A former winger, Robertson was a key member of the Forest team that won the First Division in 1978 and then won the European Cup twice in 1979 and 1980.
Nottingham Forest and Scotland legend John Robertson has sadly passed away at the age of 72. The former winger is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous red shirt and will forever be remembered for his pivotal role in manager Brian Clough’s dominant teams of the late 1970s.
Robertson, who won 28 caps for Scotland and played in both the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and the 1982 World Cup in Spain, helped Forest win the First Division title in 1978, and then helped them win back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980.
The Scot started against Malmö in Munich and crossed for Trevor Francis to score the winning goal and become European champions.
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A year later they successfully defended their crown against Hamburg in Madrid, with Robertson scoring the decisive goal in the 20th minute from a perfectly placed low drive.
He made 502 appearances for Forest during his career, finding the back of the net 95 times and establishing himself as one of the most talented wingers in the history of the sport. After retiring, he joined Martin O’Neill’s coaching staff at clubs including Celtic and Aston Villa.
Forest confirmed his death in a statement on Christmas Day, saying: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Nottingham Forest legend and dear friend John Robertson.
“A true club great and two-time European Cup winner, John will never be forgotten for his unparalleled talent, humility and unwavering dedication to Nottingham Forest.
“Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Robbo…our great man.”
Over the course of his career, Richardson has come to be respected by some of the world’s greatest football icons. Brian Clough described him as a Picasso and a footballing genius, while Liverpool legend Bill Shankly described the former forward as a player who could pass with the fluidity of a snooker player’s cue ball.
O’Neill previously said: “Everyone needs a little bit of a confidence boost at different stages. When John was playing, when he was on the field, the manager was always right behind him.”
“The manager gave him a lot of confidence to play and John repaid that confidence the manager gave him by becoming a really great addition to the team.
“It’s really amazing.”
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