, and his unwavering devotion will never be forgotten.
"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. Rest in peace, Robbo… Our greatest," Nottingham Forest said in a statement.
Robertson made more than 500 appearances for Nottingham Forest, netting 95 goals. His penalty against Liverpool sealed the 1978 League Cup in a replay. The winger joined Derby in 1983 before making a return to Forest two years later, where he remained for a season before having spells in non-league.
After announcing retirement as a player, Robertson had successful coaching spells, including a five-year stint as assistant to his former Nottingham Forest teammate Martin O’Neill at Celtic, during which he helped the club to win three league titles and reached the final of the UEFA Cup. He has also worked alongside O’Neill at Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester and Aston Villa.